S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

Rust?

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Old May 23, 2006 | 01:38 PM
  #1  
Diesel's Avatar
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Mercedes 2019 AMG S63, 2015 E250 Bluetec. Previous: '18 E63S, '07 E63, '10 S550, '15 S550, '10 GL350
Rust?

Hey S Class owners,

A family member of mine is in the market for a W220. I was wondering if you could tell me if premature rust is an issue in this model line? I saw one with yesterday, a 2000 S430, but noticed rust beginning to form in the fenders. This seems odd to me for a Benz. Is this a problem in the W220?

Thanks
D
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Old May 23, 2006 | 02:16 PM
  #2  
newton22's Avatar
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
Damage to the car and neglecting to repair it will often cause rust. If the body is fine and chassis intact, there shouldn't be any rust.

And the W220 is the last car I would think of that would prematurely rust.
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Old May 23, 2006 | 09:01 PM
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Rusty

Don't be misled, the 2000 S-class has a problem with premature rusting. I've got one, and it's showing rust over the wheel wells and in a few other places. I'm trying to see if Mercedes will cover the repairs. So far, the dealer's response? "Must be the salty air." I told them I drove a Toyota and Lexus for years I when I lived in South Florida, not a fleck of rust in all that time.

The S-class are great cars, but model year 2000 is a nightmare. If you're not scared away, I might talk turkey with you for mine. PM me. Good luck.
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Old May 24, 2006 | 10:59 AM
  #4  
Diesel's Avatar
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Mercedes 2019 AMG S63, 2015 E250 Bluetec. Previous: '18 E63S, '07 E63, '10 S550, '15 S550, '10 GL350
Easy Rider,

Thank you for your response. This is something that I suspected. From what I hear, the W210 also has the same problem. I guess they really don't make 'em like they used to.

D
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Old May 24, 2006 | 02:03 PM
  #5  
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From: East UK
S320L (W220)
Hi,
My S320 has got some serious rust, its in the stealers right now for repair. All of the arches have rust, as does the bottom of the drivers door. Its all being done under 30yr rust warranty. My S is one of the very first that came to the UK, and surprisingly, this is the only thing that is wrong with it after 100,000 miles!

cheers
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Old May 26, 2006 | 07:32 AM
  #6  
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2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
I understand from other contributors that rust can be a problem - and unless it is due to neglect (i.e., not fixing a ding properly), Mercedes covers it - though I believe the length of time or mileage may vary depending on your country.

Have had a '00 and an '05 S-class both with no rust problems.
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Old May 26, 2006 | 09:49 AM
  #7  
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there is a campaign for this, sealing of the lower door strips, dont know the number off hand, but youd have to have your SA check to see if your vin range falls under this campaign. they found that the sealant on the lower door strips used at the factory did not meet the standards of the U.S market, cuz we have so many diff weather patterns here, anyways moisture will get in to lower door seal and start rusting under the paint, if this happens to you it should be covered under warranty
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Old May 30, 2006 | 06:44 PM
  #8  
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From: California
2000 S430
I just purchased a 2000 S 430 and did not notice any rust at all. The car was driven around California and was washed/polished often.
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