Rust generally not an issue with W211 or newer, they got the paint process figured out that was the death of the W210.

SC does not salt their roads in the winter, they use calcium chloride instead. However it is maybe once or twice a year they have an event where that’s necessary. Down at the coast it’s probably much less.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech