Rain water leak, esp. on carpet by back seats 123
 

Wife's car. 85 300D

I did not see the leak and she says she did not see the water coming in. There was a puddle underneath the right back carpet. Less so on the left. Front carpets also wet but less so.

I took them out to dry; they are soaked.

Is there a walk thru or troubleshooting post.

If I can't figure out would I take it to mechanic or body shop?

UPDATE
At the top middle, the metal on top of the gasket is raised; right in the center there is a 1 inch movable metal part that holds it down. It was moved to the side. I put it back but still appears raised. The gasket itself (rubber) seems a little worn here and there.

drive thru car wash? you might get a bath in the process.:D

There's going to likely be rust at the points where the seats mount to the floor or in the rear inner wheel well, draining into the rear floor pan...take it to a bodyshop...bring your wallet

I would first suspect the windshield gasket. It comes in there and runs down under the carpet and collects at the low point, behind the seat and under the seat. Also could be the air intake drain tube, but I cannot tell you exactly how that works but have read about it here and have never personally knowingly experienced it.

Good luck

Tom W

This is an 123

At the top middle, the metal on top of the gasket is raised; right in the center there is a 1 inch movable metal part that holds it down. It was moved to the side. I put it back but still appears raised. The gasket itself (rubber) seems a little worn here and there.

Take out the carpets and sit in the vehicle while your wife gently runs the garden hose over the car. Start low and work your way up and you will find the source of the leak. If the source is something you can seal, use butyl sealant. (AVOID SILICONE SEALANT - it causes rust)

The most common sources for your leak are the windshield pillars, hood hinge drains or possibly a hole under your battery tray due to rot. Could be sunroof drains too, but you would most likely see some wet in the headliner if that was it.

Is the metal part you are talking about, the aluminum trim around the windshield? If so, it shouldn't be lifting up unless someone tried prying it out. That trim is inserted into the gasket before the windshield gets installed and helps to support the glass and gasket.

yes the aluminium trim. On the trim there are 1 inch movable aluminium joints. These are moved to the side both at the front and back. weird.

Is the metal part you are talking about, the aluminum trim around the windshield? If so, it shouldn't be lifting up unless someone tried prying it out. That trim is inserted into the gasket before the windshield gets installed and helps to support the glass and gasket.[/quote]