M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

My 2000 ML320 Sunroof Drain Pipe leak problem

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Old Aug 29, 2014 | 04:50 AM
  #1  
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2000 ML32 w163
Thumbs up My 2000 ML320 Sunroof Drain Pipe leak problem

Hello every one,
I truly feel privileged writing my first ever thread because I know there is a lot of support and care here...feels good.

My car - 2000 ML320
Problem - Noticed the floor on the drivers side flooded with water after a good weeks downpour here in Sydney.

This is what I did to clean the Drain Pipe on the drivers side

I knew it was due to the sunroof drain pipes so I went to bunnings and got a 1.8m drain cleaning coil.
The coil went all the way through to 1.3m and it did come out with quite a bit of mud.
Then I a cup of boiling hot water down the hole and used the coil again..which actually went it its full length of 1.8...and I repeated this process 2 more time until the coil came out clean.

However after pouring down 3 cups of water, there was no water coming out anywhere under or side of the car.

I checked the carpet and it was warm...so I knew the problem hasnt been resolved and the water is not flowing through completely out

Confusion
I have no idea where the drain pipes are supposed to come out...no idea if its below the car or inside the the panel because there is no indication of a pipe coming out in the side of the door hinges.

More confusion.
Please check my photo.
I have no idea what that plastic thing is however thats where all the water is coming out from.
How do I remove/unplug this plastic...and if I can, what do I do next.
Is this like a sump or a hole that I can further clean with my drain cleaning coil...





How do I stop this water from flowing inside to its normal, outside.
I have read a lot about removing a panel below the dashboard to access the drain pipe gummet. Can any one guide me where and how to remove this panel.


Please help
Thanks in advance

Last edited by SamML; Aug 29, 2014 at 05:56 AM.
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Old Aug 30, 2014 | 08:48 PM
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2000 ML32 w163
Can any one help me...
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 06:18 PM
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I hope you didn't accidentally pushed the drain tubes apart from its connections. The drain tubes goes out to the side of the fenders closest to the door mount. Have you searched this forum? You can search Benzworld.org start with "A-Pillar" as search keyword.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ater-leak.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...oose-help.html
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 08:40 PM
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2000 ML32 w163
Thank you for the reply.
yes I had a look at those post before posting this tread.

The drain cleaner coil goes all the way to 1.8m of it when pushed down from the sunroof entry point and does bring back some mud with it on exit so I am guessing the drain pipe is not disconnected however what I will need to do is remove the tire well cover and reach check the exit of the drain pipe..suspecting it has sunk into the panel, which is what is flooding with water and leaking.

I will have a go this weekend and let you know.

Thanks heaps again.
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Old Sep 9, 2014 | 10:46 PM
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2000 ML32 w163
I have tried to remove the tire well however it has not bee easy..the 4 nuts came off easy however the well plastic doesnt even budge.

I am sure the end of the drain pipe is dislodged from this hold on the panel however I cannot even get close to it.

Does any one have any idea how to get to the drain pipe end - any diagrams, photos or details to remove the tire well plastic.

Please help as my floor board floods up every time it rains.
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 08:13 AM
  #6  
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You failed to mention where that plug is located, but you might have to remove the fender to see if the drain hose has recessed into the interior. Click on the links below for removal of the fender liner and headlamp.


https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post5217194

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post5224836
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
R&I Fender.pdf (40.5 KB, 784 views)
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 10:17 AM
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2000 ML32 w163
Thank you for the details.
I didnt know I had to remove the fenders...the instructions do help out.

I will try it out this weekend and see how it goes....or else just take it down to the mechanic on my next service and hope it doesn't rain until then.

Thanks again.
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Old Sep 12, 2014 | 05:21 AM
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Originally Posted by SamML
Thank you for the details.
I didnt know I had to remove the fenders...the instructions do help out.

I will try it out this weekend and see how it goes....or else just take it down to the mechanic on my next service and hope it doesn't rain until then.

Thanks again.
You just have to remove the fender on the side it is leaking. It's very easy to do.

Where is this plug located in the photo you posted?
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Old Sep 12, 2014 | 12:43 PM
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That looks like the kickdown switch......The accelerator pedal shows on the picture as well
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Old Dec 31, 2022 | 05:14 PM
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ML 320
Drain plugs

There are exterior plugs under the front fender, does the water drain into that? It's pouring here in SF and this is a wet problem!!!
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Old Jan 8, 2023 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Augustm
There are exterior plugs under the front fender, does the water drain into that? It's pouring here in SF and this is a wet problem!!!
My 2000 ML320 in SF....has same problem....water is leaking into passenger footwell after the downpours....for now, I just put a car cover on the ML, when parked, but will have to address this problem long term.
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