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Just got the recall notice today. Interestingly, it says what they'll do to address water ALREADY INSIDE the car but not how they'll STOP the water from coming in!
Honestly doesn't seem like a solution so much as a work-around, and there's an adblue tank under my spare tire wheel well. Don't much care to have water going into or plumbed through there.
WTF Mercedes???
To add: I just called MB of SLC to get some AEM warranty work done. While the car is there, I'm going to have them do the recall. The hole and plug they install won't be in the way of the DEF system, but they sure couldn't answer my question of "where is the water coming from?". When the SA calls me back I'll try to find out how they plan to keep the drilled hole rust free.
..., but they sure couldn't answer my question of "where is the water coming from?". When the SA calls me back I'll try to find out how they plan to keep the drilled hole rust free.
I do not think MB HQ will share any knowledge of the source of the water (which I believe is from nearly every possible joint, gasket, internal (washer fluid) ). MB has its hands full with the M274 engine lawsuit in progress, the rear frame rust mess with the C, CLS, E, GLK, SLK classes from @2005-2017, and this one is just a patch to avoid a full-blown recall where everyone may request a real ($$) repair.
At least the W166 does not have the rear frame rust problem where the frame can break off its attachments to the body.
If you know anyone (family or friends) driving any of those affected cars, you should point that out. Some people only noticed when the car does not brake straight. By then, it is likely a side is already partially loose. Worth being informed, in particular those living in the rust belt.
Just got my official recall notice (U.S.) in mail. Still concerned about drilling thru body and subsequent rust.
. Is it worth opening Pandora's box without knowing where the water comes from?
As mentioned in a previous post, I would question any unneeded work just for the sake of it. Perhaps the issue is a quality assembly issue, and something like Monday and Friday cars may have problems, but not every single one of them. Say a mechanic disassembles a few parts in the rear, and an honest mistake putting them back together creates a leak that was not there. Will we associate it with a water leak failure on electronic components 9 months later? I am puzzled about this one as well.
Just got the recall notice today. Interestingly, it says what they'll do to address water ALREADY INSIDE the car but not how they'll STOP the water from coming in!
Honestly doesn't seem like a solution so much as a work-around, and there's an adblue tank under my spare tire wheel well. Don't much care to have water going into or plumbed through there.
WTF Mercedes???
Originally Posted by rapidoxidation
To add: I just called MB of SLC to get some AEM warranty work done. While the car is there, I'm going to have them do the recall. The hole and plug they install won't be in the way of the DEF system, but they sure couldn't answer my question of "where is the water coming from?". When the SA calls me back I'll try to find out how they plan to keep the drilled hole rust free.
Originally Posted by Leetom
Just got my official recall notice (U.S.) in mail. Still concerned about drilling thru body and subsequent rust.
Originally Posted by juanmor40
. Is it worth opening Pandora's box without knowing where the water comes from?
As mentioned in a previous post, I would question any unneeded work just for the sake of it. Perhaps the issue is a quality assembly issue, and something like Monday and Friday cars may have problems, but not every single one of them. Say a mechanic disassembles a few parts in the rear, and an honest mistake putting them back together creates a leak that was not there. Will we associate it with a water leak failure on electronic components 9 months later? I am puzzled about this one as well.
^ This.
The water can come in through any number of points around the rear lift gate or tail lights where the rubber has gotten hard and they no longer perfectly seal against the rest of the body. Their fix is "we'll drill a hole so any water that potentially comes in will drain instead of pooling", but as you have already suggested, for some of us that simply creates more issues than it solves (rust around the hole, bugs that might find it nice and warm in there, etc). It's a proactive knee-jerk reaction to preempt a frivolous lawsuit because someone could foreseeably let so much water accumulate that it could slosh around and short out various electrics. Franky, I think it's a genius "F U" move by Merc's lawyers and execs... I can't help but admire both the preemptive strike and the solution itself.
I just received notice as well for my 2014 Bluetec ML350. My wheelwheel is thankfully dry (my carpet is pulled I store a full size wheel there). BUT, during rain yesterday, I opened the rear hatch, there seemed to be an unusually large amount of water draining from the hatch door. As I partially closed the door, the water was continuing to drain but now around and through the lock and close red electrical switches :-( Guess I'm going to need to check the hatch seals on the lift gate...
Had the recall done. The tech removed an existing grommet and replaced it with a grommet that has a drain hole molded in. I asked him if he'd ever seen water in the area in any car he's worked on and he said no. If I get ambitious this weekend I'll pull the spare tire and take a pic to post.
