So here is the scenario.. plugged reed valve( had been restricted for a long time befor I bought her), passenger side filled with lots of rain water instorm, electronics have gone nuts, tail lights, turn signals(rear), brake lights including cyclops, gas gauge, trunk closure, all inoperative or behaving bizarrely.
I have spent most of last two days trying to dry out, especially under passenger rear seat, all the water. In desperation I became a human sump pump sucking a couple gallons of water out thru a plastic tube. Yuck. If I wasn't on track for cancer befor I'm sur I will be now. Some problems have gotten better, some worse, and they constantly change. New battery in April seems to now not stay charged. Assume draw on system. I have few tools and even less $.
Drying continues, less and less water is collecting. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I accept full responsibility for not discovering this flaw in my new ride, I had a W140 with a similar problem, just assumed MB would have fixed it in the W220. Shame on me.
So, any Ideas? Location of drain holes I may have missed? Basically the whole rear of vehicle is inop or intermittent.
Thanks in advance for your advice and well deserved criticisms.
Sophie

Be careful to not lock yourself in the trunk.

There are drains in the low areas of the trunk. they're probably just plugged. YOu can clear them with a bit of wire or something else to poke around with.

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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.

Fortunately the emergency trunk opener is one of the few things located in the rear that works.
However still no turn signals in rear, trunk opens but doesn't close electrically,
Brake lights work intermittently now. Driver side taillight bulb stays lit, have to remove it or drains battery. Fuel gauge also inop. Anyone have an idea?
Thanks
Sophie

Rear SAM is toast.........

Yes, I have come to that conclusion.
I can see it (the SAM)but am unsure how to remove it. Do you remove it thru the access port by the floorboard, or remove the protective membrane and come in from the top? I have searched the Internet until my eyes are bleeding and can't find a clue. I hear this happens a lot so I hope someone can talk me thru the r&r. Also I find conflicting info on whether this is a plug and play replacement or if it needs programming. I get answers both ways. On forums it seems to be you just plug the new SAM in and your good to go. The parts sellers usually say programming or coding is required.
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Sophie
2006 s430

The SAM is removed from the top, and programming is required. Install the replacement and drive to a shop equipped with SDS for the programming. Make sure you check that all the fuses and relays are in the right location as the replacement may be missing some.........

Thank you once again. Sounds doable.
Out of curiosity, what will or won't likely be working before programming replacement ?
The drive will be long to the nearest shop. Brake lights and turn signals would be useful.
Sophie

The gas gauge may be inaccurate, the rear sunshade may not work, trunk release, etc........nothing that will prevent you from driving the car.

Fwiw, one of my cars experienced a water related problem due to defective drains. Caused some weirdness with the electrical systems. I put a space heater and baked the inside of the car at about 80 degrees for 3 days and after that no further problems.

Right after that I took it to the dealership and they found and cured the problems.

Evidently MB is aware that about half of all new cars are off the road after about 8 years and due to that they don’t bother to clamp drain tubes. So even if they don’t fall off, when the drains are cleared the tubes can become separated at joints by the cleaning process. The result is a lot of water damage.

Anyway, before you replace parts, make sure that the trunk and passenger cabin are completely dried out.

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Toyota is a leader only because their drivers block everyone behind them. Oh what a feeling.