I was wondering where the rear window drains are. I want to make sure that they are not clogged up.

Thanks in advance.

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

I have replaced the seals on the two 1980 W123(s) shown at the bottom of my POST... and neither of these have any drains associated with the rear window that I am aware of. If the seal on your '83 is original or is hard, then you can bet it needs to be replaced... and IF/WHEN you do this be prepared to check thoroughly for any signs of rust and do some prevention before you replace the seal. I found little on either of our '80(s) cars but still touched up a few scratches in the paint there. Since were were also replacing the front windshield glass on both of our cars [due to sand blasting & chips] I worked a deal with the local glass shop so that I pulled the rear and did all the cleaning and minor rust prevention work and then took the car to their shop where they did all the work on the front glass and also put the rear back in as well. These were recent and cost ~$250/car.

Sam

Right above the tail lights. (Think about it)
Seriously, are you talking about the drains for the sunroof?

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I found a little rust in the trunk on the left hand side to the rear of the speaker, and I am trying to figure out why. Where are the sunroof drains?

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

Do you get water in the passenger's side well of the trunk when it rains? The fix may be simpler than the sunroof drains. There is a drain hose from inside the fuel filler door right next to the fuel cap. On my '83 that drain had come loose and every time it rained, the water went right in the trunk.

Even worse, if any Diesel fuel was dripped into that area, away it went into the trunk as well!

The good news is that it takes five minutes of laying on your back inside the trunk to reattach the hose.

Check that before the more-difficult sunroof drains.

you know that " OmegaBenz " could spend a whole W.E. looking for that drain you spoke of as being " Right above the tail lights " and still never find it!!
And you are " besmirching " my namesake as well as my being far too serious!

I still vote for the notion that this Coup"A" most likely has a leaky window... unless " OmegaBenz " is certain the weather seal has already been replaced or the rubber in the seal is nice and pliable! The age of this car makes it a prime candidate for the disease we call " MBZ RearWeatherSeal Sclerosis"!! See I do have sense of humor... no matter what some say!!
Best of luck on your leak " OmegaBenz "... we have just assumed there is a "Leak"... I don't remember this actually be stated... let me see... Nope, the computer says that I'm the first on this THREAD to say " leak ". That reminds me I need to take a diauretic pill for my heart... outahere!
Sam

The diesel over flow hose is connected.

The rear window seal is probably a problem. The right side rear fender well is slightly damp. The left side fender well is not damp, however there is some light rust if you look to the rear of the fuel tank, behind where the speaker is. The seal is old and slightly cracking. Maybe I should post some pictures to clear up the confusion.

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

the weather seal is cracking in places... then you have confirmed my over-the-FORUM diagnosis of "MBZ RearWeatherSeal Sclerosis". I see no great need to POST pictures.

Your WeaterSeal has "given up the ghost" as it were and delaying the surgery through another rainy season will only encourage more rust inside the car. Our '80 300D was a rusty mess down in the trunk and the moisture also made a mess of the rear seat frame and upholstery.

You should also take a look at your front window and see:
(1) is the front weather seal soft and pliable, and
(2) are there any cracks or sandblasting evident.
The reason I suggest this is that you might find a local glass shop that can replace the front glass for ~$225 [far less than the rear with it’s defogger electrical heater elements]… and possibly you could get a package deal whereby you remove the rear window, do the cleanup and any needed rust prevention work and then let them do the front & finish up the rear for something like I was able to do... for ~$250 total [here in the S.F. Bay area]. But I just remembered I already had the new $40 weatherseal for the rear. I would let the glass shop provide the seal and make a few dollar$ markup on it too ! This way you can forseeably end up with a new front window [ if it needs replacement ] and 2 new weather seals for less than $300!

If your rear defogger does not work, depending upon how much you need one, I [in CA] would not bother with the considerable expense to get it up and working... unless I lived up in the mountains where it is needed in the winter!
Regards,
Sam

Thank you for your advice.

My rear window heating element works. I live in the mtns so its a good idea.

I will check into this possibility.

Thanks.

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

but let me make a final, more clear pitch...

When we did the rear window seal on the 240D the cost was $40 for the seal + $125 labor to have window removed, preparation for the new seal and installation of the seal... that's ~ $165 total just to replace the rear seal !

When I did the 300D, by doing our own removal and cleanup with minor rust repair in the window track we also replace front window and seal... all for ~$290.

And that's the end of my pitch!

those seals can be caulked nicely with black silicone. i have posted this proceedure several times. i suggest a search for "silicone caulk window gasket".

if you cant find it i will post it again.

even with a new gasket i have had to caulk several of them.

tom w

__________________
[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.

I have looked up Tom Walgamuth's suggested search phrase and there are two possibilities in late 2005... the 1st is at:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=1017368&postcount=1
and another at:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=387720&postcount=1

These are both several pages in length.

Have fun,
Sam

wanted to add that in one of these THREADS there is talk about small holes you will see in the window channel and there is some speculation that these are for water drainage. Here is my take - there are many hole that are put in the body in such low spots and their purpose are often to provide a place for the paint to drain out of at the factory when the body is totally emersed in a large tank of primer/paint. This is why these MBZ(s) are able to resist rust so well. The primer and first layer of paint were were not just sprayed on!
Regards,
Sam

Use a water hose, a helper and a good flashlight to find your leaks. Start low and work your way up because water flows downhill. Dry paper towels can find leaks in places where you can't see. If you put powder on an area it may help you see leaks when the powder washes away.

Let us know what you find.

What is the routing path of the sunroof drains?

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.