This is a very common problem on almost all older Mercedes, even if they dont live in the rust belt. Any rain water that gets into the doors through the scraper seals has to get out somewhere. That is where the problem begins. Rust begins at the drain holes along the bottom edge of the doors. If not checked early, it can grow into some pretty big rust holes and eventually rust through the outside door panels.
Problem & Solution
Common among these chassis:
The only permanent cure I have found is the use of Miracle Paint. This super tough coating loves to stick to rust and forms a permanent moisture barrier to stop rust in its tracks. Remove your door panels and coat inside the door bottom about 2 inches up from the drain holes. Let the Miracle Paint drip through the holes to seal the edges of each hole (this is critical). You can lightly wipe it off - but no NOT wipe it completely off the edges of those holes.
In the picture above I am coating the bottom edge of the hatch on a 300TD wagon. These hatches do not have drain holes and that can create big problems for you later on. I remove the panels on all wagons, drill small drain holes in the corners, then coat everything with Miracle Paint. Remember, RUST NEVER SLEEPS!
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This is where it can all start:
