Water in trunk

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zz3po
Joined: Sun 30 Aug, 2015 09:31
Posts: 75

  Z3 roadster 1.8

Water in trunk

Post by zz3po »

Opened my trunk to check the differential reinforcment welds and found out that the left side of the trunk is full with water! All that side hole is full and also the side mat and the folding mat. Tried to check for leakege from the antena, feels dry.
Tried also to check the rear side of the roof, feels dry.
Any ideas?
Maby there is any kind of blocked rail that leads water to the trunk?
Thanks.
A picture of the water:
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Water in trunk

Post by BladeRunner919 »

The favourite culprit is the 3rd brake light. The seals are pretty old by now, so could need replacing. If you do replace it, bear in mind that it's very difficult to push the light hard enough to clip properly into place with a new seal (but it can give the impression of being properly seated even when it isn't)

A quick test would be to liberally spread talcum powder around inside the boot, then go to work with the hose - the talc will clearly show where water is running, and will help you confirm the source of the leak.
Vic-Z3
Joined: Fri 11 Jun, 2010 19:28
Posts: 915

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Redditch
Contact:

Re: Water in trunk

Post by Vic-Z3 »

I shall point you here ......... :arrow:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=36400&p=338852#p338852
----------------- BMW Z3 Das Beste Auto -----------------

Mein altes Auto riecht nach Nudeln, hat dieses Auto eine Wurst Geruch.
zz3po
Joined: Sun 30 Aug, 2015 09:31
Posts: 75

  Z3 roadster 1.8

Re: Water in trunk

Post by zz3po »

Thanks alot.
That post seem to give me a direction.
Ill check that tomorrow and update :roll:
Vic-Z3
Joined: Fri 11 Jun, 2010 19:28
Posts: 915

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Redditch
Contact:

Re: Water in trunk

Post by Vic-Z3 »

Hope you get to the cause of it .....
----------------- BMW Z3 Das Beste Auto -----------------

Mein altes Auto riecht nach Nudeln, hat dieses Auto eine Wurst Geruch.
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Koolflyer
Joined: Fri 05 Jul, 2013 15:51
Posts: 586

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Water in trunk

Post by Koolflyer »

As BladeRuner919 said, the third brake light may well be the culprit. I never had much water in the boot but the bulbs and their holders were rusty, however the aerial base and third brake light seals are old and also looked perished so I replaced them. A new third brake light seal is round or oval in section so pushing it back into position in the boot lid is a bitch to say the least, otherwise as it's been said, the whole lot just pops out again! RockyDave and I (use two of you) found a smear of silicone grease just helped locate the clips. Interestingly the old seal that came out was more flatter, but I assume that was down to nearly 20 years of high compression. I know some have been tempted to use a silicone sealant and mask the problem, but I'd rather have it as it was when new, but be prepared for some 'F'ing and blinding! :evil:
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Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: Water in trunk

Post by Brian4 »

I never cures the leak in ours where it ran from the gutter rail and into the boot so just knocked the bung out at the base of the boot well and water now drains away.
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
zz3po
Joined: Sun 30 Aug, 2015 09:31
Posts: 75

  Z3 roadster 1.8

Re: Water in trunk

Post by zz3po »

Update:
Yesterday i reseal the third brake light and closed the aerial hole with some seal tape and cleaned the trunk.
Woke up this morning and found out that it is full of water again!
It seems that the water is coming from the back of the trunk...
Barry... can u explain a bit more? What is the gutter rail? And what did u do to avoid the leak? Thanks.
gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
Posts: 2737

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Water in trunk

Post by gookah »

Brian4 wrote:I never cures the leak in ours where it ran from the gutter rail and into the boot so just knocked the bung out at the base of the boot well and water now drains away.
I have done that will my wellies. I have a hole in one so I have drilled another to let the water out. :D
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
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I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
handsomejackuk
Joined: Sat 18 Jun, 2016 10:35
Posts: 296

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Blaenau Gwent South Wales...

Re: Water in trunk

Post by handsomejackuk »

had water in mine when i first had the car.. replaced the antenna grommet, but ever since my car has been garaged so dont really know if i have cured the problem.. time will tell when i get out in the car this year in the rain....ihad to syringe the water out there was loads in there... it felt quite oily too the water...the rear 3rd light cover was loose on my car when i had it so suspect someone may have attepmted a repair...
zz3po
Joined: Sun 30 Aug, 2015 09:31
Posts: 75

  Z3 roadster 1.8

Re: Water in trunk

Post by zz3po »

Ok people!
I got the problem!
Stripped the trunk from everything, then puor water all over, then i notice that the rear window is leaking into the car, then into the wiring harness, then the wires took the water into the trunk :)
Now im going to fix that roof :squeeze:
Vic-Z3
Joined: Fri 11 Jun, 2010 19:28
Posts: 915

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Redditch
Contact:

Re: Water in trunk

Post by Vic-Z3 »

Finding the cause is halfway to the cure ............. :thumb:
----------------- BMW Z3 Das Beste Auto -----------------

Mein altes Auto riecht nach Nudeln, hat dieses Auto eine Wurst Geruch.
nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Water in trunk

Post by nang »

Got a small friend? Put he/she in the boot with a torch and play a hose over it. :idea:
Tony.
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
Posts: 3412

  M roadster S50

Re: Water in trunk

Post by pingu »

Mobile phone / Video camera / GoPro with a torch
Pingu
Vic-Z3
Joined: Fri 11 Jun, 2010 19:28
Posts: 915

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Redditch
Contact:

Re: Water in trunk

Post by Vic-Z3 »

Water soluble dye in the water ....
----------------- BMW Z3 Das Beste Auto -----------------

Mein altes Auto riecht nach Nudeln, hat dieses Auto eine Wurst Geruch.
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