A CLASS 06 RUST BUCKET

[bjohnston1@sky.com]

Thanks J400 uk, No offence taken, although I thought the award for reliability in this catagory went to the Honda Jazz which I liked but the boss (wife) didnt, hence the A class, really im a BMW man, had two, maybe after the years warranty with this c class (which i don't collect until the 1st July) ill use it to trade in for a beamer and as for being fobbed off I think you could be right, but haviing bought a lemon whats the alternative they have you by the short & cu****

[hawk20]

Originally Posted by J400uk

bjohnston1@sky.com - That just sounds like very bad luck to me.

The current A-Class is the most reliable car in the small family segment according to the latest JD Power survery, and there are generally very few complaints about the reliability of the car. I am also surprised you say the gearshift is notchy, as most people comment on how smooth and slick it is.

The 02 C-Class is no more a 'proper Mercedes' than the A-class is, and if anything it will be far less reliable as it does appallingly in consumer suverys etc, and has many build quality issues.

Agreed. Does well on reliability in UK surveys too. My brother has an A 160cdi and has had it for 4 years. No problems so far. Very reliable and 60mpg! My daughter also has one (for two years) and no problems there either.

[Nimrodthewombat]

Your lucky in the UK and Canada! When my S500 started to rust after 6 years the dealer said that they were sorry and they would give me a list of approved bodyshops that could repair it AT MY CoST! The USA has a 5 year RUST Through warranty. In other words the rust must perforate the panel. Surface rust does NOT qualify!

[jimmydee1984]

Sorry to bump an older thread, but this is exactly what I've been looking for. I've a 2005 (55) A150 (UK) that's got rust all along the base of the passenger door, both rear wheel arches and the boot lid. Had my appointment with Mercedes at 12:00 today for the bodywork inspection as part of my warranty claim. One of the first things that was commented on when the paint readings were done was that they thought my passenger door had been sprayed as the paint was much thicker on it (it hasn't!). I expected this to be Merc's way of absolving themselves of any responsibility for their poor quality materials/finish.

Anyway, had a phone call 3 hours later to say that they've had authorisation to fully repair the car and that the bodyshop would be in touch soon to make an appointment! Having dealt with Merc a few times when I owned Smarts, I see this as some kind of minor miracle!

Interesting thing the bodywork inspector said though when I mentioned my displeasure at paying for a premium brand and receiving Peugeot quality. His response: "Not a premium brand anymore. Oh well, at least it keeps us busy". Says it all really.

Edit: Just to add, this is surface rust - no perforation.

[hawk20]

Mercedes have admitted publicly that there were problems on some early A and B class models. Although all steel panels are fully galvanised, there was a problem where the steel is folded over and crimped e.g. at the bottom of doors, the hatchback etc. Mercedes have usually dealt with the problem at no cost as in the case above even if out of guarantee.

[slipalong]

I'm really glad I've found this thread! Has calmed my nerves a little!

After a test drive and a quick inspection (didn't expect rust on a 4 year old Merc), I bought a '05 3dr A-class elegance a few weeks back, and only realised a couple of days ago of a rust problem in 3 places on the car.
The problem areas are identical on each side doors, right where the corrugated door seams have become unstuck where the shape of the door 'kinks', and also on the tailgate, again where the seams have lifted.
An independent Mercedes specialist nearby said they come with 8 year paint warranties (which they keep quiet about), but someone on here said they have 30 years. Which is right?
Does anyone think Mercedes will resolve the issue for me? Have heard bad things about customer service (this is my first Merc ownership)
Anybody else in the UK had any success with this problem?

Many thanks

[J400uk]

It is defintely 30 years with Mercedes Passenger Cars, quote from a recent brochure:

Originally Posted by mercedes brochure

Every Mercedes-Benz comes with a three‑year unlimited mileage warranty
against manufacturing
or material defects¹ and up to 30 years warranty
against perforation due to corrosion from the inside out.² What’s more,
it’s also covered by Mercedes‑Benz Roadside Assistance – a unique
package comprising up to 30 years pan‑European breakdown assistance.²
¹ Applies to vehicles sold by Mercedes-Benz in the UK to its franchised Retailers
² Subject to full Terms and Conditions, dependent on date of registration, available upon request

I'll probably get reported for saying this, but I would advise you come over to MBClub UK or forums.mercedesclub.org.uk and post your question on one of those forums (in the general section). They will help you!

[Derek Lecours]

For the UK 30 year warranty to be respected, (regular inspections with costs) must be performed.
Canada does not have such a warranty(or the A Class) but does have serious rust issues with a few of the 06 B Class.

[hawk20]

Originally Posted by slipalong

I'm really glad I've found this thread! Has calmed my nerves a little!

After a test drive and a quick inspection (didn't expect rust on a 4 year old Merc), I bought a '05 3dr A-class elegance a few weeks back, and only realised a couple of days ago of a rust problem in 3 places on the car.
The problem areas are identical on each side doors, right where the corrugated door seams have become unstuck where the shape of the door 'kinks', and also on the tailgate, again where the seams have lifted.
An independent Mercedes specialist nearby said they come with 8 year paint warranties (which they keep quiet about), but someone on here said they have 30 years. Which is right?
Does anyone think Mercedes will resolve the issue for me? Have heard bad things about customer service (this is my first Merc ownership)
Anybody else in the UK had any success with this problem?

Many thanks

Get to an MB dealer who will take photos etc and take up your case with MB. MB are well aware of this problem on a small number of early A and B class cars and should fix it free for you under 'goodwill'.

[slipalong]

The first two pics are on the lip of the tailgate, the next two are driver and passenger door respectively. Problem is in identical places on main doors. Paintwork specialist only in on Thursday mornings, so I'll post again soon on the outcome.