REAR W123 280E c-Pillar RUST!! Cause, remedy? Should I buy??
 

Hi all, (I just posed on the general detailing forum by mistake - sorry!) I thought before considering buying this car, could you tell me what the most likely cause of the rust is ?

I have had a 230E with the screen out on the back which needed serious work... but the rust was at the bottom, case being... the seal having aged and let water in.

http://www.bonnemay.co.uk/mb/rust 123 ATT00082.jpg
However, this one looks different... does this one look like the C pillar has been rotted by a failed /rotted rear sunroof channel? If so, is it a big job to fix?

This is a 67k mile car, and was the Mayfair London (UK) dealership demonstrator, so it has *everything* on it. The guy wants £1000 UK for it. Is this an uneconomical repair?!:(

All opinion valued!!

thanks!

>Joe

Well, it is difficult to say for sure, but if this is the "only" thing wrong with the car the price is not too bad. To me it looks like the chromed cover has been rubbing through the paint somehow. If the car has a sun roof, there could be some internal rust, but if there is no evidence of bubbels in the paint on the pillars it is probably not too severe.

If you are not an expert in these cars, take it to someone who knows all the weak points and have it checked out. It is well worth the investment.

Brg,
Karsten
www.elkjaer.dk

Agree with Karsten,,,, may be the rust started around the holes the moulding fits into. May not be a big deal. If that moulding is anything like the 124s', one screw and it will pop right off,,, then you can see.