Rust repair on rear wheel arches

[Chas]

Folks my S320 had a little rust on the rear wheel arches.

No problem it was and still is under rust warranty
(2001 model)

Now I have just got it back from the authorised MB body repair place. The new paint on the arches (small lip all the way round about 2cm width) is wavey undulating and certainly not smooth like the original paintwork. I said I was not happy with the appearance and was it actually done properly. I must point out I am a perfectionist and dont like sloppy work! Anyway they said it was what the "new treatment" looked like to prevent further rusting!
This sounds like a load of bull--it and I phoned my local MB dealer who organised the repair for me.
I will take it in tommorrow and let MB look at it.

Just wondering what your thoughts are ?

cheers

Chas

 

[Mambo]

Folks my S320 had a little rust on the rear wheel arches.

No problem it was and still is under rust warranty
(2001 model)

Now I have just got it back from the authorised MB body repair place. The new paint on the arches (small lip all the way round about 2cm width) is wavey undulating and certainly not smooth like the original paintwork. I said I was not happy with the appearance and was it actually done properly. I must point out I am a perfectionist and dont like sloppy work! Anyway they said it was what the "new treatment" looked like to prevent further rusting!
This sounds like a load of bull--it and I phoned my local MB dealer who organised the repair for me.
I will take it in tommorrow and let MB look at it.

Just wondering what your thoughts are ?

cheers

Chas

Can you post some pics?

 

[Boycie]

Hi, They have probably just called one of these moby sprayers in to do the job on the cheap (chips a gone) or like! and they are all bodgits.
Boycie. Just ask for the General Manager and work up!

 

[Chas]

Can you post some pics?

I will get the camera out and post them tomorrow.

cheers

 

[Satch]

There are some "thick" rust protection treatments that can be overpainted and produce something like the look you describe. Trouble is that they also tend to hide bad workmanship and any returning rust for a while.

You need to find out exactly what they have done.

 

[GRAV888]

There are some "thick" rust protection treatments that can be overpainted and produce something like the look you describe. Trouble is that they also tend to hide bad workmanship and any returning rust for a while.

You need to find out exactly what they have done.

Something along the lines of stoneguard or stonechip, I suspect.

 

[glojo]

Something along the lines of stoneguard or stonechip, I suspect.

That's certainly what it sounds like, but did it originally have it, and does the wheel arch repair match the non repaired wheel arch's.

Being a perfectionist is why you drive an S-class, the car should be perfect, accept nothing less. If anyone quibbles then simply ask to see another S-class with a similar quality of finish.

Get back there and most importantly remain polite (for now )

Good luck,
John

 

[Chas]

That's certainly what it sounds like, but did it originally have it, and does the wheel arch repair match the non repaired wheel arch's.

Being a perfectionist is why you drive an S-class, the car should be perfect, accept nothing less. If anyone quibbles then simply ask to see another S-class with a similar quality of finish.

Get back there and most importantly remain polite (for now )

Good luck,
John

My feelings exactly sir

thanks

 

[uumode]

I just got my more humble W210 back with a freshly repaired wheel arch.
Looks OK to me, smooth, same colour, so I wouldn't expect any less for your S Class.

Though I'd actually prefer them to spray some thick hammerite substance on the insides of the wheel arches to protect them
My even humbler VW Polo has rough stuff sprayed there and under the door sills and has a galvanised body to boot.

 

[PaulSmart]

I achieved a reasonably smooth finish with silver hammerite and a brush!!

Hope it keeps the rust away - what car???? E-Class W210 of course!!!!!!!

Paul

 

[hotchyboy]

I had my w208 clk wheel arches repaired and sprayed under warranty in May this year and the finish is like glass. No lip at all. Tell them to get it sorted.

 

[Steve_Perry]

When my 1998 C Class went in for warranty repair for rust on the near side wheel arch they did a great job and no wavey paint.

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=2745&highlight=warranty

Sorry the pics aren't great as they were taken with a phone. but I think it should give an idea.

S.

 

[Chas]

Ok folks,
I took the car to MB this morning and spoke to their warranty chap, who was very experienced and knowledgeable about such things. He says the rust problem on MB rear wheel arches is caused when the metal is cut and pressed for the arches during manufacture. An unclean cut results in water penetration under the paint coating , result= rust. This fault in metal cut has now been addressed during manufacture.
The undulating/wavey finish on my S320 wheel arches is now the standard finish . This finish stops further rust and is the only long term solution. A smooth finish will allow further water penetration at a later date which = rust.
Perhaps someone more knowledgeable than me could ascertain MB policy on this ?

thanks for your co-operation on this

Cheers

ps cant find the camera for pics

 

[hotchyboy]

I notice you are in Scotland. Mine was repaired at Vardy in Glasgow. How long did they take to fix? Mine was 3 weeks in the bodyshop for two wheel arches and the roof.

That response would not make me happy.

 

[Chas]

Mine was done at Bennets in Ayr who are the official MB repairers for MB of Ayr (part of Vardy group ). It took 7 days, maybe I should have slapped on some Hammerite !

 

[jeremytaylor]

My even humbler VW Polo has rough stuff sprayed there and under the door sills and has a galvanised body to boot.

I thought Polos with boots were called Derbys, or at least the Mk 1s were. Whoops, showing my age a bit there.