SO some how water is getting inside my trunk lid and seems to have shorted out my license plate lights any clue where I should start

Antenna grommet cracked;
leaf debris along lid seal (under window AND along sides);
loose tail light assembly gasket;
fuel filler door drain hose removed (runs through trunk);
rust opening in rear of wheel well;

While you're checking those areas, make sure your drains are clean: one in the bottom front of each quarter panel extension well and one in well below spare tire.

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Peach Parts W124.128 User Group.

80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic

the water isn't getting in the trunk itself just inside the trunk lid

See if the Mercedes star is loose. There are three little points that pass through the lid and are held in place by plastic fittings, unlike the model badge which is most ofter glued on. Perhaps one of them is loose and letting water pass through.

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Peach Parts W124.128 User Group.

80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic

AHH good tip thanks !

The Hex headed screws that hold the License Plate Light Lenses.Each screw
has a small Nylon washer that perfects the watertight seal of the Lens.

The rear of the Chassis and the Tail Light Lens are sculpted to allow Airflow
to keep the Taillight lens clean.Which also pulls moisture across the rear of the
chassis.

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

possible moisture condensation. check the rubber seal for low spots or rips.all previous recomendations pretty much said it all,goodluck.

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enjoy life,take the coal that is handed to you and turn it into diamonds. { PHILLIPIANS 4:13}

found a rip in the seal AH HAAA