what did i do! What am I in for!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2009 C300
what did i do! What am I in for!
I drove through a "puddle" that was to the hood of my car. I had NO choice..
I went not only once but twice as I had to go in and come out..
My car mad an EXTREMELY bad noise when I was half way through, like a squeaking metal rubbing sound.
I come to find my headlights and fog lights are filled with a large amount of condensation. Its been 3 days and so far nothing has happened to my car - headlights and fogs are still working but tons of condensation.
Im only asking what I am in for as I have made this same mistake with another car and had to replace both cats and some belts after going through tons of water..
Please help, I am a wreck and plus I was out of warranty as of The evening before all this happened.
I went not only once but twice as I had to go in and come out..
My car mad an EXTREMELY bad noise when I was half way through, like a squeaking metal rubbing sound.
I come to find my headlights and fog lights are filled with a large amount of condensation. Its been 3 days and so far nothing has happened to my car - headlights and fogs are still working but tons of condensation.
Im only asking what I am in for as I have made this same mistake with another car and had to replace both cats and some belts after going through tons of water..
Please help, I am a wreck and plus I was out of warranty as of The evening before all this happened.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: New York, Westchester
2017 GLE 350 W4, 2016 C 300, 2012 E 350 W4 Lux, 2006 ML 350
Maybe you should drive a Hummer with one of those snorkle pipes for the air intake... not a C class!! How did you have "no choice"?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2009 C300
Its a tractor trailer lot, had trucks behind me! Couldn't just stop... For now my cars fine i did noticed some fluttering sound this morning. not sure if its because it's cold out or from excessive water..
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
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From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
I drove through a "puddle" that was to the hood of my car. I had NO choice..
I went not only once but twice as I had to go in and come out..
My car mad an EXTREMELY bad noise when I was half way through, like a squeaking metal rubbing sound.
I come to find my headlights and fog lights are filled with a large amount of condensation. Its been 3 days and so far nothing has happened to my car - headlights and fogs are still working but tons of condensation.
Im only asking what I am in for as I have made this same mistake with another car and had to replace both cats and some belts after going through tons of water..
Please help, I am a wreck and plus I was out of warranty as of The evening before all this happened.
I went not only once but twice as I had to go in and come out..
My car mad an EXTREMELY bad noise when I was half way through, like a squeaking metal rubbing sound.
I come to find my headlights and fog lights are filled with a large amount of condensation. Its been 3 days and so far nothing has happened to my car - headlights and fogs are still working but tons of condensation.
Im only asking what I am in for as I have made this same mistake with another car and had to replace both cats and some belts after going through tons of water..
Please help, I am a wreck and plus I was out of warranty as of The evening before all this happened.
So lets get this straight.
a) This isn't the first time you've done this.
b) You repeated it knowing full well what the consequences could be.
c) You didn't want the responsibility for making others behind you wait on you turning around.
d) You didn't want to get your shoes, pants, etc wet.
e) All of the above
Would that sum it up?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
C300 Sport 6MT
You're now unfortunately going to go out to the garage each morning to find a potential new problem. If the water was literally up to your hood, water ingestion into the motor is a real possibility, which is your number one concern. Electrical gremlins will probably appear as well with the fog lights and perhaps some sensors around the wheels (ABS, pad wear, etc.).
Not sure if I would drive it vs letting it sit and dry out a bit, but I'm no expert in this regard.
BTW, I don't care who's behind me... I'm backing up vs driving through a lake!
Not sure if I would drive it vs letting it sit and dry out a bit, but I'm no expert in this regard.
BTW, I don't care who's behind me... I'm backing up vs driving through a lake!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 76
From: Nyack, NY
C300 Sport 4Matic
So lets get this straight.
a) This isn't the first time you've done this.
b) You repeated it knowing full well what the consequences could be.
c) You didn't want the responsibility for making others behind you wait on you turning around.
d) You didn't want to get your shoes, pants, etc wet.
e) All of the above
Would that sum it up?
a) This isn't the first time you've done this.
b) You repeated it knowing full well what the consequences could be.
c) You didn't want the responsibility for making others behind you wait on you turning around.
d) You didn't want to get your shoes, pants, etc wet.
e) All of the above
Would that sum it up?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 757
Likes: 1
From: LI, NY, U.S.A.
