Vito/Viano; When did they get galvanised bodies?

[TheJoker]

Hi,

Still doing my research here. Can someone tell me which year model the new body shape Vito and Viano got a fully galvnised body shell? Info I got from BTB was that some of the early years aren't galvanised, but at least 2007 onwards is. Anyone know more precisely? Or know where I can find the info?

Thank you!

 

[BTB 500]

I would contact customer care at M-B UK via the website and ask them.

Anecdotally I believe it was late 2004 but of course that would be build date (not date of registration).

Galvanised ones have a 12 year bodywork warranty so you should be able to tell from the paperwork, if you're looking at a specific example.

 

[Roger Jones]

Boy, do they need it. My mechanic's MB van had panels rotting in the centre, not the edge, not long after he bought it new about 5+ years ago, and MB were not interested.

 

[TheJoker]

Yes, build date is probably what's needed to be sure.

I would contact customer care at M-B UK via the website and ask them.

Yes, that'll be my next step unless someone here knows. Thanks, once more BTB!

 

[TheJoker]

Boy, do they need it. My mechanic's MB van had panels rotting in the centre, not the edge, not long after he bought it new about 5+ years ago, and MB were not interested.

Yes, I know. If my "plan comes together", which I would love I hasten to add, I will get a Vito or Viano and keep it for a very long time. "Very long time" requires galvanised chassis. I will not buy a pre-galvanised one. Nope. Never.

 

[billy_whizz]

The Vito 639 has part galvaniseation to the panels which was introduced circa 2005.

Just for info the warranty only covers 'Anti Perforation' which basically means corrossion coming through the paintwork from the metal which has never been a problem.

The majority of corrosion issues you see on the Vito 639 prior to the above date is due to incorrect application of seam sealer around the joints.

 

[TheJoker]

Thanks billy_whizz, very interesting indeed. I was aware of the warrantly only covering "rust throughs". Do you know which parts of the panels are galvanised?

The majority of corrosion issues you see on the Vito 639 prior to the above date is due to incorrect application of seam sealer around the joints.

Aah! Thanks! Quite a traditional problem then (such as rusting at window seals, etc).
I take it this has been solved on the newer cars?

Much appreciated!

 

[billy_whizz]

Yes all later Vitos are sorted.

I will try to get some more info and post it on here.

 

[TheJoker]

Very kind of you!

 

[billy_whizz]

Seam sealing of sills, doors and other panels all started to be introduced from 03/11/03.

Galvanised panels (not full) were introduced from around mid 2004.

 

[BTB 500]

The front wings are plastic of course, so no need for galvanising there!

 

[nick mercedes]

I take it this has been solved on the newer cars?

Almost all Vitos are rusty:

"exterior shows a few small patches of surface rust on the offside rear door at the bottom, the offside sliding door and the drivers door (see pics) none of which is major."

2006 MERCEDES VITO DUALINER LONG REMAPPED ENGINE on eBay, also Vans Pickups, Vans Pickups, Commercial Vehicles, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 04-Jun-09 10:26:17 BST)

"A LITTLE RUST INSIDE THE BOOT AREA"

2004 MERCEDES VITO 111 CDI LONG GREEN on eBay, also, Mercedes-Benz, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 06-Jun-09 12:25:28 BST)

For some reason Mercedes vans do seem to rust, Vitos especially.

 

[BTB 500]

Almost all Vitos are rusty

I know probably 40+ people with 639 Vitos, half a dozen of which I see every week all year long. Only one (an '04 plate mentioned previously) has any rust that I'm aware of.

 

[nick mercedes]

I know probably 40+ people with 639 Vitos, half a dozen of which I see every week all year long. Only one (an '04 plate mentioned previously) has any rust that I'm aware of.

Tap "mercedes vito rust" into google and:

Mercedes = Rust - The Consumer Forums

Mercedes Benz VITO 111CDI LWB Extra Long Review in Vans at Review Centre

I've got a Vito which has rusted from the inside out, and in places that really should never rust, I've got a Fiat Ducato that's battered, but rust free, what do Fiat know that Mercedes don't?

 

[TheJoker]

Seam sealing of sills, doors and other panels all started to be introduced from 03/11/03.

Galvanised panels (not full) were introduced from around mid 2004.

Thank you very much, billy_whizz!

 

[TheJoker]

The front wings are plastic of course, so no need for galvanising there!

Aaaaah! Another thing I didn't know. Thank you!

 

[TheJoker]

Thanks for the linnks nick!

Tap "mercedes vito rust" into google and:

Mercedes = Rust - The Consumer Forums

From the pictures, what I can make out this is a 638 body Vito, not the newer 639. AFAIK, it's commonly known that these rust like nobodys busines.

Mercedes Benz VITO 111CDI LWB Extra Long Review in Vans at Review Centre

This on the other hand is quite concerning. However, I'm a bit sceptical about all the reviews. Whilst they all say the cars rust (which in itself is horrible), not all of them specify what year model the cars are (and AFAIK, the extra long Vito isn't that common.) There's one that say that their car is rusting and that they got it in 2007, but they don't specify what year the car is. If it's a 2007, then that's scary!

I've got a Vito which has rusted from the inside out, and in places that really should never rust, I've got a Fiat Ducato that's battered, but rust free, what do Fiat know that Mercedes don't?

Which year model is this Vito, Nick?

Thanks!

 

[BTB 500]

Tap "mercedes vito rust" into google and:

Mercedes = Rust - The Consumer Forums

Mercedes Benz VITO 111CDI LWB Extra Long Review in Vans at Review Centre

I've got a Vito which has rusted from the inside out, and in places that really should never rust, I've got a Fiat Ducato that's battered, but rust free, what do Fiat know that Mercedes don't?

First link refers to a 2002 Vito, second one refers to a 2004.

Yes we know older Vitos rust. Just like older C Class, E Class, etc. do.

But with (say) 2005 onward vehicles it should be a very rare occurence, possibly only related to damaged/repaired panels.

 

[TheJoker]

But with (say) 2005 onward vehicles it should be a very rare occurence, possibly only related to damaged/repaired panels.

That's what I'm hoping too.

 

[Guy S]

hello bill my name is guy just registered need to chat about Vito vans 120 sport in particular.you seem vito savy.I cannot get a price out of mercedes come hell nor high water without the usual come in and have a chat blarney.I am keen but all this chat about problems with them is starting tto put me off.I want a good price for a"reliable van" any ideas Guy S