Hi, I've read several threads about the leaking boot problem. Mine has it too and needs the outer panel below the rear window replacing. For my benefit and the benefit of other members, I'd like to summarise the problems and solutions so all the possible causes are in one place and easily accessible? Am I correct in my summary of the problems associated with water in the boot? Can you add any more causes? Please give us all the benefit of your experience.
1. Rear window seal permits water ingress, the panel below the window (covered by the boot lid when shut) rots and eventually the inner panel rots too.
2. The boot seal itself may permit water
3. A badly fitted boot-lid also may allow water in
4. Regardless of the above, condensation in the boot-lid itself will always mean the boot is damp if left outside in winter. Obvious when you opne the boot-lid and water runs out.
Possible solutions
1. Replace the rear window seal. If the panel has started to rot a good seal may not be possible so it will need repiaring/replacing.
Question1. Does Mercedes or anyone else sell a replacement outer panel? Any links?
Question2. Can a bodyshop make up a panel or fit a factory one, can anyone offer a rough cost and recommend a bodyshop who has done such a repair?
Question3. Does the inner panel (appears to be structural?) ever need replacing and if so the same questions as above?
2. Replace the boot seal
3. Refit the boot-lid
4. Presumably the only solution is to garage the car?
Any latest info on this problem will be greatly appreciated.
Stuart
1. Rear window seal permits water ingress, the panel below the window (covered by the boot lid when shut) rots and eventually the inner panel rots too.
2. The boot seal itself may permit water
3. A badly fitted boot-lid also may allow water in
4. Regardless of the above, condensation in the boot-lid itself will always mean the boot is damp if left outside in winter. Obvious when you opne the boot-lid and water runs out.
Possible solutions
1. Replace the rear window seal. If the panel has started to rot a good seal may not be possible so it will need repiaring/replacing.
Question1. Does Mercedes or anyone else sell a replacement outer panel? Any links?
Question2. Can a bodyshop make up a panel or fit a factory one, can anyone offer a rough cost and recommend a bodyshop who has done such a repair?
Question3. Does the inner panel (appears to be structural?) ever need replacing and if so the same questions as above?
2. Replace the boot seal
3. Refit the boot-lid
4. Presumably the only solution is to garage the car?
Any latest info on this problem will be greatly appreciated.
Stuart