2013 GLK 350 4M (Iridium Silver), 2010 E350 Coupe (Iridium Silver)
What kind of drugs are you on? I may need some of what you have. PM me your number.
You did something like this?
You did something like this?
Last edited by dcjwlee; Dec 31, 2012 at 03:12 PM.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 106
Likes: 2
From: Philly Area
You didn't get any significant water in the engine. If you did, it would have hydrolocked in an instant and it would be destroyed.
As for the lights, if you are a bit handy, and you have halogen lights, pop the cover in the back that services the light, (there may be pix in the owner's manual), then use a hair dryer and let the warm air circulate for a while. You could do the same for the fogs, but it will be more difficult, just drive with the fogs on for the next few days so that the heat from the lights dry out the housings.
For any underhood components, again, drive for a while so that there is plenty of heat in the engine bay, most components under there are designed for "some" water (they are designed to drive in the rain!) If you are really worried, get a can of belt dressing and WD40 and spray everything down.
.....and yea, when an 18 wheeler is barreling down on you, you made the right choice, so just forget what the other posters stated, although, I'm sure each one of them is a PERFECT driver.
Last edited by LouZ; Dec 31, 2012 at 04:03 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
C300 Sport 6MT
Don't panic.
For any underhood components, again, drive for a while so that there is plenty of heat in the engine bay, most components under there are designed for "some" water (they are designed to drive in the rain!) If you are really worried, get a can of belt dressing and WD40 and spray everything down.
.....and yea, when an 18 wheeler is barreling down on you, you made the right choice, so just forget what the other posters stated, although, I'm sure each one of them is a PERFECT driver.
For any underhood components, again, drive for a while so that there is plenty of heat in the engine bay, most components under there are designed for "some" water (they are designed to drive in the rain!) If you are really worried, get a can of belt dressing and WD40 and spray everything down.
.....and yea, when an 18 wheeler is barreling down on you, you made the right choice, so just forget what the other posters stated, although, I'm sure each one of them is a PERFECT driver.
Also, the OP didn't say an 18-wheeler was barreling down on him... it was in a tractor trailer LOT, which means he had an opp to back out.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 106
Likes: 2
From: Philly Area
"Designed to drive in the rain" != being submerged. That's the concern I'd have because things could be fine now, but then fail while on the road.
Also, the OP didn't say an 18-wheeler was barreling down on him... it was in a tractor trailer LOT, which means he had an opp to back out.
Also, the OP didn't say an 18-wheeler was barreling down on him... it was in a tractor trailer LOT, which means he had an opp to back out.
Next time you drive in a big rainstorm, stop and take a look under your hood, water will be draining out like it was submerged!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
'08 Mercedes C300
Most places would shut down a lane even if it is submerged in a foot of water, so it is extremely dangerous to drive through a flooded area as deep as yours. It would have been safer to purposely stop and have the vehicle behind you be notified with your brake lights than being forcibly stopped through hydrolocking, which could have caused traffic and put yourself in more danger. From what I remember, regardless of whether someone is barreling down the road, if they fail to maintain a safe stopping distance and hit you, the ball is in your court. However, what's done is done and I hope you learn your lesson this time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
I drove through a "puddle" that was to the hood of my car. I had NO choice..
I went not only once but twice as I had to go in and come out..
My car mad an EXTREMELY bad noise when I was half way through, like a squeaking metal rubbing sound.
I come to find my headlights and fog lights are filled with a large amount of condensation. Its been 3 days and so far nothing has happened to my car - headlights and fogs are still working but tons of condensation.
Im only asking what I am in for as I have made this same mistake with another car and had to replace both cats and some belts after going through tons of water..
Please help, I am a wreck and plus I was out of warranty as of The evening before all this happened.
I went not only once but twice as I had to go in and come out..
My car mad an EXTREMELY bad noise when I was half way through, like a squeaking metal rubbing sound.
I come to find my headlights and fog lights are filled with a large amount of condensation. Its been 3 days and so far nothing has happened to my car - headlights and fogs are still working but tons of condensation.
Im only asking what I am in for as I have made this same mistake with another car and had to replace both cats and some belts after going through tons of water..
Please help, I am a wreck and plus I was out of warranty as of The evening before all this happened.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Don't panic.
You didn't get any significant water in the engine. If you did, it would have hydrolocked in an instant and it would be destroyed.
