Hi guys, I have a 230CE - the front jacking points have rusted badly - is a replacement panel available and what is the best way to repair this area?

 

That is part of the "frame" of the body. If thats rusted out, its not very safe to drive.

 

I am not sure on your model. But, on the 123 chassie of my 300D the Jacking points where the round Jack rod slide into are actually part of the Internal Frame of the Car (you cannot see this from outside of the car). Built into the Front door Pillar where the Fron Door Hinges attach.

What normally happens is that the welded area around where the Jack sticks in becomes rusted and that exterior panel that curves under the car along the bottom. But, that is not what gives the Jacking Point the critical support it is the unseen part.

So unless the actual part if the interior frame is rusted through it should be safe to jack there (mine is also rusted outside around the tube where the Jack sticks in).

I have not read of any repair panels that you can buy. But, have read in other forums were the member have purchased sheet metal and after removing the bad metal have attached it at the top seam by welding and bent and curved it around under and welded again.
I presume the hole for the Jack Tube to go in is properly aligned before the final weld.