124 water leak in cabin
 

Hey thanks for the idea. Would that still apply if my a/c is evacuated and not operational. I too think this is the area to look closer at and as you mentioned earlier regarding the other problem Im working on it sounds like I need to work in that area as someone suggested to open, check and remove the blower motor.

I would check the area behind the battery tray. If that rusts out (from the battery venting) then it can cause water all over the passenger side.

You said it was the carpeting on both sides though so it probably is the sunroof as many others have suggested.

Hey Thanks, I dont believe I wrote that my a/c is evacuated and I dont operate it. I plan to look further in this area as It seems to be where some are saying it would be leaking from. I may also be looking in this area at my blower motor for the mice problem as well. It makes a lot of sense that it would come from here. Are we allowed to post what others from other forums have suggested as I just received a very interesting post?
Im loving the biodiesel and still looking for affordable b99 close to me.

Thanks Bob

By the way, there are some articles in the service manual that deal with water intrusion. They are in group 97, body preservation and are "programmed repairs." They contain much of what has already been discussed but with some additional detail.

Here is a link to the relevant pdf.

Yes, I was referencing 123 experiences, but generally the guidance would apply to 124s and the other lesser models as well:rolleyes:

About 10 years ago I discovered the wet carpet issue. Horrors! Since all my drains are chased each time I wash the car and it has had no rust issues ever, plus it would take a heluva AC drain hose problem to do anything more than moisten the carpet, I figured it had to be a seal failure.
They looked good but were 19 years old and harder than a rock. Not "live" or pliable whatsoever...so two OEM replacement seals, a good glass craftsman, about one hour and a wallet that is two bills lighter and then no more problem...I guess I've got about 9 more years or so on this go-round.

I suggest you use a wet-dry vac to evacuate the water and get some dessicant cannisters to place in there for absorbing the residual moisture.
Also, I would wait to remove the carpeting until it feels dry to your touch. (That way, it won't stretch or skew) and you can air it out to dry further, and then eliminate all the moisture in the floor panel crevices.

Good luck

PS: I wonder if those who have actually experienced water ingress were surveyed for the root cause I'll bet you'd find that Front or rear windshield seal leaks are in the top three...1) Sunroof drains/seals 2)Battery Tray /corrosion .

Bad link. :(

I think this is the same section: 97 Preservation

Thank you.

I would like to add to this thread, the recent rain in Houston with me driving in it for 2 hours caused the passenger rear side carpet to get soaked. My sunroof drains are clear and the glass rubbers are great.

The problem was the rear passenger door weatherstripping about mid way on the B pillar (its not an OE so its designed like chit) - it had a lifted area that I tested with water - when pouring on the rubber with a hose - water got wicked up by the inner cloth weatherstripping and slowly crept onto the floor (I saw this will carpet removed). (All door seals are OE except this one) and is very strangely quite thinner too. The original ones are chunky.

I can leave my car parked in rain for hours - no problem, when I drive thats when the problem starts - I think its the effect of the water going upwards on the glass as you move along the road.

I'm pulling my few remaining hairs out chasing a massive leak in my '95. I've been driving with no carpet or pad in the driver's footwell for the last 10 months or so.

I can get literally gallons of water in if I'm driving at high speed, but I can not for the life of me figure out where it comes in. Driver's footwell fills and driver's side rear footwell gets wet also. No leak while parked, only while driving. Sunroof drains are clear, drains at the lower corners of the windshield are clear. As best I can see, the AC drain is functioning. The hose seems intact and pliable, but I can only see a short section and have not disassembled the tunnel area. Never get water when I'm driving for long periods in dry hot weather with the AC on.

I've had my son hosing the car every which way while I have my head in the footwell and no leak. I've blasted water from under, over, sideways, with the hose and nothing. It's laughable that I can not figure this out. If I drive for an hour at high speed with heavy rain I could have 1 - 2" water in the driver's footwell! I travel with towels to soak it up...

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 372K

just went through it with my 83sd. after removing headliner had grandson spray water on roof, mine was pouring in around rear window seal. checked the forum and sealed my seal with flowable silicone, took about 4 or 5 apps to seal.

I had a similar leak which I traced with low pressure water directed at the door weatherstripping - my problem was in the rear right door and it would only allow water in when I drove in rain.

As the weatherstripping was not OEM I couldnt care less of it, It had a gap of 2mm width at the centre of the B pillar, running down about 50mm. this allowed water to enter and the windlace would wick it and drop it on the carpet slowly. I used black RTV and saran wrap to fill the missing bits. Hasnt leaked since. Ive put it in my to buy list.

If you get it at front then your leak is at the front, Best would be to check for grommet leaks at the firewall,the grommet for the wiring and hood cable can get dislogded by genius alarm system installers and it can cause water to enter if the windscreen drains are clogged or the body cavity drains are clogged with leaves.

There is also a chance of leaves etc filling up inside the front fender which can cause a rust hole to form near the parking brake pedal and allow water in, You should also not omit the accordion in the doors jambs that carry wires and vacuum pipes into the door - If they leak (specially front ones) you will have a river in your car.

My door leak was really odd - you would assume that the little lip on the weatherstripping surrounding the window frame should seal off any water from entering, if your doors are not fully aligned (like mine were) water can and will get past those and drip downwards from inside, If you notice while you drive that water gets wicked upwards on the side windows. If the tiny edges of the weatherstripping dont seal the door to the roof and you have dodgy sealing on the thick sides water will enter the cabin.

I had a mysterious water leak in my 92 w124 on passenger side. Front and rear carpets wet. First checked all drains in front, sunroof, back. Removed seats and pulled back carpet dried it 100%. Ran the hose over entire outside places where the drains are. No water. Put it all back together. Put car back outside in the rain. No water. As soon as I drove it through a few puddles then I heard water sloshing from the back floor to front passenger side floor area again. Took it all apart again dried it etc. It turned out it was cracked rubber grommets in the outside back wheel area where MB presumably sprays water proofing I guess when they build the car. The rubber hardens then cracks and leaks. Splashing through a puddle had water enter there and it went into rear floor area first and then to the front when you applied the brakes. Check the rubber grommets in your wheel bay. Seal them and that problem wont happen!

Reviving an old post for same reasons. My rear right foot-well gets soak when it rains (parked or driving)

Check and cleaned front drains (cowl) and under the car are missing two drains grommets leaving a hole exposed to the elements.

Anyone knows the part# for this set of front and rear under the car grommets for a W124 E320 convertible?

Thanks.

Lou.

A124 Plug Part Numbers?
 

Lou,

If you happen to check this thread, I'd be interested in the part numbers for a convertible. i have a 95 A124.

Thanks
Bruce