Pool Of Water

[Budlet]

I have a pool of water in the foot well at the back of the car. I have taken it into Mercedes who told me it is a broken vent flap. The part costs £12 but to sort it involves taking out all the seats, taking off the bumper, drying it out and replacing everything. Cost £590. Is there an easier and cheaper way of fixing it, and what does the vent flap do?

[bhg481]

It might sound obvious but I think it is there to stop water getting into the car. I don't know your car but I guess it has a vent on the outside of the rear pillar of the car, designed to let air out to improve the ventilation. There will be a system within the vent to stop rain water getting into the car. If you're not overly bothered about the appearance of the car I'd be tempted to stick some gaffer tape over the vent.

[Budlet]

OK, thanks. One thing is for certain, I'm not paying nearly £600 to get it fixed!

[alavahalf]

Another possibility for the need of a vent flap would be to allow air to escape when you close the doors. If the air couldn't escape from inside the car, you would find that the doors would need slamming to get them to latch.
All Mercs as we all know have a rather pleasant clunk to the latching action, I doubt this would be the case if the vent was sealed up.

[bhg481]

I guess there's more than one vent, so sealing one shouldn't create a door-closing problem.

[alavahalf]

Found this after Googling the problem.... it sounds a likely culprit.

"The problem you describe is already known here in Germany. It's caused by defective 'Ãberdruckklappen' (internal pressure flaps?), which prevent/release air pressure when closing (slamming) doors. They are located underneath the rear fenders, hard to locate".

Here's a German thread (perhaps use google-translator ): http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/wasser-im-fussraum-hinten-rechts-ueberdruckklappen-hintere-radkaesten-defekt-t5513262.html

Seems a few builds did get slightly different flaps (harder) then others; these do not close correctly after a period of time and water from the street get it's way thru fender into the car...

It sounds as though your Mercedes dealer may be telling the truth, although that wont help you with the price .. sorry !

[bhg481]

Not as easy to bodge as I thought it might be. It also sounds like it would pay you to replace all the flaps if you opt to get the job done.

[Buenchico]

Is this relevant?
https://www.aclassclub.co.uk/threads/fixing-water-in-the-footwell-boot.9630/

[malagabob]

It’s a common problem that MB know about with some models ie A class of certain years. I have it in my A 200 2014. Theres easy to follow repairs on AClass and MB owners forums. Some with photos.
Don’t if you go down the MB dealers route pay for the repair.

[Budlet]

Buenchico - you are a star! This has saved me about £500. Thanks very much