C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Flooded.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 15, 2010 | 12:04 AM
  #1  
Militia's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
C63
Flooded.

Sigh. I was on the way from my office, and I encountered a flooded intersection, so I took a detour hoping to avoid having to go through such high water. I ended up getting stuck again, this time without a way out.. so my car started to shake drastically, and I pushed a little harder to clear safely. I ended up pulling on the closest driveway I could find, and rang up a friend to come get me. Before leaving, I decided to ring the homeowner's bell, and the lady ended up calling the cops on me. I was in a suit, but anyway.. I don't blame her. The police officer asked me to move the car from her driveway, so when the water cleared up, I drove it 10 mph for a few blocks to park it at a friend's place. This entire time, the engine felt as if it were shaking/knocking, with white smoke coming out from the exhaust & my headlights had also turned off. Also, the "grill" (I don't know the appropriate name) that's beneath the engine, is a little bent open. Although, that looks like it could just be clipped back in place.

I'm going to call my insurance tomorrow and get it towed to the dealership. Anyone else experience anything similar? The water honestly wasn't too high, as I chose that detour to avoid having to drive through flooded water in the first place. I'm a very anxious, so I was hoping I could get some feedback, or any past stories. Will insurance cover it (full coverage)? What probably occurred? Are there any other alternatives to try and clear the water out myself?

I've been in much worse situations and have gotten out without a scratch. I did not intentionally drive into this flooded area, and I was out of options. Flame me if you will, but please leave some advice while you do so
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 12:11 AM
  #2  
ZephyrAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
If you have full coverage your INS company will cover because it was unavoidable.

If you claim it, it may be noted as water damage on carfax.

If you got water into engine or exhaust system, you will need service to clean and flush out, usually without mush long term luck. That kind of damage is super iffy...

Call tomorrow and good luck. Hope all is ok...
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 04:30 AM
  #3  
MB_Forever's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Comprehensive insurance should be able to cover it, but the car's resale value will be shot. You may want to get a diagnosis from the dealer before creating a claim with the insurance company. If the damage is not too big, it maybe better to fix it privately through the dealer instead of going through the insurance company.
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 09:18 AM
  #4  
Militia's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
C63
Thanks for the input guys. It has been about twelve hours, and I just tried turning the car on. It turned on like it would normally, but the maintenance light was on, and the white smoke was still present from the exhaust. So perhaps it's good news that the engine still has power, and maybe this will better help understand what possibly occurred; any clue as to what might have happened?

I was browsing around the forums and this has happened to a few other W-204's. Is this a design flaw, or do I eat all the blame here? Anyway, I'll be getting it towed to the dealer as soon as they open!
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 03:01 PM
  #5  
Militia's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
C63


Has been towed to the dealership, but the earliest I will hear from them will be Monday.

What's the worst that can happen?
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 03:29 PM
  #6  
alqamzi's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
From: denver,CO
2009 c63, 2011 GT500
Hope it get fixed...
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 03:47 PM
  #7  
ZephyrAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
The worst? The car could slide off the tow truck. You asked and I told you. I'm sure it will all get fixed. Don't sweat it.
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 04:24 PM
  #8  
ruthless's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
pontiac firefly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5b1F...ext=1&index=18

The worst that can happen Skip to 3:12

maybe water got into the exhaust and thats what the white smoke is??
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-4

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 15, 2010 | 04:24 PM
  #9  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
I'm no expert in these matters but I assume the white smoke is steam from water being boiled off that has entered your exhaust system. The fact that it starts and runs normally is a great thing. If it were mine I'd have the oil changed and then drive it until the exhaust looks totally normal, and then for maybe an hour beyond that. I'd certainly get on the dealer to do what they have to do ASAP and then take it out for the day.
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 04:27 PM
  #10  
ZephyrAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
Originally Posted by ruthless
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5b1F...ext=1&index=18

The worst that can happen Skip to 3:12

maybe water got into the exhaust and thats what the white smoke is??

