This is the response from Motor Codes regarding the premature rusting of my Mercedes-Benz E-Class that has not been rectified under the Mercedes-Benz 30-Year Mobilo warranty:

“I am sorry to learn of your dissatisfaction with my response regarding your complaint. Having reviewed your case again and noting your points in your latest letter, I would like to advise the following: The Mercedes-Benz Anti-Perforation Warranty covers you for metal perforation (corrosion from within the metal panel itself meaning the actual panel is infected).

"This type of corrosion is known as perforation. Perforation is where the metal itself has a defect that starts from the inside of the metal and works its way outwards. External influences are anything other than the metal being infected. Where a fault does occur Mercedes-Benz will consider whether in the circumstances they should make a goodwill contribution towards the cost of repair. Mercedes-Benz will assess your request for assistance against set criteria to determine whether to make an offer of goodwill support. The manufacturer will take into consideration the age, mileage and service history and any other relevant factors, in reaching any conclusion, providing that this criteria is met the manufacturer may decide to offer goodwill support.

"Please note that Mercedes-Benz do not have to offer goodwill and when they do it is not an admission of liability. Goodwill is offered at their own discretion. As you already know the previous repair was carried out as a goodwill gesture and was not covered under warranty because they deemed the corrosion on your vehicle at the time was not perforation. In my opinion I do not accept that there is a problem with the Paintwork on a Mercedes vehicle. Every single case is assessed individually and not collectively. Motor Codes cannot use anecdotal information as evidence and we cannot use information from the Internet either as the Internet is not solicited. Therefore I cannot comment about what Autocar, Glasgow Herald and What Car have stated about rust and Mercedes-Benz. If you are having difficulty getting a paint report you may wish to contact Akzo Nobel. They may be able to assist you in obtaining a report. Please note that the paint report will have to state that the corrosion on your vehicle is perforation in order to pursue a warranty claim under the 30-year Anti Perforation Warranty. If you believe the paint is not of satisfactory quality, you will have to seek legal advice to establish if you have a potential claim against the seller of the vehicle.

"By law your contract of sale is with the selling dealer or finance company if the vehicle was purchased on finance. Under the Sale of Goods Act businesses (selling dealer/finance company) may be liable to put things right for you if there is a problem with the quality of the vehicle. The law holds the seller of the vehicle responsible for up to 6 years after goods are sold. However I note that your vehicle is over 10 years old and I believe by law you have no recourse as you purchased the vehicle over 6 years ago and by law the vehicle has lasted a reasonable time therefore the seller would not be liable for providing any remedy. If you manage to have technical evidence like a report for example I will be happy to review your complaint. AM, Motor Codes Ltd.”