This is more of a body work question but everyone in the diesel forum posts more frequently

In the trunk, in the wells behind the rear wheels, there is a vent on each side. The vent has a grille on the inside and a rubber flap/baffle assembly on the outside.

On my car the rubber baffles have rotted away and the vents let large amounts of dust into the trunk when I drive on gravel roads.

Has anyone had this problem before and how did you solve it? Did you simply seal off the vents or replace them?

Thanks

You should replace the vents, they prevent exhaust from getting back into the car.

-J

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

both of my cars have always gotten soaked in this area (Vancouver problems, you know how it is...).

sounds like it's worth a closer look.

__________________
1981 300SD - 283,000 KM's at purchase, 360k+ now. Engine replaced at 311k. 16" CLK wheels, w126 gen II cosmetic upgrades, late w126 leather interior. RIP. Parted and gone due to fire

1987 300SDL - 243K miles and counting. In winter hibernation!

2001 Ford F250 Super Duty "Platinum Edition" Lariat 4x4 7.3L turbo diesel, 295k+ miles, various mods for reliability and performance.

They are also present in, at least some, of the E-class as well.

thanks guys.

Has anyone actually replaced these vents? They are not easily accessible from the outside of the car as they open into some vented sheet metal assembly....

I'm praying that they can be removed and installed from the inside but often you can't find that out until you're at the point of no return in "removing" the part. Any screws or bolts will probably have to be drilled out as well.

Thanks