S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

Vin plate underwater - next steps?

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Old Aug 28, 2023 | 06:36 AM
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W221 S500 Biturbo 2011
Vin plate underwater - next steps?


As you can see from the image, I have a rather major water leak that but can't work out where its coming from. There's water at the base of the windshield, Building up to a level where the vin plate is submerged and I imagine going all the way across the base of the windshield.

I've checked sunroof drains, which are fine. It has to be sometning above the belt line but can't actually see where its getting in from (inside of A-pillars seem dry).

My only remaining option is to drive 2 hours that a place that specialises in fixing leaks and see what they can do. Some have suggested replacing the windscreen but I don't want to do this unless I know for sure that it's the culprit...

Thanks in anticipation
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Old Aug 28, 2023 | 08:53 AM
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from that picture I can't believe its a puddle....

it MIGHT be pushing so much cold air and the humidity is so high you have a frost build up - that's what it looks like to me - and that isn't actually that big a deal and or that surprising based on the fact you have said the insides are damp

the cars have a powerful AC system and freezing condense is what AC systems do for a living - if you go for a drive the AC will pull what could be LOTS of moisture out of the insides of the car

however I'd double check if the engine coolant OK - either the screen tint, camera quality, or ??? is making it look a green/blue
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Old Aug 28, 2023 | 09:04 AM
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Looks weird. Photo isn’t the best - is that crusty crud? Agree it doesn’t look like a normal leak and accumulated water. But not normal.

Use a bright LED flashlight around the perimeter of the windshield to closely inspect. Do the same in the cowl/wiper arm area. Pull off cowl trim to get a better look.

I think W221 has a weird cowl drain arrangement, this was posted a month or so ago on this site. Be sure it’s all the way it should be.
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Old Aug 28, 2023 | 07:17 PM
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W221 S500 Biturbo 2011
Sorry, its a bad photo.

Can confirm it's a water build up, not just condensation / moisture. Hard to see but if you shake the vehicle it very clearly sloshes.
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Old Aug 28, 2023 | 10:56 PM
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Sloshes! That is alarming. Most common is a windshield. Spray foam glass cleaner all around the exterior of windshield... have an assistant apply compressed air (not blasting) all around the inside pointed toward edge of glass. If it is leaking you can’t miss it in the bubbles.
Sloshing sounds like the cowl drains may be plugged. Get the plastic off at the base of the windscreen. Pull the wiper arms. Easy stuff to do. Have a look. Windshield leaks ten times to sunroof drains once.
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Old Feb 5, 2024 | 05:08 AM
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W221 S500 Biturbo 2011
Just for anyone that comes across this issue in the future - was indeed a leak on the opposite A-pillar. Resealed and all sorted
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