Rusting from the inside out

fivetide

GolfBravo wrote: »

And in my 13 years in the industry I have witnessed quite a few actually - but only where the customers stood their ground, and the claims were genuine (no mechanical paint damage, rust from inside out). But overall, they are very easy to dismiss by manufacturers.

So I think it is definitely worth a try.

Likewise. I know quite a few that have had successful claims from Mercedes.

I have also heard a few that won't listen as per your information earlier. I know of people who have been refused a claim because it refers to holes and not bubbles in the paintwork. The argument was the bodywork wasn't perforated so therefore the perforation guarantee wasn't valid!

As you say, sticking to your guns helps.

I also know Ford's Mustang had similar bonnet rust issues. Something about a poor join on the leading edge which caused rusting fairly early on even though the rest of the car was fine. Could be something similar.

Daz2009

Mercedes have had a lot of trouble over the years with rust and I know cars that have had new panels fitted under the bodywork warranty but in this case where the OP hasn't had annual bodywork inspections I can't see them having much success.
The OP's post isn't clear if there's perforation or not.If there is and the bonnet is the original one then I'd pursue it.
If no perforation then it's probably been caused by stone chips,at least that's what the manufacturer is likely to say although going back to Mercedes again I've seen quite a few with rust spots over the entire car under the paint which were a result of manufacturing faults,namely low quality steel and incorrect painting procedures as I understand it.