Water Ingress Rant

[Mitchen]

Another summer, another water leak!! I've had this car for 15 years, and I have spent that 15 years dealing with 15 different water leaks!! Bear in mind my car only sees water when I'm washing it, this time I've got water in the drivers footwell. This happened about 2-3 years ago, and resulted in dash out and heaterbox foam being replaced, yet here we are again! I already have a leak from last year in the NS boot pocket which I'm struggling to locate (that's coming from the gap of the inner wheel arch (there's no rust holes and it's not the trim on corner of the rear quarter window). It's a good job I've got the carpet out of my car at the moment as these leaks are easier to spot,. but what is it about these cars, I'd just like a year or two where I know the cars water tight!! Rant over!

[twenty]

Another summer, another water leak!! I've had this car for 15 years, and I have spent that 15 years dealing with 15 different water leaks!! Bear in mind my car only sees water when I'm washing it, this time I've got water in the drivers footwell. This happened about 2-3 years ago, and resulted in dash out and heaterbox foam being replaced, yet here we are again! I already have a leak from last year in the NS boot pocket which I'm struggling to locate (that's coming from the gap of the inner wheel arch (there's no rust holes and it's not the trim on corner of the rear quarter window). It's a good job I've got the carpet out of my car at the moment as these leaks are easier to spot,. but what is it about these cars, I'd just like a year or two where I know the cars water tight!! Rant over!

At least you have a car with a roof! Imagine being a convertible owner!
In my case (a 325i cab) the boot pocket leak was due to the boot seal. Added OE seal and it went away. Unfortunately water sat in too long and created a tasty rust bucket. Rest is history...

[Mitchen]

Yeah I’ve been there! It’s not very nice on the wallet

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[DanThe]

I find cars that have been for extensive panel replacements are usually the worst for leaks, most bodyshops are only interested in what they look like rather than how they function

[paultv]

NS boot pocket can be, if you have an electric aerial, the drain tube drops of the motor housing, so water doesn't drain out thru the hole provided via the rubber hose but end up in the well.

Also the air pressure flap in the side panel of the pocket behind the trim has a foam gasket, it rots out, water gets in, or the flap of this contraption drops out, same result.

Paul