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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

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Busaboyjd
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by Busaboyjd » Sun Oct 09, 2022 3:24 pm

That is great information for waterproofing my foam box, I had thought of doing something to prevent the foam from getting soaked again.

Thanks again for all of the guidance!

Jeff
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by flybobbie » Mon Oct 10, 2022 7:59 am

Have you lifted the trim in the corners, especially the right corner to check for water.
We have said many times, now dry, place a ring of tissues around the battery box area, see which side water might be entering.
In fact lay it all over the boot floor, without the trim.

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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by Busaboyjd » Tue Oct 11, 2022 3:39 am

I have removed the gray trim where I am able. The tool box had water in it but was dusty dry under and the padding was totally dry. The right side had a slight evidence of moisture on the bottom of the convertible top module. The printed circuit board was completely dry.

I am challenged by getting the styrofoam box out. Is there instructions for disassembly of the trim?

Thank you
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RobbiZ4
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by RobbiZ4 » Tue Oct 11, 2022 6:57 am

Busaboyjd wrote: Tue Oct 11, 2022 3:39 am I am challenged by getting the styrofoam box out. Is there instructions for disassembly of the trim?
Well, that's a bit tricky.
You have to cut several zip ties to be able to remove the harnesses after unplugging all the ECUs (3 or 4).
Even then it's not so easy going, but worth to do.
If done, check if there are traces of water, dust or sand coming down from the vents.

There are small channels in the body through which the water from these outer spaces can get to the battery.
Last edited by RobbiZ4 on Thu Oct 20, 2022 6:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
Pardon, je suis Allemand :oops:
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by Busaboyjd » Thu Oct 20, 2022 2:24 am

Wow, this was a substantial amount of work.

I am grateful for the assistance from the forum members and RobbiZ4, your assistance was perfect.

I found that the 3rd Brake light housing was loose; this was not the root cause of this particular incident, but I could easily have let water into my car if it was washed at an automated car wash or sprayed water at the brake light with a garden hose.

The seals on the top edge of the fender were in bad shape, and they appear to be an intentionally inexpensive and easily replaced maintenance item
received_694661225406562.jpeg
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The seals on the tail lights were where I found the water intrusion. The light assemblies have one less stud than there are holes to mount it. It was obvious the original lights had three studs, there was the outline of the seal around the mounting hole. The placement of this mounting hole is as if it is at the bottom of a funnel with the shape of the gasket on the light; it will send the water to the hole.
Mounting Hole.jpg
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Mounting Hole 2.jpg
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I used heavy waterproof tape and taped the hole from both sides after cleaning the area of ALL dirt and any coating. On one side of the car, the gasket was not fully inserted through the body, which could have been another area for a leak.

Per your great advice, I covered the new foam box with a heavy plastic bag to prevent any possible future exposure of water to the roof motor.

J
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by RobbiZ4 » Thu Oct 20, 2022 6:44 am

OMG, one of the classic faults when replacing the tail light clusters with newer ones. The change of the reduced number of bolts came up with generation "-11" of the tail lights. The final gen. is "-12".
Pardon, je suis Allemand :oops:
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by Msport » Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:29 pm

I've just discovered I have the exact same problem - water pooling in the battery and pump compartment.

Fortunately there was only about 1 cm in mine, which I discovered when the battery low light came on; the pump foam was soaked at the bottom but pump dry.

How did you guys drain the water out- is there a drain plug in the battery compartment at all or do I need to remove the battery and pump and sponge it out manually?

Next up I'm trying to find my leak- this thread has been very helpful as a guide - thanks all.

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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by RobbiZ4 » Fri Apr 21, 2023 6:08 am

There is no drain, just dry it off with some kitchen towels.
Pardon, je suis Allemand :oops:
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by clarker63 » Fri Apr 21, 2023 8:41 am

I've post this before, but heres a picture and a video that might help someone with the "top seal" issue. This is showing water ingress coming under the seal. It drops down onto the interior trim and then goes underneath the tool box (left hand side) or electronics (right hand side), without it being obvious its coming in unless you remove the trim from the boot and monitor any water ingress.. take the whole trim off and reseal (I used tiger seal).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ZEG30 ... sp=sharing
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by Busaboyjd » Fri Apr 21, 2023 12:19 pm

:thumbsup:

I am wondering where you applied the Tiger Seal. Can you post a picture, please?

Thank you!
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BMW Z4 E89 3.Oi 2011 - Water Ingress but no leaks

Post by clarker63 » Fri Apr 21, 2023 2:10 pm

Busaboyjd wrote: Fri Apr 21, 2023 12:19 pm I am wondering where you applied the Tiger Seal. Can you post a picture, please?
basically the top seal comes off, there are two torq screws on each side which allow you to completely remove it. then rake out all the old sealant. put back sealant where it came out (basically its all the way along, and particularly on the flat ends). Here's one side
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