Rust in Mercedes

[CDP]

I was wondering getting about a Mercedes C or E class estate from about 2001-2007 and have noticed a few (slightly older) E class with Ford Cortina style rust holes in the front wings and elsewhere.

Have Mercedes improved their build quality since building these cars and does anybody know which periods and models to avoid?

Thanks

[JABB]

IIR 2003 or 2004 was a crossover to galvanised panels, and much better.

[eldar]

JABB said:

IIR 2003 or 2004 was a crossover to galvanised panels, and much better.

This. The end of the US cost cutting years and reinstatement of engineering.

[CDP]

So it really wants to be 2005 or better just to be safe.

Is there a method of finding out from the serial numbers or is it the model change on the E class?

[eldar]

CDP said:

So it really wants to be 2005 or better just to be safe.

Is there a method of finding out from the serial numbers or is it the model change on the E class?

There are other caveats, such as Valeo radiators, which were subject to a recall. Get it right, they are brilliant cars.

Might be worth going to http://www.mbclub.co.uk - the experts there are probably more numerous than PH, as its a specialist MB forum.

[JABB]

Late 2004 should be sorted. A 2003, early 04 will have the problem rad.
Get over to mercedesclub.org.uk

[crostonian]

With the E210 there were also issues with some inferior built South African RHD cars being sold in the UK

[Deva Link]

crostonian said:

With the E210 there were also issues with some inferior built South African RHD cars being sold in the UK

I'm staggered by how many totally wrong things it's possible to fit in such a short sentenc.

It's "W" not "E".

The OP will be looking at W211. W210 finished in 2002.

Neither W210 or W211 were assembled in South Africa.

W203 (previous C Class saloon) was assembled in South Africa for sale in UK but there are no quality issues related to assebly there.