What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
When did rust become a problem with 1990s Mercedes-Benz S-Class models?
I'm looking for a 1991-1999 W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. I've seen two 1997 models, both of which had rust problems around the wheel arches. Can you tell me in which year Mercedes-Benz started producing the S-Class with this problem, and am I safer with slightly earlier examples? I used to own a 1999 E300, and that had terrible rust.
Asked on 14 July 2010 by Clinteastwood01
Answered by
Honest John
The problems seem to have started in about 2006, but the W140 was assembled in Thailand and in India as well as in Germany. The problem was treatment of the metal and the type of sealants applied. Early W220 S-Class cars can be really shocking, and that and multiple electrical problems are why they go for peanuts these days.
Similar questions
I am the owner of a 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It has full Mercedes-Benz service history and it is badly rusting. It has the 30-year Mobilo guarantee. I have written to Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart and...
You wrote: “This generation of Corsa can suffer water ingress because the brake master cylinder is bolted to a plate that is bonded to the bulkhead. This bonding fails, allowing water in".
I spoke to...
I wish to buy a Mazda MX-5, spending £1000-£1500. Obviously, for that amount, the car's going to be relatively old with a high mileage, etc. I should be pleased if you would let me know what "important"...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Magnificently refined, luxurious and roomy, handles well for such a large car and cruises in hushed comfort, very well built.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
