Odor in '03 E320 after rain or car wash

Apr 18, 2007 | 11:49 PM

mdreef

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 142

Likes: 5

From: Houston

2020 E450 Coupe, 2022 Porsche Macan, 2001 Porsche 911

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!

Apr 19, 2007 | 12:27 AM

tlbeedy

Member

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 132

Likes: 0

From: Kansas City

2007 E350 Sport Obsidian Black & 2005 Cadillac Escalade

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; Apr 19, 2007 at 12:31 AM.

Apr 19, 2007 | 01:10 AM

ProV1

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 1,461

Likes: 1

From: Baltimore MD

MB, BMW

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?

Apr 19, 2007 | 11:23 AM

AMGTTV8

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,028

Likes: 7

From: Orlando, FL

2026 AMG GT63 Pro

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdreef

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.

Apr 19, 2007 | 11:25 AM

Kar don

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 5,640

Likes: 11

From: GMT -8 hours

Mercedes-Benz

carpet near trans. tunnel, check that.... there was a TSB on it if my memory serves me correctly.

Apr 19, 2007 | 03:55 PM

whitewagon

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 475

Likes: 149

From: Florida

Aston Martin Vantage, GLE 43 AMG, Volvo XC60, BMW X1 35i, Ram 1500, BMW Z4 35i

have you changed your cabin filters...? I had a problem with a BMW that was traced back to the cabin air filter...

Apr 19, 2007 | 05:11 PM

konigstiger

Out Of Control!!

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 15,901

Likes: 4,632

From: North Scottsdale, AZ

'71 Pinto

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdreef

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.