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Water in the footwell

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:47 pm
by Aleksandar
I removed my carpet since the matrix flooded it, so when I washed the car today I noticed a couple of small water lines-mini streams coming into the co-driver's footwell.I think it may just be the rubber seal as the bulkhead seems to be in very good shape. What should I check?

Re: Water in the footwell

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:19 pm
by Brianmoooore
It's common for the steel around the big wiring grommet to rust - all the way into the wheelarch area. Very difficult area to repair, and often considered terminal.
There is a drain channel from under the scuttle area that leads into the LH wheel arch. The lower part of this channel is formed by two pieces of steel welded together, and given a generous coating of sealant.
I recently came across an E30 where this sealant had lifted, and water had got into the seam. This resulted in rust bubbling through into the cabin where the studs are mounted that the glove box hinge fixes on. I found it when one of the studs fell off!

Re: Water in the footwell

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:23 pm
by E30BeemerLad
remove the glovebox and the hinge that's bolted to the footwell/bulkhead and then have a feel up behind there and hope you don't find a big rusty hole. Also there is a rubber grommet that can sometimes get moved if wiring has been messed about with.

Lastly, open the bonnet and on the firewall behind the inlet manifold/ back of clinder head there is the "elephant trunk" which is a rubber drain tube, it gets blocked with crap so remove it and clear out any crud. This may stop any liquid backing up undeneath the scuttle panel
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Re: Water in the footwell

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:40 pm
by Aleksandar
Thx guys will check it in the daylight in the days ahead. Hopefully it's not too bad, except for the rear right arch it's pretty much rust free. Or "was". :(

Re: Water in the footwell

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:12 am
by BONNARSKI
Have the same problem, was thinking it to be what you said or the drains from the sun roof. If it is the seam at the arch can it be repaired?

Re: Water in the footwell

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:02 pm
by markdemon
just checked my elephants trunk and it was full of shite :eek: so ive now got a nice clear 1 had a devil gettin back on though so i left it in boiling water for 10mins softened up a treat went back on a treat :) :)