Mold in the carpets from moisture is a big problem. And beyond just the carpets, Mercedes seems to have used some kind of foam between two pads of rubber as a noise dampener under the carpets. That foam must be open-cell because it seems to be able to hold moisture.

As a test, it might be a good idea to pull all the mats and carpets out of the car and see what happens with the smell. Don't forget the trunk mat - it can stink to high heaven too.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles