Water leak

Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:03 pm

I have 1990 325i sport that is letting in water. A previous post directed me to the sunroof drain tubes and when I checked the drain channels behind the roof lining, and they were rotten. I have since had these repaired and the drains were draining water overboard near the front and rear arches, as designed I believe. However I am still getting water building up in the boot behind the rear seat and also under the rear seat.

1, Is there anywhere else I should be checking?
2, Is it possible that the drain lines are damaged, causing some water to drain overboard and some to get into the car?
3, If so how can the drain lines be replaced and is it a big job?

Regards,

Steve.

Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:24 pm

What are the inner arches like? spray off the wheels can get into the car even if you have a small hole.

Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:41 pm

Best test would be to open the sunroof and pour a little water down the channels to see if it comes dripping into the car. If it does, you're in for a complex and lengthy repair to do the job properly....

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... nroof_Tray

Mon Dec 12, 2011 8:26 pm

Both rear inner arches were replaced earlier in the year and I have also poured water down the channels and the water drains out of the car at the front and rear, near the arches.

Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:00 pm

Water in the boot can be as silly as the gaskets around the rear light failing. It's water getting under the seats that I'm confused about...

Is it a pool of water, or just a damp patch?

What you need to do is tilt the car so that the nose is pointing upwards; mount the curb, park on a hill, and THEN do the water test so that all the water goes down the rear channels. If you can, have a mate do it while you sit inside looking for leaks.

You might have to resort to some sort of dye, like using ribena, but there's a risk that if you do have a leaky sunroof tray, it'll stain your headlining.

Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:12 pm

I've had the rear lights out, cleaned all the seals and reinstalled with a coat of silicone grease. Leak checked these and there is no water getting through there. I'll try the sunroof drains again but I did have these repaired earlier in the year and they seem to drain ok. I've even had the car back in the body shop to have them look at the repairs to ensure they are good.

Think I might have to rent a garage or buy a cover and only drive it in dry conditions. It'll certainly keep the mileage down considering the dry days we get in the North West!!

Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:13 pm

I've had the rear lights out, cleaned all the seals and reinstalled with a coat of silicone grease. Leak checked these and there is no water getting through there. I'll try the sunroof drains again but I did have these repaired earlier in the year and they seem to drain ok. I've even had the car back in the body shop to have them look at the repairs to ensure they are good.

Think I might have to rent a garage or buy a cover and only drive it in dry conditions. It'll certainly keep the mileage down considering the dry days we get in the North West!!