[kasc05]

Hi Everyone,

We have a 2007 CPO X3 that has been to the dealer 7+ times over the past 3 years because of numerous water leaks (panoramic sunroof issues, clogged roof drains, faulty door vapor barrier). We have been told by many independent mechanics that this was a big problem. Did BMW re-design the roof drains and panoramic sunroof in 2011+ models? Has anybody had issues in the re-designed X3? We want to upgrade to a newer X3 but are concerned about potential leaking issues that still may be present. It appears that the panoramic comes standard on all 3.5's and it is rare to find a used X3 2.8 without a panoramic. Thanks!

[PX3]

Hi kasc05,

I believe most posts on this particular forum that are related to the panoramic roof have all been squeak related. Some people have had this issue resolved, but others still appear to have it!
Unfortunately I can't answer whether the design has changed from the previous X3 or not.
However I am keen to know whether it has too, as well as knowing exactly where the drain holes are as I'm sure I've tried looking for these on mine but to no avail.

[LeeAC]

Originally Posted by kasc05

Hi Everyone,

We have a 2007 CPO X3 that has been to the dealer 7+ times over the past 3 years because of numerous water leaks (panoramic sunroof issues, clogged roof drains, faulty door vapor barrier). We have been told by many independent mechanics that this was a big problem. Did BMW re-design the roof drains and panoramic sunroof in 2011+ models? Has anybody had issues in the re-designed X3? We want to upgrade to a newer X3 but are concerned about potential leaking issues that still may be present. It appears that the panoramic comes standard on all 3.5's and it is rare to find a used X3 2.8 without a panoramic. Thanks!

I don't know how they changed the panoramic roof but I can tell you my 2014 X3 has never leaked, even in torrential downpours. I've never had any problems opening and closing it either.

[valeram]

No leak for me but the rattle and squeaking os very annoying. Been in the dealer 3x already but still no fix. The workaround is just leaving the shade close all the time. Somehow it masked the noise. No pano for me in my next car.

[flavius]

No leaks.

[kasc05]

Thanks for the feedback. Our car was leaking in the driver's side foot wells and also in the trunk on the right passenger side near the plastic storage container. I believe X3's equipped with NAV have the equipment stored behind the panel next to this plastic storage container. From my understanding the early roof drains were not built to handle enough water flow, and when they are restricted by small debris building up, there is no where for the water to go so it leaks into the car around junctions where the tubes connect.

[nyalpine90]

i had 2012 x3 28 no leaks

now i have 2015 x3 28 no leaks

[mspringer]

2011, no leaks.

[Polar_Bimmer]

2011 28i, and no leaks

[dudley07726]

2012 2.8 purchased March 2012

no leaks

[BigWave32]

I have a 2011 X3 35i M Sport and haven't experienced any leaks.

[Want the thrill]

2011 35i no sunroof leaks. Vapor barriers are still a weak spot in the X3 though.

[skyjogger10]

Dealer found rear cargo area of my 2015 X3 full of water. BMW is paying $447 million settlement for owners of 2004-2010 5 series (Catalano v. BMW of North America, LLC and BMW AG) because of water in cargo area. Apparently they have known about this problem since 2004 but haven't fixed it.

Water appears to be from clogged sunroof drains?? The water trashes the ($800) HKL module which controls the tailgate.

[luvmybmmr]

I had a first generation X3 that had a leaky pano roof. I now have a 2017 X3 without a leaking issue.

Just as a side note I am looking to find someone to take over my lease on the 2017 in case someone poking around here is interested...

[x3sm]

I found a few leaks in my 2011 BMW X3 after a few days of hard rain. I never had this happen in any car so I'm a bit upset to say the least. I found water in 2 different spots. A few drops on rear seat driver side and inside the rear battery compartment. I noticed that drops on the rear seat came from the little plastic cover where you would hook a net. I opened the moonroof shade to expose the rails and stuck my fingers between the glass and rail and sure enough it had some water. The battery compartment had a lot more water in it, which is kind scary lol. I do have roof rails on my car and panoramic roof, should I drop the headliner and clean the drain tubes? Also does any on know what Rain gutter is in this car ? part number 54107293442.

Thank you