Rustlady’s Benz
I have an 8-year-old MB 220CDI estate that has developed bubbling paintwork and underlying rust on the rear pillar by the tailgate opening. My local MB dealer sent a request to MB UK that they consider repairing the bodywork. My understanding was that bodywork was covered by a 30-year corrosion warranty but I was assured that in fact bodywork is only covered by the normal manufacturer's warranty of 3 years. MB has been operating a goodwill extension to 8 yrs for bodywork, but I exceed that interval by 1 month. The 30-year warranty apparently only covers corrosion from inside out, i.e. chassis corrosion (not that clear in the handbook wording). Do you think I should accept this gracefully or appeal the decision? The car has covered 100k mikes and mechanically is sound having been regularly serviced by MB mechanics from new.
Asked on 2 January 2010 by M.M., via-mail
Answered by
Honest John
This is a huge problem of Mercedes E Class, C Class and S Class from around 1996 to around 2004. You are right that MB is repairing the damage on cars up to 8 years old. There is a limit to warranty of paint adherence to the metal. But if the paint is bubbling due to perforation of the steel underneath, that is not paint warranty, that is perforation warranty and they have to honour the warranty. Get an expert witness to confirm it is perforation damage and you might win.
Similar questions
I have recently noticed fairly significant rust on three of the four wheel arches and around the boot lock.
Firstly, have I got a chance of getting this fixed by MB. It is a 52 plate and had its last...
I am having real difficulty in getting Volkswagen to honour its corrosion warranty on a second-hand Polo. They have passed me round various different departments, and I have had a number of telephone calls....
I complained to the MD at Mercedes Benz UK about rust on my Mercedes and Mercedes failing to rectify it under its 30 year Mobilo warranty because I had not had my car serviced by its dealers. I thought...
Related models
Excellent range of refined engines. Comfortable long distance car. Superb ride quality. Models from 2006 are much improved and more reliable.
.jpg)
