R230 Trunk Leak

[melmark]

Anyone have a problem with water leaks in the trunk of the SL? The leak appears to be coming from the upper seals (?). Can't be reproduced with a hose, and the dealer can't find anything wrong either. Yet a good rain will result in a very wet trunk. Car is an 04 in pristine condition. Seems like it's either the trunk lock mechanism is not closing tight enough, or the seals somehow get overloaded in heavy rain. All drains are clear.

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[StephenK]

I had the same problem, finally took someone in the shop who gave a S**T about the customer who actually got in the trunk and saw where it was leaking and FIXED it PROPERLY. I believe it is the only way to get it fixed right, I had several service receipts saying it was fixed, but wasn't until he did that. Good luck.

[htn]

I had the same problem, but mine came from a crack trunk brake light, the seal was just dried and cracked. I replace a new one, and no more wet trunk

[RDL0100]

I believe this is a fairly common problem, as it has come up a number of times. Mine leaked around the trunk seals, and as I understand it, that is the common place for the leak to occur. The dealer replaced my seals, and although it took two times to get the leak stopped, replacing the seals did eventually do the job.

[So Cal Sam]

My trunk leaked on my 2006 SL500 soon after I purchased it. The trunk seals were replaced under warranty and it hasn't reoccurred. As someone said, this seems to a rather regular problem on these cars.

[antichef]

I have the 2003 SL and had the problem a few times in the early years. Went back to dealers a few times, and they replaced the seals at least twice. There used to be lots of problems reported about then, and I recall giving them a page of internet printouts!

But not done without a lot of hassle. The final straw was after they had "fixed" it, I collected it and went to the airport (3 miles) parked it for 2 days when I went abroad. Picked it up on my return and the boot was awash to about 2" (I had fitted a boot tray to catch it by now!).

Drove straight back to the dealer and left it with them. They got a man in the boot to spot it and other water detectors were tried, and new seals were eventually fitted and the job was done. Fixed under warranty and I was happy that a resolution was found. Dealer was first class once they had accepted that there was a problem.

[vpr80]

Just found out that I have the same problem. The leak happens from the top seals where the seals appear to join each other (see arrows in picture). It's not a ton of water where it makes a pool, but it's a lot of drops that make the carpeting wet from that point all the way to the bottom.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks

[VendettaMB]

i have come to realize these car a re a pain in the ass, ans i wish i had stayed with BMW..too much $ out now to sell
look great pakred but too many issues and time waisted at dealers or trying to solve minor issues..fora high end car..flagship from MB its a joke!

[djamer]

Just found out today, this is the root cause for my PSE pump going bad twice. Some strange leak in the trunk totally f**** up the PSE pump responsible for the locking, trunk opening, and alarm. Dealer first replaced the pump, but few days back, i notice no locking w/ the key.

Opened my trunk manually w/ key and noticed dampness everywhere, it's at the dealership right now. And they said, it's a leak in the rubber lining. They are once again replacing the PSE pump and hopefully fixing the root cause. Crossing my fingers..



Amer

[djamer]

Originally Posted by VendettaMB

i have come to realize these car a re a pain in the ass, ans i wish i had stayed with BMW..too much $ out now to sell
look great pakred but too many issues and time waisted at dealers or trying to solve minor issues..fora high end car..flagship from MB its a joke!

i feel your pain, with the massive depreciation on these cars, I should have sold mine while back but i am upside down, so, it's pointless selling it now..

lesson learned the hard way

[mikesSL55fla]

I had the same issue so I changed my center brake light first that was cracked. Then I had my mechanic change the seal right under the rear glass .
That did it for me . I havent had an issue since.

[jcjblo]

My car had the same problem before. Apparently there is a inner hose/tube that should have been inserted into the seal from the joints you highlighted. This will ensure a tight seal at the joints when the trunk is closed and will stop any leakage. It took me three trips until a alert/knowledgable mechanic at the dealership spotted it and solved the leakage permanently.

[VendettaMB]

Originally Posted by mikesSL55fla

I had the same issue so I changed my center brake light first that was cracked. Then I had my mechanic change the seal right under the rear glass .
That did it for me . I havent had an issue since.

mb dealer told me peoples rear sams go from leaky break lights also. one of the things checked and replaced in m car(no leak though..just bad Sam

[djamer]

My break light was replaced last month as the possible cause. Three wks later, today, here I am with a damp/soggy trunk. Glad to know some of u guys found a fix.. my car is at the dealership getting the issue resolved..