In my continuous problematic dealing with an authorized Benz dealer that is in complete denial, I noticed the rear axles (by the CV boot) of my car were rusted (I can remove some with my finger nails) Of course, dealer states it is normal due to salt, but I doubt a 3.5 year old car can have that much already.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/101848577@N03/9972180324/


This is on the rear right and rear left were the CV joint is. Picture is from the rear right wheel. The wheel is to the right.

Is this really normal and can it get worse (meaning can it break/crack?)

Thank you

Looks pretty normal.

normal for dealer
not normal for y if y plan to keep it
you have all right to replace them under warranty

Really? Where do you get that from?

It is easy to say "you have the right" but then you need to be able to put your money where your mouth is.

agreed -- looks like normal corrosion/rust to me .. I had this type of rust on my infiniti for about 60,000 miles before I traded it in.... perhaps get a 2nd opinion from another dealer.

For a 4 year old car, not really. We have a 2004 E320 and it does not have the same amount of corrosion on it

West Coast cars are not like that because weather out here is not like East Coast.

Granted, west coast weather is easier on cars, but at this price point one would think/assume that most metal that is exposed to the weather has "some" anti-corrosion surface treatment, anodize, alodine, etc. Even though it may just be cosmetic, perceptions do count for something. MB Quality, are you listening??

Cast metal generally has no surface treatment and uses surface corrosion to protect itself.

i live in the midwest, salt, bad winters... for my area,that's pretty normal for every car I've owned even 2-3 years into ownership...

I remember years back looking at a new Corvette (1990's) in a show room and seeing surface rust all over, mostly on fasteners and thinking, jeez it's new and already a rust bucket! Appearances shape perceptions.