JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

We've had some heavy rain and I noticed my seatbelts feel damp. Upon closer examination, there are droplets of water on the inside next to the rear side windows. I've opened the roof and made sure the seals were all in place and treated, but I'm still getting water in. Any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks.

crconsulting

Though a pain, window adjustment usually can fix it.

Early cars had a TSB about this issue
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...35951-9999.pdf


Good Luck

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. Mine's a 2015. However, I'll still ask.

crconsulting

The early cars had the weatherstripping replaced….

But the window adjustments compensate for the weatherstripping stiffness and plastic deformation that happens over time on all cars.
Theres a section in the WIS on how to make the adjustments.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I think I found it: ar67.30-p-4200rk

crconsulting

Thats it, there’s a front window adjustment too. Just going to depend on where your leak is.

Good Luck.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

The leak seems to be coming from the rear window, though I thought it was the roof hinge area as that's where it appears to drip from. I will look more closely as soon as the rain stops, now that I know what to look for.

thanks again!

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Here is with the passenger side door open and the rear window retracted.



Here is with the door closed. The rear window closes snugly. Also, there was no water running down on the inside of the window, but rather dripping from the roof near the hinged area.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

The dripping was in this general area.

crconsulting

Always tough to tell from pictures/internet but looks like the upper part of the weatherstripping isn’t sealing or maybe it’s worn?
Use 1” wide (or less) THIN strips of paper or plastic to see if the seal is loose anywhere (and tension is even) when closed…
I’ve used cut plastic bags


The rear window has a “pre tension“ adjustment that puts pressure on that top area of the window. But all the weather stripping seal should be smooth & soft too.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I'll give that a try. But as I noticed, the inside of the windows were not wet.

crconsulting

Could be roof seals, If only one side is leaking compare it with the side that’s not…

those panels are also adjustable 🙁

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Of course. You coming to Maryland anytime soon?

crconsulting

Im sure you’ll find it. First step is finding the leak. Water can travel too 🙁

Sometimes, it’s easier just to replace the weather stripping. You just need to find which one.

Good Luck

TomZVB

The rain we’ve had down here in Hampton Roads was unreal. If what came down in your area was close to what we had here, then I don’t doubt at all that it leaked!

Very glad to have gotten the SL in the garage the day before all hell broke loose yesterday.

Looks like we’re expecting another round of it Friday, too.

Good luck with finding the leak!

crconsulting

Some Vario Roof basics.
R230 and R171 centric, but fundamentally the same diagnostic principles:

https://nsk.mercedes-benz-clubs.com/...oting-tree.pdf

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! I think this might be it. Certainly sounds like it for Pos. 2.

ThatsMyDawg

OMG dude I said the exact same thing yesterday. When I got back in my car after a week, or two of it sitting and the hard rain here my front seatbelt on the drivers side was damp. Second time it happened after a hard rain. I always forget to check the passenger side.

I have washed my car a million times with a high pressure water hose and always dry as can be.

paw777

Hi all - same issue here on my 2014 R231. Did anyone manage to work out a fix?

Cheers

ThatsMyDawg

No.
I haven’t looked into it further as it is a non issue during winter time.
It seems to be an issue during very heavy rains only and a those don’t exist here this time of year.

The issue will be revisited come spring when I can take it through a car wash and look for any leaks while sitting in the car.
At some point when all the snow and salt has been washed away from the roads I may take the SL for a wash before the spring. Will check into the issue more whenever the next wash comes.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I'm taking my car into the dealer Monday to repair my passenger seat. I will ask if this is a often reported problem or an easy fix.

ToeKneee

You'll get the standard Mercedes quote of "No sir, the SL never leaks, ever, and certainly not in that place!" 😱

paw777

This is exactly what they said to me, but said they’d “look at it” and did some “adjustments” that ended up costing £250. Still no luck.

I also then took it to a “roof specialist” and similar story there…

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

@ToeKneee and @paw777 in which case, I'll show them the Vario Roof Troubleshooting Tree. But, if I have to do that, I probably don't want them to work on the car anyway. Ideally, they'll know exactly what the problem is and can advise me what can be done. Then I can decide what to do.

My weatherstripping is soft and pliable, and all the windows fit snuggly, so when it warms up a bit, I'll look closely for possible points of ingress.

cenabaki

checking the roof seals. Here are a few quick fixes to try

1. Check the door seals for wear or damage.
2. Inspect the seals around the rear side windows for cracks.
3. Clear out any debris from the drainage channels around your vehicle.

If these don't work, it's best to consult a professional mechanic for further assistance click