If I haven't driven my diesel 3000 miles in the last year should I change the oil anyway? Or should I wait until I get the mileage? The oil is not low, but I was wondering if I just need to get it out and start over. The reason that I haven't driven much is because when it rains I am getting water standing in the left rear floorboard and when I think it's a remote chance of rain I won't drive it att all. This year we have been getting quite a bit of rain. I rather be safe. I have read many posts about the water problem but am a novice and can't seem to find out where the problem lies.

Too bad you can't drive more and enjoy the car.

Do a search, you might have water on the floor due to clogged drains... that would allow you to drive it more.

Particularly if your drives are short duration, the oil has probably picked up its share of contaminants, so go ahead and change it.

However, do note that the engine oil isn't the only fluid in the car with a lifetime. Brake fluid will absorb water whether you drive, or not. Antifreeze has a definite lifetime. Parts that move may develop corrosion and become sticky or bind.

Best Regards,

Jim

you should change the oil+filter. make sure you check the level and then run it on the highway just before you do the change.

water problem. check the drains near the driver's side hood hinges and also the plastic cover that is up inside the wheel well.
also you could check the sunroof drains.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Thank you both. I will go ahead and change the oil tomorrow. Also, I will take a look at the drains, hood hinges etc. for the water culprit. I forgot to mention that I did pull the battery out and noticed a hole under the battery tray, but I really couldn't get the battery tray out. Could this be where the water is coming from? I know this is basic but I am a novice. Hopefully, through this site I will become a veteran enthusiast. I truly appreciate everyone on this site. I frequent it basically all day long. It is a real big help as I am now trying to really learn my car. Thanks to all.

For water in the floorboard check the rubber boot that covers the wires and vacuum tubes running from the door jam to the door. I was getting water in the front floorboards and found both front boots rotten. They are about $50 each at MB (I haven't found them cheaper anywhere else) but regardless of the price they are cheaper than rotten floorboards.

Thanks Kip. Any more advice is greatly appreciated. I will try all of these methods and I will let everyone know when I find the solution. You guys are so nice. I'm really getting hooked on this!!

There are many places a 123 MB gets water inside.
1. Open the hood and look under the hood hinges and see on each side the holes where water collects and drains away. They are often plugged. Clear them.
2. Check all the rubber boots on the firewall. Rain will run down inside and wick through any loose or torn boot. They can often be repaired with a little RTV.
3. Do a search for info on the sunroof drains. Lots of info there that is better than I could explain.
4. Open the trunk and there are two drains of the left and right on the sides that get plugged over with dirt, water collects and runs forward and ends up on your floor boards. Those need cleaning several time a year.
The doors get leaky, the stuff mentioned by Kip Foss is a good place to start with these old diesels.
Good luck.

If you have the car's owner's manual, read under oil changes. It says to change the oil every 5K (under ideal conditions) or at least once a year.

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

I haven't heard about the trunk drains. I will check them soon. I have checked under the hood springs and the drains in the firewall. What I did find was a hole under the battery tray. The area was so rusted out that I can't even remove the tray. When I do get it out how can I fix the hole?

Also check the windshield gasket when it's
raining they tend to leak in each lower corner.

As to the hole under the battery tray the only
good way to fix is to have a new panel welded in.
Unfortunately this does entail removal of the dash
and all the stuff located near the hole so nothing
is broken or melted when welding in the new metal.


A great temporary fix is to use fiberglass matting
and resin on the outside and inside.
Then spray some undercoating on both sides.
Then when you have the means and need for
it you can have it fixed the correct way.


Louis.

"...The reason that I haven't driven much is because when it rains I am getting water standing in the left rear floorboard..."

I strongly suggest checking the seal around the left rear door and window...

Maybe go to a car wash and have someone assist while you are seated in the car to observe, they saturate the left rear door area with high pressure spray...

Seems to me the upper seal on the door is not properly sealing...

elusive 190. My car is a two door. Does the same apply?

In that case, focus your attention on the [single!] left side door...

Same testing/watching as described...

Maybe have the assistant [imagine?] there is a rear door, whilst doing the spraying...:p :p


:p = in this case means tongue in cheek