As for the lights, if you are a bit handy, and you have halogen lights, pop the cover in the back that services the light, (there may be pix in the owner's manual), then use a hair dryer and let the warm air circulate for a while. You could do the same for the fogs, but it will be more difficult, just drive with the fogs on for the next few days so that the heat from the lights dry out the housings.
For any underhood components, again, drive for a while so that there is plenty of heat in the engine bay, most components under there are designed for "some" water (they are designed to drive in the rain!) If you are really worried, get a can of belt dressing and WD40 and spray everything down.
.....and yea, when an 18 wheeler is barreling down on you, you made the right choice, so just forget what the other posters stated, although, I'm sure each one of them is a PERFECT driver.
You didn't get any significant water in the engine. If you did, it would have hydrolocked in an instant and it would be destroyed.
As for the lights, if you are a bit handy, and you have halogen lights, pop the cover in the back that services the light, (there may be pix in the owner's manual), then use a hair dryer and let the warm air circulate for a while. You could do the same for the fogs, but it will be more difficult, just drive with the fogs on for the next few days so that the heat from the lights dry out the housings.
For any underhood components, again, drive for a while so that there is plenty of heat in the engine bay, most components under there are designed for "some" water (they are designed to drive in the rain!) If you are really worried, get a can of belt dressing and WD40 and spray everything down.
.....and yea, when an 18 wheeler is barreling down on you, you made the right choice, so just forget what the other posters stated, although, I'm sure each one of them is a PERFECT driver.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2009 C300
Don't panic.
You didn't get any significant water in the engine. If you did, it would have hydrolocked in an instant and it would be destroyed.
As for the lights, if you are a bit handy, and you have halogen lights, pop the cover in the back that services the light, (there may be pix in the owner's manual), then use a hair dryer and let the warm air circulate for a while. You could do the same for the fogs, but it will be more difficult, just drive with the fogs on for the next few days so that the heat from the lights dry out the housings.
For any underhood components, again, drive for a while so that there is plenty of heat in the engine bay, most components under there are designed for "some" water (they are designed to drive in the rain!) If you are really worried, get a can of belt dressing and WD40 and spray everything down.
.....and yea, when an 18 wheeler is barreling down on you, you made the right choice, so just forget what the other posters stated, although, I'm sure each one of them is a PERFECT driver.
You didn't get any significant water in the engine. If you did, it would have hydrolocked in an instant and it would be destroyed.
As for the lights, if you are a bit handy, and you have halogen lights, pop the cover in the back that services the light, (there may be pix in the owner's manual), then use a hair dryer and let the warm air circulate for a while. You could do the same for the fogs, but it will be more difficult, just drive with the fogs on for the next few days so that the heat from the lights dry out the housings.
For any underhood components, again, drive for a while so that there is plenty of heat in the engine bay, most components under there are designed for "some" water (they are designed to drive in the rain!) If you are really worried, get a can of belt dressing and WD40 and spray everything down.
.....and yea, when an 18 wheeler is barreling down on you, you made the right choice, so just forget what the other posters stated, although, I'm sure each one of them is a PERFECT driver.
So Far only large issue is that my headlights & Fog lights have a ton of moisture in them. Ive counted and its been about 6 days since it happened and so far NO damage that I know of. I do notice my breaks feel less responsive.. Under my hood looks like a hurricane, I cleaned it up as much as possible.
I also notice a whining noise when I turn my steering wheel. I noticed it in the past, its become worse after the water incident..
I tried Drying out the headlights with a blow dryer today for an hour on one side it did nothing at all.......
I was thinking of bringing it into MB to say theres moisture in my headlights whats up with that.. good or bad idea.
As far as everyone else. There were trucks behind me, I had no choice but to go through.. I did go slow thinking it would help...
any more positive advise would help
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
2009 C300 4Matic Sport
Alright... I'm not blaming you for what happened, you have to be there to really understand the situation and of course everyone could react different, He already went thru the water, period. Now lets help him solve.
I would EXTREMELY suggest you to flush your engine immediately. As someone said before, if enough water would be inside of the engine it would be destroyed already, but it doesn't mean water didn't leak into your engine.
I would get a brand new air filter immediately and make an immediately oil change. I'd take the oil to blackstone lab for analysis, if they found water high in the oil, then I would make another oil change in less than 500 miles, just to make sure there's absolutely no more water into the engine.
