Dear all,

After every rain and car wash I notice that there is water in the track system for the sunroof. I realize there are drains designed to allow the water to drain, but I would think that these are there "in case" the sunroof leaks.

Is it normal to have water in the track or should I be concerned? I would prefer if no water came into the car at all...Do you have any Tips? Do my seals need to be replaced?

I have an 03 E320 that is now out of warranty since July, and extended warranty does not cover gaskets and seals...

Thanks for your input!

 

The sunroof isn't water tight so small amount of water leak pass and over time more will make through. However, cleaning and lubricating the rubber gasket helps it to stay flexible therefore have a better seal. However, the drains are design to drain any water that get pass the gasket. so if its wet in there that's fine. However is water is over flowing in the the cockpit then you have a clogged drain. When I took my car in for service a few months ago. they did a recall on the drains. I'm not sure why.

 

As mentioned water entry is normal and this is why there is water drain gutter at the rear of the sunroof. However, if water leakage is ever experienced from the front or side of the roof this may be caused by the seal not being sufficiently compressed in which case DTB P-B-77.10/24c JUN07 should be mentioned and goodwill repair requested since you are out of warranty.

FYI: This DTB also applies for any owners experiencing a rattle noise with the sunroof tilted up at high speed which is caused by contact between the water drain gutter and tilting brackets. The water drain gutter will be properly adjusted.

 

Thanks, this makes me feel better! so should I contact MB Dealer and simply mention DTB P-B-77.10/24c JUN07 as a "service campain"? what would be the correct terminology when talking to MB?

 

If you are actually experiencing leakage into the cabin from the sunroof mention bulletin P-B-77.10/24c to the Service Advisor (SA) at the dealership. It would normally be honored under warranty however, depending upon dealer cooperation it may justify a cost free repair since you are only one month or so out of initial warranty (i.e.: goodwill repair).

Whether or not you are experiencing interior leakage you can call any MB dealership to see if the service campaign applies to your 211.065 (e320) also ask if there are any outstanding recalls or service campaigns pending. Note recalls and service campaigns never expire and are honored out of warranty.

Service Campaign 2007010002 JAN07 the water drains located in the front wheel housings, passages will be cleared. 211.065 VIN range listed: A014562 – A725376, X097857 – X116123 however, have the dealer check VMI (Vehicle Mastery Index) to confirm if your vehicle is included.

 

I just joined and would like to know more about these service campaigns being mentioned. I to have been experienceing leaking into the interior cabin front passenger side when it rains. Called the dealership and they stated how to check for leaks, but mentioned nothing about service campaigns, thanks.

 

Request that your SA run your VIN in VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) and this will tell you/him if there are any outstanding service campaigns and/or recalls for your vehicle.

 

Sorry to post here...I looked in all of the w203 sights I could...and my WIS shows images of w211 sunroofs...not w203 units...

Dealer changed the outer felt seal that was wearing in December....There has been two times since, that our 2005 C-Class has been out in "hard" rain...and it has leaked from the passenger / front corner of the sunroof.

I tried to clear the drains with a very thin, hard plastic tube, I could only insert the 3/32 tubing about 10" in before I felt resistance...did not want to upset the drain...went to driver side to "feel" if it was the same...it was.

Thing is, there was NO issue before the Dealer changed the felts...

I am wondering TWO things...
1.) If they had to remove the sunroof glass ONLY to change the perimeter body felt, could they do that without pulling any part of the headliner?

My reason for this thought is that the sunroof - upon reinstallation, maybe out of perfect alignment, thus causing a small leak...

2.) How would I go about checking and maintain the drains / how can I clear them / ensure they are clear....I have "Tested" this corner with 1/2 gallon or more of water and found no leak, or water intrusion between the sunroof rubber edge, and the body felt...at a loss...

I have checked WIS, found no real aid for maintenance, but did see the above mentioned STAR Bulletin for leaks and rattles…

Here is an image of the TSBs I provided…and the image of the roof felt (now wishing it was never touched)…

And here is the reply from my SA…back in 12/09
”The bulletin however, he said it more of a technician reference for aiding in the diagnosis process. If it were a recall or campaign he would be able to contact the factory”

When clearly the TSB talks of LEAKS and RATTLES…

Thanks,
Jake

 

Bulletin documents remedy instructing tech to install butyl cord to roof frame. MBUSA covers repair for one year/unlimited mileage therefore dealer should revisit at no cost given your 12/09 conversation. PM email address if you want a copy of the DTB to support claim.

 

Looking into this...it seems like the headliner needs to come down...would this be true!?!?!

I am hoping that the sunroof is just aligned improperly, after the Dealership replaced the body seal...They mentioned that the whole glass section needed to be removed from the body...it looks to me that it is misaligned...it seems like the whole glass section needs to be forward a few millimeters. Could it be that I just need it to be PROPERLY aligned?

Again...I never had an issue before the Dealership replaced the body seal...

Thank you!

 

Well, it has been raining pretty steadily here in the North East, and once again the w203 leaked after being outside for a few hours.

This is the third time, and I am going to call my Dealer.

I will contact you konigstiger for any and all information I can use to arm myself with a healthy discussion to remedy this situation. I want them to remedy their work and warranty the work the Dealer did, I feel the Dealer will want to claim no warranty on Dealer work / Repair - and the car is out of OEM Warranty.

I placed a piece of electrical tape along the front seam of the seal, near the windshield and found it tilted down. The leading edge of the sunroof is very low of the body shell and water beaded and formed a puddle onto the electrical tape "seal" I created to test water flow and alignment...it seems the sunroof assembly is out of alignment...We shall see what else we need.

Do you suggest, per WIS, that I would need the "install butyl cord to roof frame" as a solid LONG TERM PERMINANT REPAIR...I mean shoot - my 31 year old w123 does not leak!

 

Our law firm has been contacted by numerous W-211 owners who have sustained damage to their vehicles as a result of these clogged drains. The problem is that owners are not made aware of these drains or the need to clean them until after it is usually too late. If your vehicle sustained water damage as a result of these clogged drains, please contact us at sunroofdrain-lawsuit.com as we may be able to help.