Would a 2001 W210 be galvanised???

[PJayUK]

I have been looking at a nice 2001 (Y Reg) E220 W210. All the usual stuff 110K, good nick and reasonable history (MB Indi for the last few stamps). I have looked over the car and there doesnt appear to be any rust apart from a small series of bubbles around drivers side rear wheel arch. Crossmember etc seems fine and its got an MOT till Sept 2010.

I was chatting about this car to a friend last night over a pint and he is firmly of the opinion that post 2000 the W210 had a galvanised body and as such was not nearly as susceptible to rust.

I don't think this is the case (2003 onwards seems to stick in my mind) but happy to be proved wrong!

Anyone know what the truth is here?

 

[BlackC55]

Late 2003 cars were galvanised. So no its not.

 

[goldestate]

I thought this post was an april fool at first or I presumed your mate was on pints of vodka ! just put corrosion or rust in a search and you will find your answers many many of them detailing extensive corrosion problems, and you have one of the prime years in your sights you would need to check ALL bodywork closely, wings wheelarches door frames boot /tailgate etc etc to inspect subframe properly it needs the car on a ramp and the pan under the engine removing, which is not something done during an MOT and while it is up in the air check absolutely everywhere boot floor spring perches you name it check it.

TWICE no THREE times

 

[lynall]

It will have mainly bodywork issues theres very little rust underneath on mine.

Check inside wing lips front of each wing where it meets the bumper, same on the rear arch to bumper point, door bottoms and pull the top door rubbers back and look for rust, then its onto front spring perchs, very difficult to see properly with wheels on.

You can see the front crossmember from above looking down between the front of the engine and the rad, they rot out the bottom as the plasitc tray is a water trap easy fix drill some holes in it! the tray not the crossmember in pic you can see the holes i drilled when i first got car over a year ago now.

Good cars if the bodywork is okay and if so it needs protecting asap as it will get worse



Lynall

 

[goldestate]

The holes in cover are good idea but how about some greased small plastic bobbins (fat washers) screwed to cover/tray to allow the air to circulate maybe if Mercedes did small fixes like this during servicing they would not have to replace the rotten subframes !!!

 

[lynall]

There is a mb kit that is just that! longer screws and plasic spacers/washers so pan is not in contact with the cross member.



Lynall

 

[chrissilkv8]

If the car is that neat a condition PJ it is likely that it has had the warranty treatment from MB, if so check what panels were replaced and which were repainted.