Bodyshell components
Body
137
Introduction of the New E-Class, Model Series 212 Sedan
b
Floor
The floor of the passenger cell consists of a sheet
metal part, with three parts connected to each other
by laser welding prior to forming. The middle part is
thicker and forms the transmission tunnel, acting as
the backbone of the floor system. Additional solid
tunnel reinforcements are placed on top. Full-length
longitudinal floor members are now installed to
improve force progression into the floor structure. To
the left and right of the tunnel it is reinforced from the
inside with:
• Reinforcements between the inner shell of the
front longitudinal members and the tunnel, and
between the tunnel and the side longitudinal
members
• A rigid crossmember for mounting the seats and
for lateral support on the tunnel in the event of a
side collision
• A further crossmember in the area of the B-pillar
As in the predecessor model, the junction with the
rear floor assembly is formed by a continuous rear
seat crossmember with additional reinforcements
which is extremely strong with regard to side colli-
sions.
Corrosion protection
Long-term protection against corrosion is guaranteed
by full galvanization of the steel body components.
Structural areas that are particularly susceptible to
corrosion are protected by additional cavity preserva-
tion.
To supplement this, the following protective measures
are used in addition to regular galvanizing in the man-
ufacture of the sheet steel:
• Use of organically coated sheet steel
• Cataphoretic immersion primer bath
• Seam sealing
Underfloor protection
Because the underfloor area is entirely covered with
penta laminate, it was possible to omit the PVC under-
floor protection. The advantages are:
• Lower aerodynamic drag
• Interchangeability if damaged
(ease of repair)
• Detachability for vehicle recycling
• Increased impact resistance (stone chipping
protection)
P61.45-2049-00
Underfloor paneling
– This printout will not be recorded by the update service. Status: 01 / 2009 –