GDawgC220

A few of the doors are starting to bubble from rust already at the edges Wondering if this is common with earlier w163's? I've seen a few other ML's (pre-facelift) in parking lots where they have the same issue on a door or two

I'm guessing MB won't cover this under their 'rust warranty'? ML has 75k miles on it now.

springerfever

My 99 ML430 shows no signs of rust. The only areas prone to abrasion/paint removal that I know of are the interior areas at the top of the front doors where the rubber seal mates to the door.

You might want to insure that the drain holes located at the bottom of the doors are not plugged with debris.That could lead to premature rust. Also, do they use a lot of salt on the roads where you live ?

GDawgC220

yeah, MA uses a lot of salt during winter months...but even my '94 C220 just recently started to rust under the door panel...for a 11 year old car, by rust standards it's doing very well.

The ML on the other hand is just shy of 6 years old and has rust bubbles in multiple places, about the same size of the rust bubbles on our C220. I'll take some pics tonight after work. I will check the drain holes tho just in case, thanks.

Rhodeislander

I have an 02 ML500. I'm getting very small rust bubbles on the doors. No damage, just rust coming thru. Is this common? Still under warranty.

sosh

Never had any rust on my current 02, or the 98 I did own. Same fo0r either my 01 or 05 E Class. Perhaps a previous owner had a dent removed and it was improperly refinished??

GDawgC220

my parents are the original owners...no accidents with it, no paint work. I forgot to take pics...will do that this weekend and post them up

jleilich

Mine has a little on the bottom of the doors and a small spot on the roof.

also the battery tray has some rust on the front of it.