Water leaking through boot vents - W204 2013 C250

[Merc5757]

Hi guys,

Have a pretty annoying issue, water seems to be gathering in my boot. I've taken the lining out and sat in the boot while someone poured water all around with a hose.

The issue is the two vents on either side of boot(see pictures for reference). I believe they serve to maintain cabin pressure/air flow.

I noticed the water was really gathering when the hose was sprayed directly at the taillight.

Has anyone had this issue before and know a fix?
Is water even supposed to drain through the taillight and run past these vents?

Thanks.

 

[markjay]

Possibly there's a buffer piece missing?

Has the car had any accident repair in the boot area?

 

[Merc5757]

Possibly there's a buffer piece missing?

Has the car had any accident repair in the boot area?

I've only had the car for 6 weeks and there's been no major damage. Possibly may have been hit from behind and repaired.
I forgot to say that the water is coming through the rubber flaps in the middle and not the sides of the vents.

 

[sjprime]

Both of those pictures scream accident damage, which is most likely a contributory factor. I would also be checking alignment and that the seals are actually meeting their opposing faces and are not damaged. Replacement vents are available on the bay but the are not particularly cheap, I would remove and try a bead of silicone first and check that all drainage is clear and not blocked.

 

[Merc5757]

Both of those pictures scream accident damage, which is most likely a contributory factor. I would also be checking alignment and that the seals are actually meeting their opposing faces and are not damaged. Replacement vents are available on the bay but the are not particularly cheap, I would remove and try a bead of silicone first and check that all drainage is clear and not blocked.

Yes, was thinking. I presume water shouldn't be draining past these vents anyway as they don't look secure. Anyone know how to remove these vents without breaking them?

 

[Benzmanc]

Definitely been damaged, pic 1 shows some poor welding and pic 2 shows disturbed sealant. Did you buy from a dealer and if so was this damage declared?? I'd be straight back there demanding a refund

 

[Merc5757]

Definitely been damaged, pic 1 shows some poor welding and pic 2 shows disturbed sealant. Did you buy from a dealer and if so was this damage declared?? I'd be straight back there demanding a refund

Yes, bought from dealer. Car was bought with no warranty, but the damage was cover by the trunk liner. I done a complete history check on it and no damage was declared.

 

[Benzmanc]

Yes, bought from dealer. Car was bought with no warranty, but the damage was cover by the trunk liner. I done a complete history check on it and no damage was declared.

I'd still be back there like a shot as this will affect resale value in the future, if it's spotted.

Warranty is irrelevant as you're covered under The Sale Of Goods Act

Know your Rights - Consumers’ Association of Ireland

Also looking at that poor repair i'd be worried about what would happen should the car be hit in the future as it's clearly not been repaired to the required standard

 

[ioweddie]

Take it back

 

[markjay]

I think it's obvious that the leak is due to a poorly repaired accident damage.

I think they may have missed some parts on refitting. Either a buffer, or drain pipes, etc.

Check on EPC which bits should go in that area, then see if you can locate them on your car.

 

[Merc5757]

Will ring the dealer in the morning and question him. He assured me the car had never been in an accident. As I've also imported the car two weeks ago(prior to me finding the leak), it's even more of a hassle. Thanks for the help guys, really appreciated!

 

[markjay]

Will ring the dealer in the morning and question him. He assured me the car had never been in an accident. As I've also imported the car two weeks ago(prior to me finding the leak), it's even more of a hassle. Thanks for the help guys, really appreciated!

I don't doubt the dealer's integrity, but it is not clear how he could make such a statement.

If the accident wasn't declared to the insurer, the dealer wouldn't know about it if the previous owner didn't disclose it.

The dealer can't be expected to remove trim panels and look for signs of welding, or check paint thickeness etc, as a matter of course.

 

[Merc5757]

Hi guys,

I've added some more pictures of area where the leak is. Do you think this is consistent with significant accident damage?

Thanks again for your help.

And to your point @markjay , I would give the dealer the benefit of the doubt in this case as area was well concealed.

 

[markjay]

The original part seems to have some sort of filter blocking the vents, is yours intact?

 

[markjay]

See also:

REAR FENDER MERCEDES CLS 63 AMG (218374)

 

[markjay]

 

[Merc5757]

The original part seems to have some sort of filter blocking the vents, is yours intact?

/QUOTE]

Yes, vent is intact as seen in pic. Will further investigate this evening.

Thanks for supplying the diagrams!

 

[Benzmanc]

All those wires should be taped together

 

[sjprime]

Those scratches on the boot floor are from the sound deadening being chiseled off, either to straighten the floor or to enable the welding to be done. There has definitely been rear damage and I would be checking that the profiles and alignment are correct on the rear panel, and also that the rear light cluster seals are intact and actually meeting the bodywork as that could be a likely point for water ingress. You may find there is quite a bit of water actually within the quarter panel hence escaping / draining back through the vent into the boot.

 

[Merc5757]

Those scratches on the boot floor are from the sound deadening being chiseled off, either to straighten the floor or to enable the welding to be done. There has definitely been rear damage and I would be checking that the profiles and alignment are correct on the rear panel, and also that the rear light cluster seals are intact and actually meeting the bodywork as that could be a likely point for water ingress. You may find there is quite a bit of water actually within the quarter panel hence escaping / draining back through the vent into the boot.

I removed the sound deadening as I had to ensure there was no rust underneath. Wasn't sure how long the water had been sitting there.
I removed the taillight and seals were intact. The water is flowing through where the arrow is pointing, then running along the surface of the vent.
The vent is now sealed along it's edges. Next step would be to remove the bumper and inspect the outside of the vents/drainage areas, if the seal doesn't hold.