Thank you. Exactly what I meant...
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 04:43 PM
  #11  
avengerboater's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
C63 AMG
Youch! So sorry about your situation! Hope it gets fixed and running soon.
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 08:09 PM
  #12  
soldier2304's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 2
From: Miami, FL
C63 AMG(sold), 2009 CL550, 2010 S550 Majestic Black, 2010 ML550, 2006 C230, 2009 Venza
Get ready as i will not be surprised that even if your car doesn't have anything serious, and maybe only requires like an oil change and some miles to get that water out of the engine, the dealer might still "make up" problems to charge you money and who knows they might even invent issues with the engine (which dont exist) just to charge you out of your pocket. Right now they have you in their hands. Good luck I'm pretty sure it's nothing serious.
Reply
Old May 15, 2010 | 09:50 PM
  #13  
betrezra's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 68
From: Texas
C63 507 AMG DA Car #19
$

Probably OK... I bet the white smoke is steam from the water in the rear muffs....... prob no big deal at all. If you injested water and something catastrophic happened it would have already occurred.......

Dealer should give you pc of mind.
Reply
Old May 16, 2010 | 06:27 AM
  #14  
AMGC43C55's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: santa monica
99C43 05C55 06slk55
Originally Posted by soldier2304
Get ready as i will not be surprised that even if your car doesn't have anything serious, and maybe only requires like an oil change and some miles to get that water out of the engine, the dealer might still "make up" problems to charge you money and who knows they might even invent issues with the engine (which dont exist) just to charge you out of your pocket. Right now they have you in their hands. Good luck I'm pretty sure it's nothing serious.
Reply
Old May 16, 2010 | 12:29 PM
  #15  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by AMGC43C55
Not at all. Actually I wouldn't expect the typical dealer to want to release the car w/o some expensive "diagnostic/corrective" labor charges in a situation like this, whether justified or not. If it were mine I might want to have service drop all the underbody trays and take a good look for myself at what components might be at risk.
Reply
Old May 16, 2010 | 07:38 PM
  #16  
lomita's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
Originally Posted by Militia
Sigh. I was on the way from my office, and I encountered a flooded intersection, so I took a detour hoping to avoid having to go through such high water. I ended up getting stuck again, this time without a way out.. so my car started to shake drastically, and I pushed a little harder to clear safely. I ended up pulling on the closest driveway I could find, and rang up a friend to come get me. Before leaving, I decided to ring the homeowner's bell, and the lady ended up calling the cops on me. I was in a suit, but anyway.. I don't blame her. The police officer asked me to move the car from her driveway, so when the water cleared up, I drove it 10 mph for a few blocks to park it at a friend's place. This entire time, the engine felt as if it were shaking/knocking, with white smoke coming out from the exhaust & my headlights had also turned off. Also, the "grill" (I don't know the appropriate name) that's beneath the engine, is a little bent open. Although, that looks like it could just be clipped back in place.

I'm going to call my insurance tomorrow and get it towed to the dealership. Anyone else experience anything similar? The water honestly wasn't too high, as I chose that detour to avoid having to drive through flooded water in the first place. I'm a very anxious, so I was hoping I could get some feedback, or any past stories. Will insurance cover it (full coverage)? What probably occurred? Are there any other alternatives to try and clear the water out myself?

I've been in much worse situations and have gotten out without a scratch. I did not intentionally drive into this flooded area, and I was out of options. Flame me if you will, but please leave some advice while you do so

Change all your fluids, ie, engine, tranny, differential oil. If everything is working, and running smooth, shine all that diagnostic crap. Check your engine air filter. Might be a good time to throw away the paper element and switch to nice cotton filters. Clip your splash guard back in place under the vehicle.

Hope your air conditioning system didn't pump any water into the interior. Are the windows fogging on the inside when the car sits for awhile? Run an air purifier, ie, ( http://www.alpineairtechnologies.com/ ) to kill any mold for a minimum of half an hour with the windows up. Then if any fogging is still occuring on the interior, make sure to open the car up and get thoroughly dried out.

Don't sweat it. This vehicle was designed to get wet, just not forge rivers!

Now, for my own past story, went through some water in a Mazda B2000 little pickup truck. Water was up to the top of the raditor, just below the hood. I pumped water right into the cab via the heater fan. Engine ran like crap with half a cup of water under the distributor cap, but kept on running. The manual transmission oil and differential oil, when I dumped it, looked like grey liquid clay, about the consistency of a milkshake. Changed all the fluids and emptied and dried the distributor/cap. Was back in business after the great dry out.

