Hi,
I had what I thought was one big water leak in the trunk. I replaced the rear windshield gasket and it severely reduced the leakage, but there is still some. I had my sister blast the car with a hose while I climbed into the trunk with a flashlight. I identified the new leak, take a look below. It's kind of odd. Any ideas on how I should get it rid of it? The water entry point is circled, and yes, it really is that little clip. As far as I can see, it is NOT coming from the rear light unit. The water leaked down the path highlighted by the green line and accumulated in that well. Luckily, there is no rust. Thanks!

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

New tail light seal should do it.

When I asked an MB service advisor about a similar leak in my 300SE, the first thing he checked was the tail light seal.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

But it's coming through that little clip I think. By the way, how do I remove that body moulding? Thanks.

Alex

__________________
1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Dieselhead,

Did you remove the inner fender lining (black plastic molded item)? Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Alex,
As you probably figured out, the red clips hold the protective rub stip that runs along the side of the car. Normally you can remove the rub strip (and get at the red clips) by carefully prying off the rub strip from the outside. Since you have such good access from behind though you should be able to push on the "pin" in the center and the rub strip will come off. Just be careful you don't bend the trim piece if you only remove/loosen it in a couple of spots. My guess is if you push it out part way and shoot a little silicone seal in there before pushing the strip tight again your leak will be cured.

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LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold

Also, make sure the little heart valve shaped drains at the bottom of the sidewells are clear. To clear them, just reach underneath with your finger and wiggle the heart valve shaped part. If that doesn't work, stick a screwdriver in there to allow the water to drain out.

Good luck,