Glad 2 know no drilling. I pulled a couple of mine off from underneith and replaced just to see if any water (hard to get to from spare tire well due to airmatic tank and plumbing in the way under the spare), and nothin. Did he do it from above, or below? Not sure I want them messing with my airmatic to get to it.
It's a pretty straightforward recall action. It looks like the grommet they replace with a drain grommet (a one-way valve with a diaphragm built into it) resides in the lowest point in the spare tire well. See post 15 photos...
I will strongly suggest that you check the work performed only to be sure that all panel retainers were put back in place. I'm currently missing the screw that holds the center of the tailgate trim and one rivet that holds the spare tire molded carpet in place.
**** me. This is why we do our own work, isn't it?
Last edited by rapidoxidation; Mar 31, 2023 at 07:11 PM.
There are like 3 low spots back there with grommets, they only replace one? Each has its own well (see pics someone posted earlier in this thread) so Id suspect if you had the water problem, the other 2 would fill up still. Also, the tire well itself appears to be lower than the rear wells with grommets, yet it doesnt have a drain or grommet?
I haven't inspected the work but they replaced the fuel controller since I had some intermittent issues with start up errors that would go away after restart and they found signs of water intrusion and FSCU stored errors. The issues seems to be gone at this point but since they were quite intermittent not sure if they are truly gone.
We had this repair done several weeks ago on our 2013 350ML Bluetec. Lots of rain in So Cal. After the repair, we heard some water sloshing when we turned or braked hard. Car was towed to dealer where they found water damage on left and right sides.
Anyone else have an issue AFTER the repair?
There were dashboard errors on startup (ESP off) and sometimes this was accompanied by high RPMs. The errors would go away after switching off the ignition and back on though CEL would be on for a while before going away. Checking with diagnosis revealed some fuel controller errors. Something to the effect of "Implausible signal received from FSCU". Don't have the exact error codes as they were cleared when FSCU was replaced.
If this can happen to the ML, why would it not affect the 166 GL? My previous 164 GL was totaled due to water intrusion.
I’m trying to figure out this same thing. The GL should be included.
I had water intrusion once causing the countdown to start but went from 3 starts to none and I ended up being stranded with 2 kids in another state. Vehicle was towed 62 miles to Mercedes. I waited until the next day so I could get my own rental vehicle to make it back home (500 miles away from where the breakdown occurred) Dealership had my car for a month while fixing it. Repair cost was 1500 for the ad blu module and pin connector. The cost was not covered under the AEM WARRANTY class action lawsuit because of it being water damage.
Now for a second time I have water intrusion. The countdown started. I took the vehicle to Mercedes. This time they sent me a bill for 20000 for water accumulation disabling the ad blu module again and they are saying the wiring harness needs replaced and to turn it into my insurance.
I contacted insurance company (progressive). I have full coverage. They are stating water intrusion causing mechanical issue is not a covered issue.
I went to Mercedes picked up my vehicle while it had one restart left and now my GL 350 has been sitting in my driveway for almost 3 months and can’t start.
Mercedes should be liable for this models water issue as well and not have all these people getting their vehicles totaled through their insurance companies.
I’m trying to figure out this same thing. The GL should be included.
I had water intrusion once causing the countdown to start but went from 3 starts to none and I ended up being stranded with 2 kids in another state. Vehicle was towed 62 miles to Mercedes. I waited until the next day so I could get my own rental vehicle to make it back home (500 miles away from where the breakdown occurred) Dealership had my car for a month while fixing it. Repair cost was 1500 for the ad blu module and pin connector. The cost was not covered under the AEM WARRANTY class action lawsuit because of it being water damage.
Now for a second time I have water intrusion. The countdown started. I took the vehicle to Mercedes. This time they sent me a bill for 20000 for water accumulation disabling the ad blu module again and they are saying the wiring harness needs replaced and to turn it into my insurance.
I contacted insurance company (progressive). I have full coverage. They are stating water intrusion causing mechanical issue is not a covered issue.
I went to Mercedes picked up my vehicle while it had one restart left and now my GL 350 has been sitting in my driveway for almost 3 months and can’t start.
Mercedes should be liable for this models water issue as well and not have all these people getting their vehicles totaled through their insurance companies.
The "starts remaining" countdown has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the water intrusion recall in the rear of the ML... it has nothing to do with water, period.
Even the AEM does not address anything that can cause the starts remaining countdown. That's on you and you alone to fix. And, you're obviously also clueless about how auto insurance works or what constitutes a totaled car.
The "starts remaining" countdown has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the water intrusion recall in the rear of the ML... it has nothing to do with water, period.
Even the AEM does not address anything that can cause the starts remaining countdown. That's on you and you alone to fix. And, you're obviously also clueless about how auto insurance works or what constitutes a totaled car.