Good luck!
Reply
Old May 17, 2010 | 04:19 PM
  #17  
Militia's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
C63
They finished diagnosing the car, and these are the part I need:

*Head lights
*Fog lights
*HID Ballast Control Unit
*Throttle Bodies
*Splash Guard
*Oil filter
*Air filter

And as suggested, I also asked them to change all the fluids. The parts & labor will cost a few hundred less than 10k, so I'm just going to pay for it from my pocket. They did however say that it's a preliminary estimate, and that they might discover other problems upon replacement of everything listed.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to respond! You guys were very helpful, and I definitely needed it.

I'll update once I get my car back (probably not until next week)
Reply
Old May 17, 2010 | 05:02 PM
  #18  
ZephyrAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
Nice to hear. But also remember what soldier said about now they have your car, you are distrought and they can start making stuff up. Look into whether you really do need a new splash gaurd and fog lights, head lights, throttle bodies..etc ( I am not sure how deep you were in but these parts needing to ne replaced...seriously???). I can understand filters but act like you are paying attention.

Last edited by ZephyrAMG; May 17, 2010 at 05:04 PM.
Reply
Old May 17, 2010 | 07:47 PM
  #19  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
Possibly too many parts. Throttle bodies...I don't think so. Any light housing that has gotten wet internally but is not cracked should be OK...I would remove the housing, take the bulbs out and rinse it out with distilled water. Sorry, I'm not buying that list but then again I haven't seen the car, but good luck.
Reply
Old May 17, 2010 | 08:11 PM
  #20  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
I might spray the inside of the throttle body with MAFS cleaner. Perhaps someone has a better idea...and get the used parts back!

Last edited by bhamg; May 17, 2010 at 09:08 PM.
Reply
Old May 18, 2010 | 01:24 AM
  #21  
avengerboater's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
C63 AMG
Throttle body? Seriously? How deep was the water?

Sorry to hear that it'll cost you $10k, or possibly more from what the dealer is prefacing.
Reply
Old May 18, 2010 | 06:18 AM
  #22  
MB_Forever's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
$10k in repairs
Reply
Old May 18, 2010 | 09:38 AM
  #23  
iatacs19's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Washington DC
axe muderer with headlights
If the engine did take in water and tried to compress it, wouldn't it bend the valves and cause internal engine damage?
Reply
Old May 18, 2010 | 09:51 AM
  #24  
emericr's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 170
From: Naples FL
2021 Porsche TTS
I am sorry but something is not adding up. First let me state we all feel bad for what happened to you. However, from reading your original post, I will venture to say that most of us thought you went thru a spot that may have about 1 foot of water for a very short period of time, therefore the answers above that it should be fine.
From the parts that the dealer wants to replace, it would mean that your headlights were flooded and that would mean about 2 feet of water for a prolonged period. That is serious underwater driving...
So either your dealer is taking it safe (changing every possible part and charging you dearly for it) or we are not getting the full story.
Regarding the headlights, it should be obvious to see if they are still working or not and if there is water inside of them.
I would pay a visit to the dealer and ask to inspect every part they mention. Since it appears your car can run after the fluids are changed, then I would hold on all the parts they want to change and get a second opinion from a reputable electric shop.
Reply
Old May 18, 2010 | 01:57 PM
  #25  
black-clk500's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
'14 911S (garage queen) '13 X3 (family hauler)
+1
Originally Posted by emericr
I would pay a visit to the dealer and ask to inspect every part they mention. Since it appears your car can run after the fluids are changed, then I would hold on all the parts they want to change and get a second opinion from a reputable electric shop.


Also, I know it's not good to have a flood registered on carfax, but $10K+ out of pocket when factored later on when you trade the thing in, it might make more sense to call the ins.
I mean if you keep this thing 3-4 years, you might get $30K for it tops when trading it in, so would the flood title make the car worth less than $20K--I don't know, but I'd sure find out.
Not to mention if the engine is damaged at all cha-ching, I'd have my ins. on speed dial!
Also, if you're leasing it, which I'm assuming not, would the flood title be your problem?

You could always leave the keys in it at your local movie theater, hint, hint

Either way, sorry man that totally sucks a$$

Last edited by black-clk500; May 18, 2010 at 02:00 PM.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:14 PM.

story-0
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 bring a new-generation V8, subtle design revisions, and familiar supercar-rivaling performance figures.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-17 12:52:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-2
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-3
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-5
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-7
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE