Rust and bubbling paint
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
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2008 GL 320
Rust and bubbling paint
I have a 2008 gl320 with 145000kms, which I ordered in Dec 2007, and received April 2008 from the dealer. Today while waxing I noticed a rusting/bubbling paint area on the back hatch, between the rear window and chrome piece above the license plate, a second rust bubble beneath the door handle of passenger side door, just to the right of the handle. Both are the size of a pencil eraser/dime. I used a clay bar thinking it had to be tar or road grime, but is definitely bubbles under the paint and rust beginning to break down the sheet metal underneath. This is troubling to say the least for a vehicle that is just 3 years old. I keep vehicles long term, 10 years plus with my last vehicle not showing rust, but then again it was rustproofed every year. I was told by the dealer to not rustproof this vehcile, it is ridiculous to see bubbling paint on a vehicle that should be better qaulity. My experience tells me this vehicle is rusting big time from the inside out , and has signs of huge corrosion and quality of build issues that will only worsen with time. I love the vehicle, and have had zero issues to deal with, but not looking forward to having to have an issue like this appear.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 9
15 GL550
I have a 2008 gl320 with 145000kms, which I ordered in Dec 2007, and received April 2008 from the dealer. Today while waxing I noticed a rusting/bubbling paint area on the back hatch, between the rear window and chrome piece above the license plate, a second rust bubble beneath the door handle of passenger side door, just to the right of the handle. Both are the size of a pencil eraser/dime. I used a clay bar thinking it had to be tar or road grime, but is definitely bubbles under the paint and rust beginning to break down the sheet metal underneath. This is troubling to say the least for a vehicle that is just 3 years old. I keep vehicles long term, 10 years plus with my last vehicle not showing rust, but then again it was rustproofed every year. I was told by the dealer to not rustproof this vehcile, it is ridiculous to see bubbling paint on a vehicle that should be better qaulity. My experience tells me this vehicle is rusting big time from the inside out , and has signs of huge corrosion and quality of build issues that will only worsen with time. I love the vehicle, and have had zero issues to deal with, but not looking forward to having to have an issue like this appear.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
That's a lot of km on a three year old car! What are you doing, Barrie to Younge Street everyday? I'm willing to bet you are somewhere around there. I doubt you have inside-out rust, more likely from surface penetration, since something would have to have gone through the galvanization layer.
I'd take it to the dealer, and see what they say. Have a look at the door bottoms and any exposed seams underneath the car for signs of rot as well. If you are clean there, you likely have nothing to worry about.
I'd take it to the dealer, and see what they say. Have a look at the door bottoms and any exposed seams underneath the car for signs of rot as well. If you are clean there, you likely have nothing to worry about.
