Help - damp passenger footwell

[Mr_Blue_Sky]

Hi

So, noticed a musty smell today in car, and traced it to a damp carpet in passenger footwell. I've tried to take a photo of the area: if you imagine putting your hand in the gap between metal and thick grey foam, it's damp.

And I found this previous thread, where it looks like the leak is in the same place

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=514&hilit=WET+FOOTWELL

The car was parked (for first time) on sloping driveway, sloping downwards to front of car. And it rained a lot last two days. It looks like it could be (according to this forum) either a membrane issue or a seal issue. I also noticed when lying on ground looking up at the rear part of the door (where plastic trim meets door metal) that there is a gap near the leak and I can wiggle it open and close, and its watery there.

Need help - is this a door seal issue, and what's the best course? Hope I've explained it ok...

Mini update (15 mins after posting this) - I do think water is flowing from inside the passenger door section and out at the bottom onto the seal on the inside of the car and into the footwell edge. I've put a plastic bin liner along the seal so that water is repelled and not allowed to flow into the car (I hope) and will monitor. I just hope the sound proofing dries out a bit. I also will get my local Indy (Darren Wood) to look at it.

Advice still appreciated!

 

[Mr_Blue_Sky]

1 hour later and water is collecting in the plastic bin liner that I have put in door when shutting it, so it is water getting into car from what I presume is from inside the door lining due to failing membrane, as it is dripping out of bottom part of door where plastic meets metal. At least running into plastic bin liner rather than into carpet!

So I guess new door membrane is on the cards? Is that expensive for an Indy to do?

 

[oli445]

Not sure on cost but I have exactly the same issue, please keep us updated when you get it fixed, I work in Stockport so could be quite handy if Darren Wood fixes it

 

[Mr_Blue_Sky]

Not sure on cost but I have exactly the same issue, please keep us updated when you get it fixed, I work in Stockport so could be quite handy if Darren Wood fixes it

Will do, i hope to speak to them tomorrow. How are you dealing with the water ingress at the moment?

 

[Swiftly]

Sounds like a damaged vapor barrier which is letting water enter the car rather than draining out the bottom of the door. The vapor barrier could possibly just want sticking back in place to the door, and was possibly damaged by someone who has been working on the door or window mechanism. If the vapor barrier is torn then you would probably need a new one, they cost about £20

See link http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=40141

I thought I had seen a how to on the forum detailing how to repair or replace the vapour barrier along with removing door card, but can't seem to locate it

 

[Mr_Blue_Sky]

Sounds like a damaged vapor barrier which is letting water enter the car rather than draining out the bottom of the door. The vapor barrier could possibly just want sticking back in place to the door, and was possibly damaged by someone who has been working on the door or window mechanism. If the vapor barrier is torn then you would probably need a new one, they cost about £20

See link http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=40141

I thought I had seen a how to on the forum detailing how to repair or replace the vapour barrier along with removing door card, but can't seem to locate it

Thanks - is this the same as the door membrane? Water is definitely coming from the base of the door card/plastic - there is a gap 1-2mm where I can pull the lowest part of the door housing away from the metal frame, and water should be draining through and out instead.

 

[oli445]

I just don't park facing down hill as that's really the only time mine leaks. Want to get it fixed though

 

[Mr_Blue_Sky]

I just don't park facing down hill as that's really the only time mine leaks. Want to get it fixed though

True - it only surfaced this week as visiting friends where their drive slopes downhill! In a way, I am glad it has happened as I may not have realised under normal circumstances.

All booked into Darren Wood on Tuesday - they confirmed it is highly likely a ripped Membrane Barrier, new one ordered in case. Feel confident it will fix it - will let you know how it goes, costs etc! At least the musty smell has gone now and had heated air on floor vents all way to work today!

 

[oli445]

I just don't park facing down hill as that's really the only time mine leaks. Want to get it fixed though

True - it only surfaced this week as visiting friends where their drive slopes downhill! In a way, I am glad it has happened as I may not have realised under normal circumstances.

All booked into Darren Wood on Tuesday - they confirmed it is highly likely a ripped Membrane Barrier, new one ordered in case. Feel confident it will fix it - will let you know how it goes, costs etc! At least the musty smell has gone now and had heated air on floor vents all way to work today!

Im sure it will be an easy fix for them, I look forward to finding out the costs as don't think I can be bothered changing it myself!

 

[Mr_Blue_Sky]

I just don't park facing down hill as that's really the only time mine leaks. Want to get it fixed though

True - it only surfaced this week as visiting friends where their drive slopes downhill! In a way, I am glad it has happened as I may not have realised under normal circumstances.

All booked into Darren Wood on Tuesday - they confirmed it is highly likely a ripped Membrane Barrier, new one ordered in case. Feel confident it will fix it - will let you know how it goes, costs etc! At least the musty smell has gone now and had heated air on floor vents all way to work today!

Im sure it will be an easy fix for them, I look forward to finding out the costs as don't think I can be bothered changing it myself!

Great job done by Darren Wood, the inner membrane had been ripped (shockingly so) while it looks like an earlier replacement of the window. They fitted the new one I bought for £20, and even renewed all the clips and checked the window regulators. Also, they sorted out a couple of other tiny niggles.....all for half an hours labour....money well spent....BUT I guess I have to wait and check after it rains again

 

[oli445]

Thanks for the update, what was the total ££££?

 

[Mr_Blue_Sky]

Thanks for the update, what was the total ££££?

Total cost was £70. That includes the part £23, new clips £5, tape £5, labour £25, and VAT. But they also sorted out an issue I had with my roof, and checked the window regulators......money well spent IMHO......well I still have to test it after washing car/rain :rofl:

 

[oli445]

Sounds like a good result! Bring on the rain!