(57) A steel wire rope for use in a drive system such as found on a sliding vehicle door or window elevator is revealed. Particular about this rope is that it has a remarkable corrosion resistance in combination with a reduced wear of guiding pieces around which the wire rope is guided. The corrosion resistance is obtained by spreading magnesium oxide particles over the zinc or zinc alloy coated steel wires and bringing those particles in contact with the coating. The reduced wear is obtained by spreading fine abrasive particles over the coating. The spreading and contacting can be achieved by means of a liquid carrier such as an aliphatic mineral oil that is commonly used as the lubricant for such steel wire ropes. The magnesium oxide ensures an equal or better corrosion resistance even when reducing the thickness of the zinc coating. Reducing the thickness of the zinc coating increases the strength of the steel wire rope, while maintaining the diameter of the cord. The abrasive particles ensure a polishing of the wire leading to a smoother surface and reduced wear of the guiding pieces.