Rust protection for new(er) Benz?
 

Wanted to get some opinions here...

I'm wondering about whether I should get my 2007 GL450 rust proofed. The company in Canada that I have been using for all my previous Mercedes is Krown Rustproofing. I swear by them. They use a non-petroleum based product that is applied in mist form. They drill access holes into the panels and cavities and hence the product penetrates everywhere. They then plug the holes with grommets. You can watch the process from behind a glass window. They are very professional and the hole-drilling is no big deal to me. Our salt-laden roads will drill other holes much faster when the metal isn't protected.

Krown's treatment is especially effective in countering rust formation in interior seams, where factory rust proofing can fail.

I love my Mercedes and they have all been excellent vehicles but I find Mercedes' rust proofing pitiful, especially compared to other German marques. Audi is leagues ahead in this regard.

Ditto their Canadian rust warranty, which is useless.

We plan on keeping our GL long term.

What I am wondering is - would this void my warranty in any way? I have been told that Mercedes would have to prove that the application somehow damaged the car. I am guessing Mercedes/dealer's response will be 'don't do it, the car is pre-treated in the factory and is already rust proofed', which I file in the same drawer as 'lifetime transmission fluid fill'.

I was going to wait for the warranty to expire and then get the rust proofing done, but it would be nice to have it applied early, BEFORE rust can form. The cars that have lasted the longest for me had the rust treatment done early.

Thoughts? Any dealer info would be appreciated. I am also going to approach my dealer and ask directly but wanted to be pre-armed with as much info as I can.

Thanks all!

If YOU believe in the process and have had good results, then get it done.
I agree with you, sooner, rather then later.

My 78 300D was rustproofed with rusty Jones and was very well preserved. I live in the rust belt.

I would imagine that any warranty work that you would have done would be for mechanical issues. i do not see where they could evaporate your drivetrain warranty for rust proofing.

The whole drilling (or pun intended "hole drilling"?) thing worries me. I'd rather have door panels removed if need be than to drill and plug. Waxoyl is pretty famous stuff in the Land Rover world - and something I've been thinking about doing. I don't believe their method is to drill - rather, I believe they just use what ever existing points of entry are present and mist the internal panels that way. Rovers North http://www.roversnorth.com/ is the main distributor in the US of the stuff.

Shaun

Shaun - I was very skeptical until I watched them do it. They are fastidious and accurate with the hole placement and the grommets are an exact fit. I've been using Krown for about 8 years now? So far zero rust around any of the drill holes. They use the same holes each year and re-apply new grommets. The grommets blend in and you don't even notice them, they look factory installed.

My 210 still looks quite good, with only a bit of rust on the wheel arches and trunk. I attribute its state (in part) to Krown's annual treatment. Most 210's here have literally rusted to death. You don't see many around. Kinda sad really.

My 300E was excellent with regards to rust resistance. The E430...not even close. Hence my lack of faith regarding my GL450.

Thank you both for the replies/thoughts.

Chris, I wholeheartedly agree with your plan. Krown is the way to go. Keep in mind that it should be reapplied every few years at the latest, or until you lose interest in your vehicle. I've been doing something similar (Texaco Rustproof Compound - same thing as Krown) for 28 years on my vehicles.

Yes, fully agreed. I have it done annually on all my cars. Nice little bonus from Krown is that if you do it annually, they lock the price at what you first paid.

I'm going to touch base with my dealer (who has been very professional and a pleasure to deal with thus far) but am leaning towards proceeding with the Krown treatment on the GL.

UPDATE AND RESOLUTION
 

So I spoke with my MB dealer and was expecting a "no" but was pleasantly surprised. They told me Krown was fine and they actually recommend getting it done.

Thought I would share in case others are thinking of rust-proofing their new(er) MB's that are still under warranty.

They did specify Krown only as it is the only product that does not affect things like door seals, etc. It is a non-petroleum product and hence safe for rubber, wiring, etc.

I'll second that...I also heard about the MB bodyshop in Toronto (Weston) recommending Krown as the "approved" choice.

Good to know, thanks!

This seems like a worth while investment..I was looking at their prices and it seemed to be around $120CAD...

Does anyone know if there is a company similar to this in the states?

Krown uses a formula that is similar to Texaco Rustproof Compound and Fluid Film. There are no chain shops that use Texaco that I know of. You may want to call your local Texaco distributor and see whom they sell to in volume, then call that shop for a quote.

Apparently Krown has a sister company in the states called Carwell.

http://www.carwell.com/rustcopshop.htm

It would appear that carwell/krown's products are approved/used by the American and Canadian military:

http://www.corrosioncops.com/uploads/CarWell_use_on_metals.pdf

http://imgur.com/mRQfjl.jpg

CarWell's product is based on petroleum. Krown's product is based on wool grease.

Though there is a difference in formulation, it seems that the two products work in the same fashion. It'd be curious which product lasts longer.

I just undercoated my 300E with Fluid Film's undercoating kit. Very pleased with the results.