Rust on 99 SLK

[lonny]

I have the dreaded rust on all 4 wheelarches on a 99 SLK that I would like to get fixed. Only problem is that the car hasn't been serviced by an MB dealer for about 6 years - always used independents. Does anyone know how this affects the mobilo-life policy - i suspect it wants dealer stamps - is that enforceable? Have I any chance of persuading them to pay?
I'm interested to hear if anyone else has been through this before.

I went to my nearest MB dealer today (probably shouldn't name due to name-and-shame rules) to get the ball rolling and it was a complete joke. I was the only customer in the glorious gin palace they've built along with about 30 of their staff with the usual gelled hair etc. Unfortunately after waiting for 20 minutes they told me that the only person who was qualified to look at rust was off sick. I asked them what happens when this person was on holiday and they just fobbed me off with an MB BodyService card which they said deals with everything. Hopeless.

[Orb the Impaler]

i'll be interested to see how you get on; Mrs Orb(s) 2002 W203 Sportcoupe thing has got rust bubbling through all over the place on the right hand side (the left side has had a bang and been repainted anyway, so there's none there. However I suspect that MB would just use this as an excuse not to fix the rust).

Given that it's up to 130K now and worth about 3p I'll probably just pay and get it fixed. Luckily it's not metallic.

Total joke really - 2002 Vectras don't rust ffs!

[r129sl]

My 1999 SL had minor corrosion sorted out under the warranty; likewise a 2000 SLK (twice); but in both cases they have been serviced on schedule or ahead of schedule at authorised dealers.

[lonny]

by 'authorised' do you mean an MB main dealer? Mine has been serviced annually by an independent - not sure what they'll make of that.

[Mikey_W]

They will insist on it being serviced at the correct intervals by a Mercedes main dealer unfortunately

[slk 32]

just took my 2001 SLK 32 in for MOT at MB Dealer. Had photos taken of all 4 arches and rear number palte light ( rust in all areas) They have agreed to cover under warranty ( understand there is an 8 year anti corrosion warranty) but does have full MBSH.

[Pentoman]

That's interesting because I know the normal warranty isn't affected by servicing at at an independent (if correct parts are used). It's illegal, monopolistic or something. So wonder what's different about the corrosion warranty.

I would try it anyway, they have been very good with repairs I've barely heard a single complaint. My feeling is they are fixing virtually anything that goes rusty to avoid a huge customer backlash and massive publicity.

[190E Matt]

For the corrosion warranty the car needs to be inspected by a Mercedes body technicaian once a year. Not sure if this is included in the normal service though.

[chiefski26]

above comment not true..