rust on front crossmember on 2001 e320 wagon - possible tsb

[e320wagon4matic]

My 2001 e320 has some really ugly rust starting on the front crossmember (you must remove the plastic belly pan to see this). Two years ago the dealer agreed to apply some rust preventer (Wurth?), but honestly the factory gray paint looks very thin on this crossmember.

Today while browsing alldata I found reference to a tsb that may apply to this. The tsb is 2000100002 Aug 01 Front Longitudinal Members - Subsequent Coating.

Could someone tell me if this tsb affects my rusting front crossmember?

Thank you!

[Graham]

I had a similar recall done on our '98 E320. It said (quoting):

Perform Action 00-1002, subsequent coating of both front longitudual members.
CAUSE: 00-1002
023206 Perform Action 00-1002, Subsequent coating of rocker panel
2 W 0.70 N/C
1 000-986-68-70-10 SEALING CAVITY

This sounds like same or similar tsb.

Can any one decode this and explain just what was done - I asked advisor, but did not get a very clear answer.

[W140 S600]

I have a 98 E300, and had the same rust problem. But, i fixed it my self. I first scraped off the rust with a wire brush attacked to a drill, apllied some rust-stop primer(3 coats), and when all dried, smeared grease on all contact points with the underpanelling to ensure prevention. My guess is the dealer did the same, scraped of the rust and repainted it.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by e320wagon4matic

My 2001 e320 has some really ugly rust starting on the front crossmember (you must remove the plastic belly pan to see this). Two years ago the dealer agreed to apply some rust preventer (Wurth?), but honestly the factory gray paint looks very thin on this crossmember.

I have found the same problem on our 1998 E320. Did not find it until I took off the plastic belly pan. I have attached some pictures. Th rust is on the lower flange of the forward crossbeam of the front subframe. This is part 122 on the parts picture below.

Has anyone else had this problem repaired? How was it done?

One option is to replace the whole subframe. Bodyshop came up with quote of about $1500.
Another option, is to try and wire brush out the rust and to recoat. Problem is that the cross-beam is fabricated out of two pieces - There is a crevice where the upper section fits to the lower flat section and there is rust between the two.

I would advise anyone who owns a W210 or any car where the belly pan covers the subframe to check for rust - it is a vulnerable spot because any moisture or salt cannot easily be washed out.

[ILUVMILS]

It's interesting that all you guys are from snow country. Keep a close eye on your spring perches this winter.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

It's interesting that all you guys are from snow country. Keep a close eye on your spring perches this winter.

In Canada these were all fixed on a MB recall.

[manny]

[UOTE=Graham]o.
I would advise anyone who owns a W210 or any car where the belly pan covers the subframe to check for rust - it is a vulnerable spot because any moisture or salt cannot easily be washed out.
[/QUOTE]

Tell THAT to the guys that only use a Topsider, etc., to change their oil.