Overnight rain w/ sunroof open
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 168
Likes: 29
From: NJ
2016 S212
Overnight rain w/ sunroof open
Hello everyone. So the sunroof was accidentally left fully open overnight. And of course, it not only rained, it poured. The removable rear floor mats are soaked beyond capacity, meaning as they are lifted, water pours out of them The front seats stopped dripping earlier in the afternoon, but seating on them soaks your clothes, even after soaking what is possible with towels. My indy recommended to take it in ASAP so he can take out the floor carpet and dry /check /clean all the affected parts. Challenge is that the car is 200 hundred miles away from me and the indy, What is the suggested course of action from anyone who has prior experience or enough knowledge to advise?
Insurance will cover this as water damage and I could have it flat bedded. Is it worth this trouble? Or will running the heat on high with the AC on for a couple of day will dry it out ?
The car is a 2012 S550 4M with 120k miles on it and no problems at all.
Thank you.
Insurance will cover this as water damage and I could have it flat bedded. Is it worth this trouble? Or will running the heat on high with the AC on for a couple of day will dry it out ?
The car is a 2012 S550 4M with 120k miles on it and no problems at all.
Thank you.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 168
Likes: 29
From: NJ
2016 S212
So I guess nobody wants to touch this.... My sentiments exactly... but I am concerned I am siting on a time bomb with all the modules that may be affected. Any input or prior experience would be very helpful.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
Obviously drying components quickly would be the goal... it really depends on how bad it is or how saturated. I would certainly start my removing all the seats from the car and placing (not in direct sun) but somewhere warm with a fan placed to blow air across them.
Now with the carpet, I would pull any body plugs from below to aide in drainage. Use towels to squish and suck up as much water as possible. I would even remove trim around the doors to allow the carpet to be pulled up and away from the floor (allow air to dry from both side as much as possible). Again warm spot, lots of airflow from fans. May even consider totally removing the carpet if its that bad or modules are at risk.
A lot of work in any event.
Now with the carpet, I would pull any body plugs from below to aide in drainage. Use towels to squish and suck up as much water as possible. I would even remove trim around the doors to allow the carpet to be pulled up and away from the floor (allow air to dry from both side as much as possible). Again warm spot, lots of airflow from fans. May even consider totally removing the carpet if its that bad or modules are at risk.
A lot of work in any event.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
I would have it towed ASAP to a local body shop and have them try to dry it.
You are right about ticking time bomb, this forum has a few stories about people buying flood cars and repairing them.
Position with your insurance company for total loss..flood. Start looking for replacement cars so you have something to compare.
Good luck,
You are right about ticking time bomb, this forum has a few stories about people buying flood cars and repairing them.
Position with your insurance company for total loss..flood. Start looking for replacement cars so you have something to compare.
Good luck,
Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
A good reason? No. A guess? My guess would be fear of product liability in the US. I suppose there’s a chance the sunroof could close on some numbskull’s hand or head if it were closing automatically. Yes, it could/would probably auto-stop and maybe auto-reverse, but it could leave a bruise and an opportunity to win cash and fabulous prizes in court somewhere.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
A good reason? No. A guess? My guess would be fear of product liability in the US. I suppose there’s a chance the sunroof could close on some numbskull’s hand or head if it were closing automatically. Yes, it could/would probably auto-stop and maybe auto-reverse, but it could leave a bruise and an opportunity to win cash and fabulous prizes in court somewhere.