The photo is from the video the Mercedes mechanic sent me of the water and his hand is right above the ad blu control module.
I appreciate your input but the starts remaining most certainly has to do with the water intrusion.
Water intrusion into the spare wheel well in gas vehicles is damaging the fuel pump component that is housed there. In a diesel vehicle it is the ad blu control module that is housed in that area.
When the water damage first occurs the component isn’t communicating correctly and the countdown comes on. Regardless of the ad blu amount you add to the vehicle it’s either over using or not sensing the fluid due to the component beginning to fail or complete failure to communicate due to being damaged from being completely submerged in water.
Also I’m very aware of what constitutes a totaled vehicle. In my state when the repair bill from accidents, weather, or water is at 75% of the determined value of your car it will be totaled.
Last edited by gilbertsue; Jul 30, 2023 at 05:15 PM.
I am afraid you are making inferences where none exist. The only electronic module that can possibly be be affected by the water accumulation is the fuel pump control unit. If that were to happen - WHICH IT HAS NOT - it is possible that that the fuel supply to the engine could be suddenly cut off, which could possibly be dangerous if it were to happen as you are trying to overtake a slower vehicle like a tractor trailer on a two lane highway and there is oncoming traffic that you are unable to clear in time. It is a precautionary and proactive measure as no vehicles worldwide have ever experienced a fuel supply interruption as a result of water accumulation, but in theory it could possibly happen so they are taking measures to make sure that it doesn't. So again - (a) there have been ZERO reported cases of the fuel pump control unit actually shorting out, (b) the Adblue control unit is nowhere near the fuel pump control unit, and (c) if the AdBlue pump were to stop working at any time and for any reason whatsoever, it can not possibly result in danger to the vehicle occupants.
As for a possible insurance claim, it would have about as much merit as you claiming that they need to pay you out for car that has completely rusted out after you've driven it for 15 years or that the engine has failed after you've done 300,000 miles. You obviously don't realize how ridiculous that sounds. No auto insurance policy covers wear and tear on a vehicle due to age and/or insufficient maintenance, which is exactly what you are trying to do.
Even the AEM does not address anything that can cause the starts remaining countdown. That's on you and you alone to fix. And, you're obviously also clueless about how auto insurance works or what constitutes a totaled car.
That is not accurate. The failure of the adblue pump will in fact trigger the "starts remaining" countdown, and the AEM warranty will in fact cover it. I have the service record from April to prove it, as recorded by Ken Garf Mercedes in Salt Lake City.
Just say'n.
That is not accurate. The failure of the adblue pump will in fact trigger the "starts remaining" countdown, and the AEM warranty will in fact cover it. I have the service record from April to prove it, as recorded by Ken Garf Mercedes in Salt Lake City.
Just say'n.
The post-AEM warranty - which you get *AFTER* having the AEM performed - does cover the DEF pump. The AEM itself - i.e., the recall - does not, in that you do not get a new DEF pump free of charge if yours had failed *PRIOR* to having the modification performed.
We had this issue with our 2012 ML350 Bluetec. We have not yet had the recall done. In checking out the rear of the vehicle, I did notice this water stain on the interior headliner and D-pillar on the passenger side. I am wondering if this is indicative of where water may be coming from.
Right side D-pillar water leak.
We did have the vehicle cut out once when driving the the rain last fall. Pulled over and sar for a few minutes, then it was fine and we drove off.
We had this issue with our 2012 ML350 Bluetec. We have not yet had the recall done. In checking out the rear of the vehicle, I did notice this water stain on the interior headliner and D-pillar on the passenger side. I am wondering if this is indicative of where water may be coming from.
Right side D-pillar water leak.
We did have the vehicle cut out once when driving the the rain last fall. Pulled over and sar for a few minutes, then it was fine and we drove off.
100%.
My guess is that kind of water leak at the top must be water coming through where two metal panels overlap. Any body work done on your vehicle?
This is nearly exactly what happened to me and the same response from the dealer except that the recall had just happened a few days before and I didn't know about it. So, the local mechanic just replaced the fuel pump with an after-market pump. MB dealer said bc it was aftermarket, they were not required to replace the pump. Even after the plug install I still get water accumulation and my car stalled again today.
I still have water accumulation and accumulation in rocker panels. My engine stalled again today after the plug was installed in 2023. I do not want to pay for 2 more fuel pumps and sensors out of pocket!
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). MB has its hands full with the M274 engine lawsuit in progress, the rear frame rust mess with the C, CLS, E, GLK, SLK classes from @2005-2017, and this one is just a patch to avoid a full-blown recall where everyone may request a real ($$) repair.
. Is it worth opening Pandora's box without knowing where the water comes from?
