I guess 6in of rain in about 6 days will find any subpar seals! Anyway this leak is a strange one and I hope someone has delt with it before. I noticed the drivers side carpet was very wet, when I removed it I found the foam backing to be soaked. So I dried the floor and then proceded to wash my car so that I would find the leak. Well I did it seems to be coming from right above the throttle pedal? It was running down from behind the dash and pooling at the base of the pedal. Not much but enough to keep the carpet wet. What goes through the fire wall their? Could it be coming from under the windsheild maybe? This Sunday I am going to have time and I will try and trace it.

I am lucky I caught this leak early because the sound proofing would probably soak up water if it sits for long enough.

Edit: It does not seem to be coolant, I was thinking evap core at first!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I seem to remember someone getting their windshield replaced not too long ago.

Yes it is a newer windsheild (end of Jan this year). I don't think it could run down under the dash like that? If you remove the plastic below the windsheild you will notice that it goes pretty far below that. I don't see how water could leak from underneath.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

If it's not the windshield, then the ductwork down from the cowl that routes fresh air to the climate control system would be the most likely culprit. But, tracking that down is not going to be any fun. The drains for this system should be checked first. I haven't done it.

I found the leak! Or correction my dad spoted it.

Now if anyone has ever had the plastic below the windsheild off on a W126 they will know what I am talking about. If not follow along.

Their are 4 drains under their and a few air vents along with the blower intake. Their is a hump right behind the master cylinder and a drain is in the lower corner. This hole drains into the hose in the wheel well, their is another on the other side of the car. Now their are two large drains in the center, right under the wipers. These drains are basicaly holes punched into the body with plastic chutes that direct the water down and behind the engine. One of these plastic chutes didn't fit right and insted of water draining into the tube it would go inside and right under the dash! It looks like a factory defect, someone had put foam in the gap and that worked for 17 years so I guess it was a good solution. I dug out the foam and used some aluminum weather striping to build a lip so the water would drain into the tube like it was designed to. Then I filled the gap with silicone in an effort to seal it.

It should be water tight now, I will find out tomarrow.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

good sleuthing!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

1in of rain yesterday plus I washed the car and it is bone dry under the dash. Problem solved.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Do you know what the best way to clean the drain passages is by any chance?

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Air compressor and shop vac would be my first choice.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

figuring it out! Its no wonder I consult with you on my SDL Questions!
phal