CLK230 (W208) Windscreen Leak

[Silver CLK]

2001 CLK230 (W208) coupe

Can anyone help with a windscreen noise that is driving me insane

Im getting a whistling or air leak, which sounds like its coming from the bottom of the windscreen area at speeds of over 50 mph or so. From inside the car the noise is coming from behind the dash or through the air vents. I've checked the pollen filter, i've checked for blockages in the air scoop, the rain channel under the bonnet and all appear to be clear.

Im fairly sure it's coming through the bottom of the window although there are no water leaks or condensation marks where any leak would be coming through

A previous thread has been posted for the same problem in April (http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/86625-w208-clk-320-new-member-questions.html) but I don't see any followup in answer to the query. Given that im experiencing the same problem, im wondering is this a problem that anyone else can shed light on?

 

[Ade Vic]

Had a similar problem with my clk not long after I had the car turned out to be a leaf stuck in the vent system .

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
Does having the heater fan on/off make any difference to the noise? you say you have checked the pollen filter, did you remove it, and clear out any debris?

 

[Silver CLK]

Thanks for the replies.

Initially I thought it was something like a leaf in the system so pulled out the fan and filter and drove about without them in the car - no difference. It doesn't seem to make any difference with the fan on or off.

Having again pulled the plastic cover off from under the bonnet where the rain runs off the windsreen, I can't see any blockage around wherethe air goes into the cabin. I have noticed water coming out the bottom of the rain collection box which drips onto the bellhousing. Unfortunately I can't see far enough into the rain collector box from the top unless I pull the entire cover off, which I haven't done yet. There could be a blockage there as if I get underneath the car and move the plastic about the water come running out.

I can also see that the winscreen has a further mesh material that runs along the length of the bottom of the windscreen. It's made of a foam like material which is starting to disintigrate. Im not sure if this could be causing the problem as I would have thought the windscreen would be bonded or had some other form of sealing along the bottom..

Any more thoughts?

 

[dokalj]

A bit extreme.....tape up the edges around the windscreen and go for a similar drive.

Has your car ever had a new windscreen?

 

[Silver CLK]

The screen appears to be the original Merc item.

Must try the tape idea!

 

[rascalmaster]

even more extreme; hire a fog machine and run it in your car; you'll soon see if and where there's a leak ;-)

 

[rascalmaster]

ed china deserves the credit for that one lol