Q&A

Thanks for taking the time to tell me how you solved your rust problems. I'm very grateful.
And yes, I agree, this should require class action against MB for all of us who have had
countless rust issues with their products.

Have the same problem with our 2001 S430.. Mercedes would not fix so had to get it fixed at a body shop. The rust all came back within 1 year. Horrible problem and the only solution now is to buy all new doors.

 Rookie

Thanks for your reply to the rust problem. Yes, the $11,000 quote from MB includes NEW doors since the rust comes back otherwise. I wish you luck - obviously we're in the same (sinking) boat.

 Rookie

Thanks for taking the time to share your identical problem. Yes, another car is the ultimate solution, and will probably be required as the S430 rusts away to nothing. Unfortunately, my 11 year old car has only 63,000 miles on it and I thought for $80,000 it would last a lifetime.
I did check with a class action attorney and, interestingly, no one (anywhere) has proceeded against MB for this problem - most likely because it's not mechanical and doesn't involve passenger safety. MB has pulled off a crime.

Same problem. MB was covering it, but stopped a while back. My wife split the cost with the dealership. Her argument was essentially, "...you serviced this car for 8 years, and you claimed in writing that you would notify me of any problem with the car when it was serviced. You knew MB was replacing the doors because of the rust, and yet never mentioned to me it was a known problem. Oh by the way, ever since I've owned this car, I've worked at xxxx Medical Center, and a number of the Dr.'s are MB owners, many of whom bought your car from here, and we talk cars frequently. I don't think you want me to walk out of here as a dissatisfied customer." Several phone calls later, we agreed to split it. Ouch! Needed two rear doors and a trunk lid.

 Rookie

Thank you for responding. Unfortunately for me, I live in the Midwest, Northeast, and Florida and the car has moved around enough to not have a singular dealer. Your wife at least found some middle-ground. I suspect I'll be forced to do two of the four doors and one
quarter panel in order to take care of the worst of it and still keep my cost down a bit.
I've also thought of taking the car out of Manhattan to see if pricing might be less in New Jersey or somewhere else in the tri-state area. Most appreciative of your suggestion.

I live outside the rust belt and this is still a chronic problem I have looked at 3 used MB this week and all were rust buckets. Take the car well away from Manhattan and look for a small independently owned shop. Also check with Adsit for good deals on replacement parts. Small towns are usually good for finding talented body men at a good price. Good luck aand stay away from the MB dealer.
cadillacnc

 Rookie

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate your ideas.

I wouldn't call the problem "highly unusual". The only think "highly unusual" is that MB won't stand behind their very expensive products. Best bet coming from all the replies I've received is to try to find an independent body shop, out of a major city, and pay for the work to be done.
What a shame to invest in such expensive junk. Good luck!

Same problem 2000 s430, all 4 door bottoms have rust. Took it to dealer and farmed it out as a good will. Lasted about a year and is back as bad or worse. No options left either replace doors or just watch it get worse. Too bad they are good cars but this is a problem MB should have dealt with. I have several cars and a 99 expedition that have no rust problem. This MB was garaged all the time also. $80,000 car and can't sell it as who would want it. Not MB.