How do I keep water out of my trunk??

mcabbott · 12-30-2003, 02:47 PM

I have several e30s and one of them, an 87 325i, has severe trunk leaking problems. Both fender wells fill with water after rain or a wash job.

I have replaced the antenna seal and the trunk seal with new OEM BMW parts. The rear window seal looks and feels good.

The problem is so bad that now the entire area in the trunk just stays damp and it is starting to mold.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-30-2003, 02:48 PM

Did you check the turn signal seals?

mcabbott · 12-30-2003, 02:52 PM

Replaced both turn signals with different units and the seals seemed fine. Honestly it appears to be coming from up top somewhere????

I'll double check those seals though.

Anyone else with some suggestions?

Thanks!

Tom Wright · 12-30-2003, 06:59 PM

The easiest way I know to find a trunk leak is to climb inside the trunk with a flashlight and have someone else close the trunk. Then have them turn the hose on the rear of the car! The leak usually become immediately obvious. (Although this is not a recomended procedure in northern climates this time of year! Another good excuse to go south!.)

jjskibinski · 12-31-2003, 12:45 AM

better really trust your friend before climbing into the closed trunk for a water leak check!
Is your bimmer a sunroof? The drain lines do get old and leak down the sides of the rear of the car into the trunk. One solution, larger drain holes, or partial removal of headliner to repair drains.

randini74 · 01-03-2004, 08:38 PM

Mine was doing the same thing. What happens is that the trunk seal gets old and dry. It may look okay, but the seal material, as it ages and dries up, will allow water to soak into and through it. Since I am a cheap ass, I didn't replace mine. Instead I attempted to salvage it by just applying spray silicone from an auto parts store and it's been working great ever since.

What I done was just spray the silicon thoroughly onto the entire seal and then rub it in with a towel. The silicon does not act as a sealant, it just replenishes the trunk seal's ability to resist moisture.

I reccomend doing this with any seal in any car, no matter how old or new it is. It will prolong the life of the seal. Doors, boots, hatches, etc...

Good luck

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-05-2004, 11:33 AM

We sell a particular product for this. BMW Gummi Pflege. BMW reccommends this stuff for any seals.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/0192/BMW_0192_BDYSEL_pg3.htm#item10

mcabbott · 01-06-2004, 09:39 AM

Thanks to all who have helped. I found the the water was coming in through the holes for the rain gutter molding(attaches to the body behind the rear window). Looks like the seals rotted away. New clips and some sealant has done the trick.

Thanks again.
Mark

mikes72t · 01-08-2004, 05:57 PM

Will that stop the door from freezing to thte door seal?

Thanks

Mike

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-09-2004, 08:03 AM

IM not sure if it wouls stop the door from freezing to the seal. I imagine there is a small amount of glycerine in the formula. That wouls stop the sticking for sure. I've lived nearly my whole life in Los Angeles, what is snow?