Wheel Well Rust
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
ML350
Wheel Well Rust
Hi guys
As you can see from the picture after this winter my wheel well started showing signs of rust. Any thoughts on how to tackle this. Is there a DIY way or just go to a workshop. All thoughts ideas and rants welcome
The car is a 2006 ML350 (98.000km) that has had 3 doors replaced under warranty due to manufacturing rust issues and the tailgate was also worked on. (.... and now for the wheel well) I live in N-Europe with fair amount of snow, salt etc...
Regrads,
Bez
Ps. also if you have any links on some fender flares or such to protect this from happening I would greatly appreciate it.
As you can see from the picture after this winter my wheel well started showing signs of rust. Any thoughts on how to tackle this. Is there a DIY way or just go to a workshop. All thoughts ideas and rants welcome
The car is a 2006 ML350 (98.000km) that has had 3 doors replaced under warranty due to manufacturing rust issues and the tailgate was also worked on. (.... and now for the wheel well) I live in N-Europe with fair amount of snow, salt etc...
Regrads,
Bez
Ps. also if you have any links on some fender flares or such to protect this from happening I would greatly appreciate it.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2008 ML 320 CDI. Use to own 2003 C320 wagon and 2005 C240 4M wagon (what was I thinking...)
My 2003 MB C320 wagon was a rust bucket, even though it was sprayed every year and washed weekly in the winter in Ontario, Canada. By the time I sold it last year, every panel except the roof had been repaired and repainted for rust. That looks to me like it's rusting from the inside out, as mine did from poor prep. Given the age of the car, I would take it to an independent body shop. At a minimum, they need to strip and acid etch the section to neutralize the rust. My guess is that there is an inch of dirt on the inside of the lip as well you need to see if it's rusting there too. The plastic wheel well inserts trap dirt which is a source for rust. If it's rusting that bad there, I'm sure there is more on the car. Check in rear wheel lip on the inside as well. Do you oil spray the car annually? You cannot own a Benz now in Canada without it.
My 2008 ML with 80,000 KM is rusting on the inside of the hood at the seams, again from poor prep. I've been fighting with MB for a almost a year to repair it. But because it was discovered at 4.5 years, but before the 5 year perforation warranty ended, they are dragging their feet. BTW, my neighbor bought an 11 year old VW Jetta with 260,000KM as a first car for his son. It had a few spots of rust on the trunk lid. VW replaced the entire trunk lid with a new one, no questions asked.
My 2008 ML with 80,000 KM is rusting on the inside of the hood at the seams, again from poor prep. I've been fighting with MB for a almost a year to repair it. But because it was discovered at 4.5 years, but before the 5 year perforation warranty ended, they are dragging their feet. BTW, my neighbor bought an 11 year old VW Jetta with 260,000KM as a first car for his son. It had a few spots of rust on the trunk lid. VW replaced the entire trunk lid with a new one, no questions asked.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
That sucks.. I have to check mine now.
I am living with the door seem rust on all 4 doors. I spray them with clear rust protection 3-4 times a year to keep it in check, but never thought to look by the wheel wells.
Hope I am not to late.
From your picture, I say that needs a good body shop.
I am living with the door seem rust on all 4 doors. I spray them with clear rust protection 3-4 times a year to keep it in check, but never thought to look by the wheel wells.
Hope I am not to late.
From your picture, I say that needs a good body shop.