I wouldn't be worried about the headlights as I would be about the tranny and the engine. For the tranny, if you don't feel its working weird, then don't mess with it, if it starts behaving weird, I would also make an oil and filter change to it.
The steering noise could be because water leaked in the oil reservoir, open it, inspect it with a flashlight, if you see water spots, have it flushed also.
As soon as you have resolved all mechanical concerns, I would take the headlights out, remove all bulbs, wash it with a hose, and dry it with a hair drier.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I would EXTREMELY suggest you to flush your engine immediately. As someone said before, if enough water would be inside of the engine it would be destroyed already, but it doesn't mean water didn't leak into your engine.
I would get a brand new air filter immediately and make an immediately oil change. I'd take the oil to blackstone lab for analysis, if they found water high in the oil, then I would make another oil change in less than 500 miles, just to make sure there's absolutely no more water into the engine.
I wouldn't be worried about the headlights as I would be about the tranny and the engine. For the tranny, if you don't feel its working weird, then don't mess with it, if it starts behaving weird, I would also make an oil and filter change to it.
The steering noise could be because water leaked in the oil reservoir, open it, inspect it with a flashlight, if you see water spots, have it flushed also.
As soon as you have resolved all mechanical concerns, I would take the headlights out, remove all bulbs, wash it with a hose, and dry it with a hair drier.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2009 C300
Alright... I'm not blaming you for what happened, you have to be there to really understand the situation and of course everyone could react different, He already went thru the water, period. Now lets help him solve.
I would EXTREMELY suggest you to flush your engine immediately. As someone said before, if enough water would be inside of the engine it would be destroyed already, but it doesn't mean water didn't leak into your engine.
I would get a brand new air filter immediately and make an immediately oil change. I'd take the oil to blackstone lab for analysis, if they found water high in the oil, then I would make another oil change in less than 500 miles, just to make sure there's absolutely no more water into the engine.
I wouldn't be worried about the headlights as I would be about the tranny and the engine. For the tranny, if you don't feel its working weird, then don't mess with it, if it starts behaving weird, I would also make an oil and filter change to it.
The steering noise could be because water leaked in the oil reservoir, open it, inspect it with a flashlight, if you see water spots, have it flushed also.
As soon as you have resolved all mechanical concerns, I would take the headlights out, remove all bulbs, wash it with a hose, and dry it with a hair drier.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I would EXTREMELY suggest you to flush your engine immediately. As someone said before, if enough water would be inside of the engine it would be destroyed already, but it doesn't mean water didn't leak into your engine.
I would get a brand new air filter immediately and make an immediately oil change. I'd take the oil to blackstone lab for analysis, if they found water high in the oil, then I would make another oil change in less than 500 miles, just to make sure there's absolutely no more water into the engine.
I wouldn't be worried about the headlights as I would be about the tranny and the engine. For the tranny, if you don't feel its working weird, then don't mess with it, if it starts behaving weird, I would also make an oil and filter change to it.
The steering noise could be because water leaked in the oil reservoir, open it, inspect it with a flashlight, if you see water spots, have it flushed also.
As soon as you have resolved all mechanical concerns, I would take the headlights out, remove all bulbs, wash it with a hose, and dry it with a hair drier.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I may consider going to some local shop that deals with MB. If you had to put things in order from most important to least what would you say to to do first.
Car is about due for an oil change anyway so thats not a big deal.. As far an engine flush goes how much does that run, along with other things you mentioned... Now im freaked out. I know from experience that nothing bad will happen right away. takes time..
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
2009 C300 4Matic Sport
I would definitely do the engine first and the air filter. Then check the transmission oil and then the steering.
To give you an idea, these prices are if DIY:
- Oil change, 70$
- Oil analysis by blackstone labs, 20$
- Air filter 40$
- Transmission oil change ~300$
- Steering oil change ~ 150$
So its nothing tooo expensive either. Its definitely not worth more than the car.
To give you an idea, these prices are if DIY:
- Oil change, 70$
- Oil analysis by blackstone labs, 20$
- Air filter 40$
- Transmission oil change ~300$
- Steering oil change ~ 150$
So its nothing tooo expensive either. Its definitely not worth more than the car.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
2009 C300 4Matic Sport
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2009 C300
I would definitely do the engine first and the air filter. Then check the transmission oil and then the steering.
