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Water leak through the airbox

Having had a problem with the service battery on my 2005 SL350, I took the car to my main dealer. They found that the rubber drain valve in the airbox had clogged and water had then found its way into the passenger side footwell. This has ruined the carpet, and the electrical connectors under the carpet are badly corroded, hence the battery problem. I am facing a massive bill to rectify this, and wonder if anyone has experienced the same problem, as this would support my contention that it is a design issue.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Clarici Jr. on January 4, 2010 at 2:17pm: Hi Hugh,
Same problem on my 2003 500sl, but this is the 5th time the car has been in for this issue.
They relaced the internal battery, then the starter battery, then they said they couldn't find anything wrong
but while it "shorted out" it bent my trunk closers while I was trying to close the top at the MB dealer and that cost another $1k, then they said it was corroded electrical connectors under the passenger seat $1,100.00 now it's in again and they think it's corroded electrical connectors under the drivers seat, and yet another bill, but they can't be sure.
If MB, doesn't take care of this, I will NEVER, EVER buy another.
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Permalink Reply by Hugh Mc Mahon on January 5, 2010 at 7:56am: You are certainly cursed with your car. To have this happen five times is just beyond belief. My outcome was not too bad, as my dealer carried out work to ensure my car passed our National Car Test (which it did), modified the rubber drain valve in the airbox, dried out the carpet etc, and cleaned the electrical connectors, restoring the electronics to normal, all for 613 Euros. However, I now have water leaking in to my trunk,despite the seals being replaced recently! I would have a Lexus tomorrow, but I just love the looks and the way my Merc drives. I can only hope that MB treat you well. Hugh

Gene Clarici Jr. said:
Hi Hugh,
Same problem on my 2003 500sl, but this is the 5th time the car has been in for this issue.
They relaced the internal battery, then the starter battery, then they said they couldn't find anything wrong
but while it "shorted out" it bent my trunk closers while I was trying to close the top at the MB dealer and that cost another $1k, then they said it was corroded electrical connectors under the passenger seat $1,100.00 now it's in again and they think it's corroded electrical connectors under the drivers seat, and yet another bill, but they can't be sure.
If MB, doesn't take care of this, I will NEVER, EVER buy another.
Gene; ▶ Reply to This