E86 Water Pooling Around Boot Seals Causing Slight Rust

[Azio]

Hi all,

I recently bought a Z4 E86 and am loving it. When I was cleaning it yesterday I noticed some rust specs underneath the seals on the boot. After doing some research it seems like it's a somewhat common problem on the coupes and many people have had rust inside of the boot as well. Fortunately, the inside of the boot is dry and rust free. I have attached some pictures that shows the rust and the problem causing it. Just wondering if anyone could recommend me some solutions as I would like to sort it sooner rather than later.

Many thanks!

 

[firebobby]

Yeah, get a soft top :wink:
Welcome to the forum

 

[Chris_D]

...or one of these:


:lol:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum OP.

I'm on my 3rd Coupe now, and I haven't noticed that problem (yet), but it is a very poor design that causes the "Coupe bird-bath" Roadster owners enjoy mentioning when they aren't sorting out their drowned roof motors! :roll:

But I'm not sure how you would go about dealing with that as with the seal for the screen in place it would be difficult to tell how much remedial work would be needed. You might be able to see what the inside looks like if you took the interior trim off.

I know some people claimed on the BMW warranty for rusty tailgates, but that only lasted 12 years sadly.

I hope you can get it sorted without too much expense - I'll be checking my current one tomorrow now!

 

[firebobby]

Ah, but once the roof motor is relocated in the boot..no more flooded issues. Coupri owners still have the rusty bird bath

 

[Azio]

Aha, I do have an e85 as well. Although it is up for sale now. Thanks for the advice Mr Tidy, fortunately I believe it's just the specs shown in the pictures from where the water has been sitting. However, I will try and take a look from the inside if possible. As mentioned before the rest of the seal and inside is fine the rust specs are only where the 'bird bath' sits. Not entirely sure what my options are to resolve the issue, although I will keep looking!

 

[Azio]

Technically, my car would still be under that 12 year warranty. Do you think they would cover such a small amount? I believe it will remain under the 12 year warranty until July 2020