Damp boot

[MikeyH]

Went to get my hat from the boot today and it was wringing wet. I keep it in the left little cubbyhole under the aerial. Damp patch in the carpet but nowhere else and battery area bone dry. Would the aerial let water in or is it coming up from underneath? Cleaned out my drain a while ago and left the bung out, could this be it?

 

[sw4nny]

Possible 3rd break light leaking at the seal or cracked ,water gets in there leaks down inside of bootlid then drips into sides of boot floor.

 

[MikeyH]

Thank you sw4nny, I will keep a eye out for that, it doesn’t look cracked though so might be the seal then

 

[NS66]

Get some Captain Tolleys - incredible stuff - both my back lights had leaks a couple of years ago and this cured it - a dry boot ever since.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Captain-Tolleys-Creeping-Crack-sealer/dp/B003T6EJ9A/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=111426929646&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7bucBhCeARIsAIOwr--GXlXwF0b5Gf2gQf7n_TNCRW3bnG4dd9hRzO_eVe10TTQg5ddoKd8aAjXbEALw_wcB&hvadid=606110468296&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1007249&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=6792088374332970489&hvtargid=kwd-973633212439&hydadcr=26214_2698382&keywords=capt+tolley%27s+creeping+cure&qid=1670322069&sr=8-1

 

[Drunkpanda42]

Thank you sw4nny, I will keep a eye out for that, it doesn’t look cracked though so might be the seal then

Those brake lights are a rubbish design, from the outside they look fine, but once you release the tension on the fixings, you often find that the red lens has come apart from the rest of the unit. Usually if the screws have been overtightened as its on the lip of the lens that sits against the metal of the boot lid.
Had this happen on my sons E88 - took 2 attempts to re-glue it enough to seal it properly - seem to remember an 8mm socket will undo the 3 retained nuts that then have springs behind to provide the tension

 

[patriot66]

If the water gathers in the little storage cubby then check the 3 self tapping screws that hold the taillight surround in place. These are known to leak. Mine did. They screw into a nylon female block that weathers with time/age and then let rain water through. Replace with new ones.
Also check the neoprene gasket on the back of each taillight unit and the boot ventilation slots just below them

 

[MikeyH]

Yes patriot66 it is the left storage cubby that is wet. I didn’t know what to call it. It’s strange that there is no sign of water marks anywhere. It looks almost as if someone just pored water into the cubbyhole. I will have a poke around these you have described. Many thanks.

 

[MikeyH]

Thank you sw4nny, I will keep a eye out for that, it doesn’t look cracked though so might be the seal then

Those brake lights are a rubbish design, from the outside they look fine, but once you release the tension on the fixings, you often find that the red lens has come apart from the rest of the unit. Usually if the screws have been overtightened as its on the lip of the lens that sits against the metal of the boot lid.
Had this happen on my sons E88 - took 2 attempts to re-glue it enough to seal it properly - seem to remember an 8mm socket will undo the 3 retained nuts that then have springs behind to provide the tension

The brake light looks okay, I can’t see any cracks but will have a better look.

 

[MikeyH]

Get some Captain Tolleys - incredible stuff - both my back lights had leaks a couple of years ago and this cured it - a dry boot ever since.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Captain-Tolleys-Creeping-Crack-sealer/dp/B003T6EJ9A/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=111426929646&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7bucBhCeARIsAIOwr--GXlXwF0b5Gf2gQf7n_TNCRW3bnG4dd9hRzO_eVe10TTQg5ddoKd8aAjXbEALw_wcB&hvadid=606110468296&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1007249&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=6792088374332970489&hvtargid=kwd-973633212439&hydadcr=26214_2698382&keywords=capt+tolley%27s+creeping+cure&qid=1670322069&sr=8-1

Looks like amazing stuff.

 

[MikeyH]

Today my wife had the idea of putting some Incense sticks in the boot with the lid shut to see where the smoke came out. Seemed like a good idea at the time but no smoke appeared. Still, the boot smells nice anyway now

 

[MikeyH]

Washed the car car yesterday and rinsed off with the hose pipe paying attention around the rear light, when I had finished I checked the boot but completely dry. Today we went for a drive to have a look at Christmas decorations and a coffee at a local garden centre. It was chucking it down, on the way home there was a massive puddle across the road so had to drive through it, very slowly, but water still sprayed around the car. When we got home I checked in the boot and yes the little storage cubby has about 3 mm of water in the bottom. I can't find anywhere that the water has been running in and the carpet around the area is completely dry. My only conclusion is that there must be a hole underneath the cubbyhole mat and water is getting sprayed up from the road. The carpet seems to be glued in place. Has anyone removed it at anytime and if so how? Thanking in advance

 

[dhobbs]

Check the ventilation flaps in the rear corners, they have been known to be fitted upside down.
You'll have to take the bumper off to check properly.

 

[MikeyH]

Thank you dhobbs, I’m hoping it’s not that as it will be beyond my capabilities. That will be a job for the dealer

 

[Wrighty]

If the water gathers in the little storage cubby then check the 3 self tapping screws that hold the taillight surround in place. These are known to leak. Mine did. They screw into a nylon female block that weathers with time/age and then let rain water through. Replace with new ones.
Also check the neoprene gasket on the back of each taillight unit and the boot ventilation slots just below them
Used-2003-BMW-Z4-30i-ROADSTER-6-SPD-MAN-PREMIUM-PKG-SPORT-PKG-HTD-STS.jpg

I don't suppose you know the part number for these nylon blocks do you @patriot66 please?
I have not been able to find them on RealOEM

Thanks

 

[patriot66]

If the water gathers in the little storage cubby then check the 3 self tapping screws that hold the taillight surround in place. These are known to leak. Mine did. They screw into a nylon female block that weathers with time/age and then let rain water through. Replace with new ones.
Also check the neoprene gasket on the back of each taillight unit and the boot ventilation slots just below them
Used-2003-BMW-Z4-30i-ROADSTER-6-SPD-MAN-PREMIUM-PKG-SPORT-PKG-HTD-STS.jpg

I don't suppose you know the part number for these nylon blocks do you @patriot66 please?
I have not been able to find them on RealOEM

Thanks

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/173256515496?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=4zuMHZwPTdu&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=gngtrv3rtq2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Wrighty]

That's great thank you

 

[patriot66]

That's great thank you