W129 bulkhead problems-rust/water leaks

[jmn]

I am thinking about buying a W129 500sl but am concerned by the advice given on the 'Honest John' website about potential bulkhead problems.
It is said that this model can suffer from rust in the bulkhead plenum ventilation chamber. If this chambers rusts out then serious water leaks develop in the front footwell area.
Has anyone experienced this problem?
Is there an easy way to check if there is any rust in this area?
Apparently repair is extremely expensive....

[Parrot of Doom]

The HJ website gives major glowplug warnings for my model, leading to bills costing 'thousands' which is basically bullst.

I'd just look at the overall condition, if theres going to be rust there, then there will be rust elsewhere.

[r129sl]

I find this one a little hard to credit: on the r107 you certainly need to check for rust in the bulkhead/plenum chamber, because it is a metal box concealed under the blower motor and a screwed down plastic lid which often cracks, allowing water in. The r129 is designed differently however; the chamber is mainly plastic and is positioned such that water penetration would be most unlikely.

Generally r129s are very good on rust. I suspect they were just very well built.