Water in the boot 2004 SLK

[white90]

I am (without success) trying to find the cause/source of the water leak into the boot of the SLK
the mat over the spare wheel was sodden with an amount on the spare wheel/tools etc
but the under side of the boot lid was covered in water droplets now this may be condensation from the water on the mat and when I lowered the boot lid water ran out of the lock mechanism.The drain tubes are intact and not leaking (after drying it all out)the water appears to make the cover for the fuel tank the wettest part of the boot coverings at its base near the spare wheel, the spare wheel cover seems to be wetter on the rhs looking in the boot.
the new boot seal is £75 I am reluctant to replace the seal until I have confirmed it is the cause.
seal appear in good order, any pointers please

[SLacKer]

Do you have the R170 earlier or R171 current model SLK as 2004 was the switchover year?

This is generally a problem with either a damaged seal or the drain holes are blocked which are plastic ovals near the rear of the lid on either side. The drains come out in the wheel wells underneath.

You have to deal with this as the water can get into the roof mechanism and can possibly get to the electronics and that will cost.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/ or R171 have plenty of info on this subject but have a large US contingent so use the word Trunk not boot when searching.

[white90]

R171 model
All drains are in place and sound
seals appear in good order,
A hose down revealed not a drip inside
I am wondering if this is just condensation build up
the carpet was previously soaked tho'

Edited by white90 on Saturday 20th February 20:10

[SLacKer]

I did read once that someone traced a problem to water getting in via a defective seal on their 3rd brake light in the boot lid. Long shot but maybe direct your house round its edge and check the boot out then.

[white90]

Well some progression!
I removed carpets and the plastic separator and lined the boot with newspaper
this AM,
I found wet news paper below the drain tubes, now these are and were not blocked but,
these tubes connect to a funnel shaped rubber piece that makes up a part of the bottom window seal, inside this rubber is a plastic funnel to give the rubber some strength, water was leaking between the rubber funnel shape and the plastic insert.
I removed the plastic dried cleaned and dried some more then replaced the plastic inset into the rubber seal using RTV sealant to make a water tight bond.
I re fitted the drain tubes and laid fresh newspaper to see what tomorrow brings,
Hopefully I can refit the carpets etc and look forward to summer

Edited by white90 on Monday 22 February 18:49