It's strange, your other car 1988 300CE and my 1989 300CE do not have much rust, at least not to that extent, although they are 7,8 years older.
Are the W124 better rust-protected?

Later on: could you post some pix?

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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

My 88 300CE has NO rust on the skin. Back in Dec. I checked the underside when up on a lift checking the exhaust. No rust body or frame rust there either visible to my naked and admittedly amateur eyes.

But, the car spent most of it's life in a florida garage. And for the 5 1/2 yrs and 50,000 miles. I have owned here in NJ, it seldom sees rain or snow and is, naturally, garaged when not driven.

Have you been able to keep your car garaged. Depending on its environment and care, I am not surprised it shows some wear after 10 years.

I can't comment on the quality of steel or coatings they use then vs now.

Lots of rusty W210s in England. More rain + more salt = more rust.
Depends how wet and cold it is where you live I suppose.
MB should be ashamed of the lack of rust protection on the W210s.
http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=28492

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NO, thank God! The Spring perch on both sides of the car are in-tact and rust-free. They are well rust-proofed as well.

My 300CE is a diamond! I don't drive her- She sits in the garage with her little Euro plate and stares at the wall all day. I usually go out every night to dust her off. The only rust (minor) is where a scratch was. Minor surface rust, not a big deal.

I am dissappointed in my 210 and I am becoming more and more conscious of its condition now. I don't think i will ever part with either of the 210's that i have. I love the ride and the mechanical reliability. She never left me stranded! Although my Green 210 died once but that was my neglect to the battery. Oh well, she showed me who was boss then....

I'll report back to you guys

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My Work:
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, Inc.
Business Development
536 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036

-My Garage-
1996 E320: White 118,000 miles ~Dad's Driver~
1996 E320: Green 109,000 miles ~Mom's Driver~
~My Babies~
2000 SL500: Desert Sand 96,000 miles
-Previoulsy Judge Judy's-
2008 E350 4MATIC Sport
-Flint Grey/ Ash/ Black Birds Eye Maple-

Yes The W210s have Rust Problems..It started with the Dipping process...
Doors/Trunks AND Front upper spring mounts are a Known Problem....

But MBUSA Back Pedals on ANY HELP on the problem...4 year warranty

In Europe its a 10 Year warranty.....go figure

I Have replaced all the doors and tailgate on My 2000 W210 Wagon..
it has 49K and its detailed weekly....also NEVER been in snow...Just So California

The Dealer did NOT Perform the TSB re the sealer and the rust is back in the door aand the tailgate....AGAIN NO Help from MBUSA

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