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Boot leaking....
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:04 pm
by Guest
My second E30 with a chuffing leaking boot.
Pool of water in the battery tray, no condensation on inside of the boot lid. Any idea if it's the light seal on that side? Where can I buy new seals for the lights? Cheers.
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:06 pm
by Simon
Could be the taillight seals, theyre still available from the dealer, could also be the boot seal itself, which is also still available from the dealer too.
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:07 pm
by E30Adam
Could also be the aerial or spoiler if you have one fitted.
Get inside the boot with a torch and get someone to run a hose over it.
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:16 pm
by Guest
How does the boot seal attach and how do you get the old one off? Are they glued on and is it a right pain in the arse to do? Might order that and the light seals then if they're still available from the dealers. Anybody got any idea of the prices?
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:21 pm
by Simon
Taillights seals are about Ԛ£10, and the boot seal is about Ԛ£30, they both pull off, and the new seal is a really tight push on fit, the newer seals are an improved design too.
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:54 pm
by Brianmoooore
Take out right hand side boot liner (pull hard, it won't break), and carefully inspect the wheel arch for rust bubbles.
Right handwheel arch is very prone to rust because of the half liner, which acts as a dirt trap, and all the little brackets under there which are not coated in underseal.
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 9:00 pm
by popupstands
I have just ordered rear light seals & boot seal from dealer and total cost was Ԛ£33
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 9:55 pm
by al325i
Oh No
Had the same problem with my 1989 sport, except I had it on both sides. Turned out both inner rear arches were rusted through, so check that out aswell. I hope it is only your boot seals, only wished it was with mine, as I have been quoted by 4 different bodyshops between Ԛ£500-Ԛ£1000 depending on how much fibreglass is done against welding in new metal
Good luck.
Alistair
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 11:28 pm
by Guest
Yikes, sorry to hear that. I certainly hope that isn't my problem! Will have a look tomorrow, it's been pissing it down all day today.
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 11:40 pm
by Brianmoooore
It's no big deal to MIG weld a couple of small steel plates into the rear wheel arches, (although beware of petrol vapours). It's not like you have to produce an invisible repair.
Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 2:46 am
by Dom
I've got a leak, although it's where the lip on the boot where the seal goes has rusted through. doh! have to fix that...
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 9:37 pm
by al325i
It's no big deal to MIG weld a couple of small steel plates into the rear wheel arches, (although beware of petrol vapours). It's not like you have to produce an invisible repair.
Brian I only wish it was a couple of plates

The right hand side is that bad that the petrol tank has got to come out
As I said 4 different body shops have given me quotes and I have felt/seen some of the damage myself, my fist can go right through from the wheel arch into the boot
I only wish it was a couple of plates..................
Cheers
AL
ps Brian keep up the info on the central locking, its invaluble

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:19 pm
by Brianmoooore
Never had to buy one, so I might be talking rubbish, but I think the whole inner wings are available as replacement panels.
damp boot
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:19 pm
by dc
my 318is boot was damp so i replaced said seals.still leaked.found a small hole in the water run off channel surrounding the boot lid.it was below the rear window on the lhs where the boot hinge was spot welded 2 the rear scuttle