E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Odor in '03 E320 after rain or car wash

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Old 04-18-2007, 11:49 PM
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Odor in '03 E320 after rain or car wash

Folks I need your help! any of you aware of any problems relating to water leaks? I have noticed a strange odor after it rains or after I get a car wash. This is extremely anoying and disturbing, as it is one of the main reasons that I got rid of my American car! I have looked at all of the door and trunk seals and they all look tight. The sliding roof chanels have areas for water to drain, so I'm really "stumped"

Thanks in advance for any help!
Old 04-19-2007, 12:27 AM
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Check the area under the spare tire. I had this issue on a 1999 Cadillac Seville I had. Even though the trunk seals appeared to be ok, water was still managing to build up under the spare tire. I tried every thing & had no luck. I was constantly drying it out in order to prevent that Horrible Rotten Odor. Hopefully someone else has some ideas.

Last edited by tlbeedy; 04-19-2007 at 12:31 AM.
Old 04-19-2007, 01:10 AM
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this is an extremely alarming issue, one you should take care of immediately. that standing trapped water can do some major damage other than the foul odor. your frame can start to rust and it can ruin the electronics.

bodyshops have tools that can detect trapped water using sonar technology. get it inspected asap!! was the car in a major accident b4?
Old 04-19-2007, 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by mdreef
Folks I need your help! any of you aware of any problems relating to water leaks? I have noticed a strange odor after it rains or after I get a car wash. This is extremely anoying and disturbing, as it is one of the main reasons that I got rid of my American car! I have looked at all of the door and trunk seals and they all look tight. The sliding roof chanels have areas for water to drain, so I'm really "stumped"

Thanks in advance for any help!
I've had similar issues in the past....its probably due to condensation in the air ducts..they tend to get really dusty and dirty over time, and with humidity due to driving in rain it can cause the air to smell before it hits the cabin as it passes the dirty, potentially moldy residue that is created over time. Smoking in a car also causes this similar problem, causing 'funky' odors to come out of the ducts.
Old 04-19-2007, 11:25 AM
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carpet near trans. tunnel, check that.... there was a TSB on it if my memory serves me correctly.
Old 04-19-2007, 03:55 PM
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have you changed your cabin filters...? I had a problem with a BMW that was traced back to the cabin air filter...
Old 04-19-2007, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by mdreef
Folks I need your help! any of you aware of any problems relating to water leaks? I have noticed a strange odor after it rains or after I get a car wash. This is extremely anoying and disturbing, as it is one of the main reasons that I got rid of my American car! I have looked at all of the door and trunk seals and they all look tight. The sliding roof chanels have areas for water to drain, so I'm really "stumped" Thanks in advance for any help!
Mention:

Service Campaign 2007010002 JAN07 Remove front wheel housing water drain nozzles if present and clear water drain passages. (e320 VIN range: A014562 – A725376 and X097857 – X116123) Have the dealer check VMI to see if your vehicle is included.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/145960-w211-recalls.html (post 41)

DTB P-B-62.00/03b APR03 – Water entry into the fuse box and/or front footwell up to VIN A097230. A block drain valve on either the fuse box (driver side SAM) or the passenger side cowl drain may cause water to enter the vehicle interior. Drain valve(s) will be removed and discarded.

DTB P-B-83.30/74f MAR07 – Air conditioning musty/moldy odor complaints. The evaporator will be cleaned and all filters replaced (i.e.: climate system, dust filter, combination filter and active carbon filter if applicable). If after three months the system continues to emit odor, a new slanted heater box bottom (part # A211 830 22 03) and coated evaporator (A211 830 07 58) will be installed. Coated evaporator entered production as of VIN A675828 and X171590.
Old 11-13-2010, 03:06 PM
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regarding s class
Water leak in E Class

The Law Office of Robert L. Starr is investigating complaints of water leaking into the footwell of W211 E Class Mercedes vehicles. If you have any information regarding this condition, and you are willing to provide this information, please either email Robert L. Starr at starresq@hotmail.com, or call 818-225-9040, and leave a message for Robert Starr.

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