Pete Fuller

Hi MB enthusiasts

​​​​​​My car now leaks to the passenger floor after a car wash. Here are the photos to help provide a diagnosos.

DFWdude

The owner's manual specifically says to turn off the climate control system BEFORE taking it through a carwash...

thefisch

Also, I would check the drains inside that removable cowl with some water (while out of the car) to see if they are clogged.

gcssat

I don't turn it off, but put it on recirculate mode. This closes the fresh air door and diverts the water.

armysoldier1073

It's more than likely, as mentioned earlier, one of your drains is clogged. Sometimes leaves can get caught up in there. You can use pressure in most of drains to forcibly clean then out, provided you can see or reach them.

Pete Fuller

Should I replace the cover since the gasket is basically useless

Pete Fuller

Should I replace the cover since the gasket is basically useless

El Cid

This probably does not work. While my manual provides this as the procedure, it doesn't work if the car is turned off and then started again. For example: you set it on recirc, drive car to where attendants do interior, etc., turn it off and get out. At that point, M-B's design causes the recirc to revert to outside air. Or maybe when it is started again. Regardless, when it goes into car wash, it is probably back on outside air.
I checked with technical people at MBUSA when I noticed this and they said to turn it OFF. That is supposed to shut the doors or whatever.

When I get mine washed, this is almost as infuriating as the stupid auto Park feature when you open the door. Don't know if M-B still does this, but I have a sheet in my car in case the attendant doesn't know how to place it in Neutral and then exit the car without it going back into Park. Most do know, but not all.
I have notes on top of sheet to remind me to turn HVAC Off and turn auto wipers Off.