Mercedes: no start, fuel pump relay, cylinder walls

Question
I have 1986 Mercedes 560 SEL which I drove home on the interstate in a rainstorm and may have ran over water puddles in the road. After parking my car overnight at home, I tried to start it the next morning, but no start. I purchased a new battery and still no restart. Can you help.

Answer
Jos,
One would think that the water has penetrated some of the electrical components. Will the starter rotate the engine. If the engine turns does the vehicle try to start at all.
By removing the air filter top, you could use some starting fluid and spray a little in the intake while you have someone turn the ignition key to starting position.
If it is not electrical then the engine will run momentarily.
Do not uses excess starting fluid, as it is not good for the cylinder walls. The Eather will clean the lubricant from the cylinder walls.
If it will run momentarily then you have a fuel supply problem. Possibly out of fuel, stopped filter, or bad fuel pump or fuel pump relay.
Good Luck
Robert