SL 55 AMG R230 - Rust on inside of rear wheel arches

[bonnim]

Hi Forum!

I bought an SL55 almost a year ago and it is the love of my life, although I spend more time cleaning it then I do driving it, unfortunately. I was really worried about running costs and, even though I do not do many miles, so far it has not put a foot wrong (although sometimes the memory seats play up... minor detail).

When I bought the car I noticed that the inside rear wheel arches were starting to rust, particularly on the driver's side. However, this has not gone through to the outside of the arches and so it is not noticeable from the outside. It seems that the inside of the arches has a bit of a gap, which may explain why it hasn't gone all the way through? Anyway, this is something I should have sorted in the summer but did not manage to get around to it..

My question is, is this something I can fix by myself and if so is there some guidance I could read? I am not completely incompetent when it comes to DIY, if it is fixable surely it is just a case of rubbing down and painting the inside area? Also my car is garaged, would it be OK to do it at this time of year or do I need to wait till next summer. I am now concerned that it will get worse if I do not see to it soon.

Or would I be best of taking it to a professional to sort out? If so, do I take it to Mercedes, a specialist, a body shop or a local mechanic?

Thanks very much!
Michael

[BigBen]

When I had mine done it was at a local bodyshop was less than £500 iirc and they did a very nice job.

I have never fancied attempting bodywork despite being happy to take on most mechanical jobs.

[bonnim]

Thanks a lot Ben. When yours was done did the arches need to be sprayed (I.e had the rust gone all the way through)? Or was it just underneath???

[Monkeylegend]

Just a thought but will it be covered by the Mercedes corrosion warranty. I think they specify 30 years? for inside out corrosion, but it must have a full Mercedes service history. Could be worth a phone call. I could be wrong though.

Having said that I would go to a trusted local bodyshop. I have had experience of Mercedes approved body shops

Where are you based?

[bonnim]

Thanks mate, it's worth a try I suppose... I live in Bromley in Kent.

[BigBen]

bonnim said:

Thanks a lot Ben. When yours was done did the arches need to be sprayed (I.e had the rust gone all the way through)? Or was it just underneath???

It had not gone right through, initially it looked like it might have done but when the rust was cut away (or whatever they do) it was really not as bad as it looked. I therefore think that spraying would have been limited to the inside edge of the arch.

I did make sure the repair was done with new metal rather than filler so it should last a while, I hope it does as I would happily buy the car back from the new owner when he has done with it

Ben

[bonnim]

Cheers Ben. Are you sure that the rust needs to be cut out and replaced with new metal? Presumably if the metal is not too bad, a rub down and paint is all it needs?? Has anyone done it themselves before??

[BigBen]

bonnim said:

Cheers Ben. Are you sure that the rust needs to be cut out and replaced with new metal? Presumably if the metal is not too bad, a rub down and paint is all it needs?? Has anyone done it themselves before??

I am sure that is the right way to do it If it is just surface rust then a rub down and paint will be fine, but it won't be!

[74merc]

Get yourself a flap-wheel or something similar and take the paint off the affected area. You'll see pitting and black spots. Once you are down to nice shiny metal, the rust has been removed and you can reapply new paint. Check out the Bilt Hamber website for more details and products to buy. Rust.co.uk is also a good source of info and materials. It is an easy task and satisfying to do, and perfect for a winter's evening.

[swisstoni]

What model year are we talking about here? I thought they were galvanized from quite early on.

[ZX10R NIN]

The tyres throwing tiny stone at the arches is the cause no amount of Galvanising can save it, if it's on the inner part of the arch then we sometimes treat just that area also if it's the rear quarter that needs doing then yes it's around £500 is right, just check your paint code if it has Ceramic Lacquer then it'll be a bit more expensive as you need to prep the car in a different way.

PM me if you'd like to know more message me & if you want you can pop down to my bodyshop (in Bexleyheath) & they'll give you a quote.

[bonnim]

Thanks very much for all these replies. I want the job done properly so I will take it to a body shop.

[JagerT]

After you have cleaned off as much rust as possible treat it with Vactan,this will kill any remaining corrosion then paint it,it isn't cheap but I can assure you it works.