VII

Due to recent questions and the abundance of floods here is what you need to know about your car and crossing water. This information is applicable in general to all vehicles but the particulars and details are for MBs and specifically w211s.

Crossing water should be a last resort, it is impossible to tell water height without reference points and current can be hard to asses. Vehicles can be easily swept by currents due to their partial buoyancy and the amount of force exerted by running water against the side of a car. I would personally only cross water after seeing another vehicle through.


You can cross water at half a wheel high (no current) without worrying about consequences.
The maximum water height (no current) you can cross is determined by the engine air intake. In the case of the w211 that is about half headlight level.
Cross water at a low constant speed with the vehicle in first gear, DO NOT stop and avoid sudden changes in engine speed to prevent water entering the exhaust.
TIP: Remove the cold air intake tubes, this gives you additional height and helps prevent water intake from waves created by other vehicles.
NOTE: If water enters the intake the engine will stop and you will now be stranded in water, also at this point the engine has suffered catastrophic damage and will need to be replaced.
For MBs water will not enter the cabin until it covers most of the hood.

Service after the fact
1. Remove steering rack boots, drain and dry
2. Remove fog lights, drain and dry
For exposures of more than a couple of minutes at high levels
3. Change differential oil
4. Change transmission oil

kajtek1

I wish it was that easy. I killed the engine in Las Vegas, crossing about 5" of water.
Turns out the face-lifted car spoiler is lifting the water and even at 3 mph I had water piling up the hood, what made the engine suck some of it.
I was able to restart the engine, but with bent rod it was shaking and after 2000 miles broke the rod.
W212 do have air intake right under the hood, so I wonder if I wasn't the only W211 owner having the problem.
So if you have to cross the water, barely roll the car.

Sleeper Benz

Car parts for sale soon...cheap!

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Wodeshed

Why do you have to change trans and diff fluid? Those should be sealed systems.

kajtek1

The are sealed maintenance-wise.
They are also water splash-proof, but they are not rated for scuba-diving.