Hello again everyone!

I've just discovered some rust in the trunk of the 420 under the carpet. It's quite bad (in my in-experienced eyes!).

Will this be the seals around the trunk lid itself or the rear window seals?

I've had a good look, and I think it's the seals on the trunk.

Would it be a good idea to fix the seals, then sand off the rust and treat the area with some anti rust paint?

I'll be taking pics soon

Thanks

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Oliver

You car is a 126 model? Where is the rust appearing? Specifically?


If so, I have found that it rarely the trunk seal that leaks. It is mounted on a vertical metal piece that cleverly channels water away. It would only be the gasket if water is getting under the trunk cover and seeping in.

Check the rear window rubber. Does it lift in the corners? Does it snap back quickly when you lift it?

If you suspect the trunk molding, do this. (A refrigerator repairman told me this one) - Take a currency bill, dollar/pound and close the trunk on it with enough sticking out to pull it out. Try pulling it out. If it slides out with VERY easily, it could be the trunk gasket. Try it all around, but most importantly at the top by the windshield.

To verify, while dark, get into the trunk while a *trusted* companion closes the lid. Shine a flashlight around the top aimed at the gasket. If you have an obvious leak the *trusted* companion should see the light shining out, confirming a bad molding AND then letting you out!

I had a water leak in the trunk of my '82 300SD. I was convinced it was the trunk seal. After wasting money on that molding, I then did the rear window glass and the trunk remained dry.

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

I went crazy trying to figure out the source of a water leak into my trunk awhile back.

It turned out that the antenna seal was leaking. Pull the outer plastic part up and off and inspect the rubber seal underneath. Very easy to miss this since the outer piece conceals the lower rubber seal underneath.

Good luck

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-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi

try looking at the sunroof drains too (if you have a sunroof). In addition to the antenna seal already mentioned, my car had dryrotted sunroof drain tube on one side that was letting water into the trunk.


Good luck

Been there, and done that. My money's on the rear window seal. I replaced it and the wet trunk problem disappeared immediately.