To give you an idea, these prices are if DIY:
- Oil change, 70$
- Oil analysis by blackstone labs, 20$
- Air filter 40$
- Transmission oil change ~300$
- Steering oil change ~ 150$
So its nothing tooo expensive either. Its definitely not worth more than the car.
To give you an idea, these prices are if DIY:
- Oil change, 70$
- Oil analysis by blackstone labs, 20$
- Air filter 40$
- Transmission oil change ~300$
- Steering oil change ~ 150$
So its nothing tooo expensive either. Its definitely not worth more than the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Alright... I'm not blaming you for what happened, you have to be there to really understand the situation and of course everyone could react different, He already went thru the water, period. Now lets help him solve.
I would EXTREMELY suggest you to flush your engine immediately. As someone said before, if enough water would be inside of the engine it would be destroyed already, but it doesn't mean water didn't leak into your engine.
I would get a brand new air filter immediately and make an immediately oil change. I'd take the oil to blackstone lab for analysis, if they found water high in the oil, then I would make another oil change in less than 500 miles, just to make sure there's absolutely no more water into the engine.
I wouldn't be worried about the headlights as I would be about the tranny and the engine. For the tranny, if you don't feel its working weird, then don't mess with it, if it starts behaving weird, I would also make an oil and filter change to it.
The steering noise could be because water leaked in the oil reservoir, open it, inspect it with a flashlight, if you see water spots, have it flushed also.
As soon as you have resolved all mechanical concerns, I would take the headlights out, remove all bulbs, wash it with a hose, and dry it with a hair drier.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I would EXTREMELY suggest you to flush your engine immediately. As someone said before, if enough water would be inside of the engine it would be destroyed already, but it doesn't mean water didn't leak into your engine.
I would get a brand new air filter immediately and make an immediately oil change. I'd take the oil to blackstone lab for analysis, if they found water high in the oil, then I would make another oil change in less than 500 miles, just to make sure there's absolutely no more water into the engine.
I wouldn't be worried about the headlights as I would be about the tranny and the engine. For the tranny, if you don't feel its working weird, then don't mess with it, if it starts behaving weird, I would also make an oil and filter change to it.
The steering noise could be because water leaked in the oil reservoir, open it, inspect it with a flashlight, if you see water spots, have it flushed also.
As soon as you have resolved all mechanical concerns, I would take the headlights out, remove all bulbs, wash it with a hose, and dry it with a hair drier.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Checking the air filters for moisture is worthwhile but if water had been inhaled by the engine (through the mass airflow sensor) the engine would have quit and that's when internal damage would have occurred.
The trans does not have a dipstick so how would water have gotten inside?
What I don't know is whether the differential has a vent on top.
The power steering reservoir cap has a seal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Obviously I would not go to any MB Dealer for this as I would pay more then this car it worth lol.
I may consider going to some local shop that deals with MB. If you had to put things in order from most important to least what would you say to to do first.
Car is about due for an oil change anyway so thats not a big deal.. As far an engine flush goes how much does that run, along with other things you mentioned... Now im freaked out. I know from experience that nothing bad will happen right away. takes time..
I may consider going to some local shop that deals with MB. If you had to put things in order from most important to least what would you say to to do first.
Car is about due for an oil change anyway so thats not a big deal.. As far an engine flush goes how much does that run, along with other things you mentioned... Now im freaked out. I know from experience that nothing bad will happen right away. takes time..
A few years back here in Seattle we had some torrential rains and my dealer had a few cars in with hydrolocked engines (including an E55, ever seen a bent rod?) and I was told that insurance picked up the bills.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 534
Likes: 1
From: NJ
2008 C350 Sport
Your advice about water ingestion into the engine and trans is not valid. The crankcase is sealed at the dipstick and oil cap and if those part's seals had not been airtight, water or not, the check engine light would have been on previously.
Checking the air filters for moisture is worthwhile but if water had been inhaled by the engine (through the mass airflow sensor) the engine would have quit and that's when internal damage would have occurred.
The trans does not have a dipstick so how would water have gotten inside?
What I don't know is whether the differential has a vent on top.
The power steering reservoir cap has a seal.
Checking the air filters for moisture is worthwhile but if water had been inhaled by the engine (through the mass airflow sensor) the engine would have quit and that's when internal damage would have occurred.
The trans does not have a dipstick so how would water have gotten inside?
What I don't know is whether the differential has a vent on top.
The power steering reservoir cap has a seal.
