300 TE: Warning about rust in side windows of loading space
 

I noticed that the bottom of one of the rear seat belts for the 3rd seat felt cool; that could mean but one thing, they were getting wet. I found water collected in the area where the rear shock mount was located, see photo.

The water had to be coming from the side window in the loading space. I took out the window and yes, there was some rust, see other photo. One the other window there was also rust in the other corner on the bottom. The rust is not visible with the window installed from the outside, although if you look real carefully from the inside you may be able to see some if you lift up the rubbler gasket from the lower corners.

The the stuff that was used to install the window by MB was the consistency of of dried out putty.

I've fixed one window so far. Used POR 15 on rust. Used 3M 08509, it's a bedding and glazing compound to seal gasket to vehicle body and glass to gasket.

Ron - Where do you buy your POR 15?
Thanks - Geoff

Bought it at the local hardware store.

Let me second Ron's warning about rust in the side windows for the wagon owners out there. Let me go one better, I would strongly recommend that anyone with wagons of this vintage have the rear fixed windows pulled and re-sealed.

My first sign of something wrong came with visible rust on the drivers side rear fender, lower front window corner. (see photo). About 30% of the window channel underneath the rubber moulding was rusted through and had to be cut out and replaced. Entire fender repainted. When I bought the new rubber from the MB dealer, I decided to replace the other side as well. They pulled the other side and you guessed it, rusted as well in both lower corners. They were able to grind it all off without cutting.

Body shop guy indicated that the deep channel design was terribly flawed and was abandoned by MB after the 124 body style. Newer design had no channel to collect water when the sealent begins to break down. My sealant was the consistency of old playdough.

My '90 300te has never been owned outside of California. After 16 years, the window putty is just shot. If you plan on keeping your wagon, I would strongly consider doing this as a preventitive measure. Window guys out here charge about $60 to re-seal each window. New gasket (recommended) was about $160 each from the dealer.

Better Photo Attached (hopefully)

Thank you gentlemen for this thread. I looked at a '95 W124 wagon this weekend and noticed some of the rear carpet was slightly damp. Sure enough, there was evidence of a fix on sealing the rear windows.

However, the job was sloppy. I haven't decided to continue with this car or look for another example.

I assume this fix will need to be done to any W124 wagon I come across. Am I looking at a $500 expense to have this done properly? Should I worry about any potential future corrosion if there is evidence of previous leakage?

Bump. :(

Just found water in the cargo footwell last night. Should I have a body shop look at this for me? Where would you recommend I take to have it corrected?

It happens on the w123 300TDs too:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/bodywork-repair-paint-tools-tips-tricks/202295-remove-window-seals-repair-rust.html

Thanks for the link!