I have a '97 C230 and live in Canada. I know that the car has been factory rustproofed, but how long does it last? Do these types of cars ever need rustproofing?

Thanks, and man it's getting cold up here!!

If you're driving in Canada where the roads have more salt than snow on them, you need rust proofing. It not only protects the bodies, which are more rust resistant on MBs than on other cars, but for all the other metal parts on the car from exhaust to water pump. I have my 1986 420SEL done every year. All the MB body shops in Toronto say Krown is the only one to use. You have to becareful because some of the rustproofers are incompatible with what MB already has put on the cars (rubberized undercoating, etc). I suggest you do it. It cost $100 per year and is pretty good insurance. If you get it every year Krown guarantees their work, meaning they replace or pay to have fixed parts that rust on you. Also, many people think it is an absolute must so when it comes time to sell if you can show the rust proofing receipts you may get a better price. If you plan to keep the car forever like me than rustproofing is an even bigger must.

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

I believe that was more of a problem with earlier cars than today. For most purposes, the factory treatment is adequate...anything else performed is more like "snake oil" and in some cases can void the original manufacturer's warranty.

Also, some shops in the process of rustproofing you car inadvertently plug up the factory drain holes located throughout the car. So in those situations, water (and salt) is allowed to settle in crevices that would normally be expelled through the drain holes. So it could do more harm than good!

I haven't seen rust on ANY vehicle I've owned after the 70's...and I lived in the snowy midwest, where salt treatment was the norm.

Regular rinsing of the dirt and salt should be sufficient...and cheaper!

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Got to send the daily driver in for the rust-proofing. It costs about RM50 here - erm ... $10 US bucks?

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

So far, 2 responses tell me to rustproof and 1 says that the factory rustproofing is fine. Refering to the latter, I did remember reading in the owner's manual which stated that rustproofing could void the warranty on the factory rustproofing.

Any further thoughts?

Well it depends on the car really. A pre 1986 car will have less plastic cladding/rust proofing than a more modern Mercedes. I would venture to say the factory coating is sufficient, but I would wash the car (a lot) during the winter months. This helps combat rust by keeping the salt off it! Good luck!

Rustproofing, if done right, is a good thing and worth the investment.

The reason many people think they are bogus products is that they cannot reverse rust once its started, nor can any product or process (short of cutting and welding in new metal) properly "fix" rust. No magic coatings, no potions will do this.

Wurth makes a product I use frequently on newer cars, or on recent restorations that I highly recommend. Its called body wax and is a light product that is sprayed via a flexible wand into rocker panels, wheel arches, etc. The idea is to coat the metal with a greasy layer that prevents water from causing rust. Its light enough that it does not cause drains to clog.

The one caveat I need to give is that modern cars are much better at proper and effective application of seam sealers, undercoats and primers than the more elderly models, but no one's pants ever fell off wearing belts and suspenders!

For what its worth,

Some rust proofings will void warranties because the contain solvents which will destroy factory applied rubberizing and other rust proofers. Krown (which is available across Canada) does not contain any solvents. It was recommened to me by an authorized Mercedes Benz Body shop (we have 2 in Toronto) I followed up by calling MB Canada and they confirmed after checking that Krown Rust Control would not void any warranties on any MB ever sold in Canada. If you plan on keeping your car, you should get it. Body rust isn't much of a problem with MBs, but if you have ever had any engine or suspension work done, the techs always tell you stuff rusts and is hard to take off and breaks and so on. Rust proofing the whole car helps out with this.

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

When in doubt, ask the professionals near you ...

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Anybody ever tried this to be true?

To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers:
Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
Apparently much more economical than the stuff from Smart Shop.

I wonder whether it's the aluminium foil doing the trick rather than the cola.

Another Cola wonder:
To clean a toilet:-
Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl. Let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china. No scrubbing, no sweat - guaranteed.

I was wrong about the price on rust-proofing. I sent the 300se in today, and it would cost me RM200-00, thats about $50.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Got the 300se back. The undercarriage looks as good as new.

They even threw in a polish with Gold Meguairs'.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

My brother's 123 uses the electric rust-proofer. He swears by it - though not in a least explicit way.

I don't notice any rust on his 123 despite the age, and am convinced it works. It is not easy to convince Kenny on anything and when he says its good, it has to be good.

Why do I rustproof it every year? Well, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and its a worthwhile investment both from what I can see, and from what I feel.

Good day.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

I must also mention that we live by the Port - the busiest port in Malaysia, and thus I'm doubly particular about those cancerous rusts. To date, I'm quite pleased about the rustproofing job.

That reminds me, haven't paid the shop yet .... hmmm ...

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

I don't know how he does it either Muskie. It took me by surprise when I went with kerry to the workshop, have whatever jobs done and left without paying till he's completely satisfied with the outcome. But the technicians are always happy to get the job done for him it seems... perhaps its the beer he brings in Our kinda guy!