BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-24-2018, 08:05 AM   #1
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

Rain water leak into trunk/boot

Hi,

I have water leaking into the left side plastic compartment where the wheel key, first aid kit, warning triangle and tool roll is located under the removable panel. It was half full of water so the tool roll was submerged and the first aid kit partially submerged.

I also have rain water in the battery compartment, which was about 3/16” deep.

The water in the plastic compartment appears to be dripping from above, behind the plastic trim but not sure where it is coming from.

I have no idea where the water in the battery compartment is coming from.

Can anyone help with this? I have looked at the tailgate seal and it looks ok, and also the rubber wiring conduit between the body and the tailgate, which also looks ok.

Could there be water in the chassis getting into the battery compartment? If so where are the drain holes/bungs?

Thanks in anticipation.
Appreciate 0
      12-24-2018, 09:19 AM   #2
x3sm
Captain
x3sm's Avatar
308
Rep
755
Posts

Drives: M3 E93 Porsche
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Ashville

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tomfromfife View Post
Hi,

I have water leaking into the left side plastic compartment where the wheel key, first aid kit, warning triangle and tool roll is located under the removable panel. It was half full of water so the tool roll was submerged and the first aid kit partially submerged.

I also have rain water in the battery compartment, which was about 3/16” deep.

The water in the plastic compartment appears to be dripping from above, behind the plastic trim but not sure where it is coming from.

I have no idea where the water in the battery compartment is coming from.

Can anyone help with this? I have looked at the tailgate seal and it looks ok, and also the rubber wiring conduit between the body and the tailgate, which also looks ok.

Could there be water in the chassis getting into the battery compartment? If so where are the drain holes/bungs?

Thanks in anticipation.
I had that happen to me once and never happen again, even though we had more rain come through. I'm suspecting its coming from panoramic roof because I used it like 2 days prior to rain. There are drain tubes going at all four corners that might be stuffed and need cleaning. Seems like a lot of people had this happen.
__________________
M3 E93
PORSCHE MACAN S: SOLD
BMW X3 F25: SOLD
AUDI S4: SOLD
BMW E92 335: SOLD
Appreciate 0
      12-25-2018, 02:54 AM   #3
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

No sunroof

I should have mentioned that I do not have a sunroof
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2018, 11:15 PM   #4
Scout10
Second Lieutenant
United_States
87
Rep
268
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW X3 X28i
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: S.W. Michigan (stalag michigan)

iTrader: (0)

Hmmm . . .
The only things back there that can leak then is a tail gate, and or side
windows. Carpet is getting wet back there also ?
First place i'd look is the tail gate seal, then tail gate window seal.
You can always put some paper on floor back there, shut the gate and add water via garden hose or car wash.
__________________
2017 BMW X3 x28i SOLD
2015 Honda CRV-EXL AWD
2019 Honda CRV-Touring AWD
1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327 / 4spd Convt
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2018, 10:57 AM   #5
tracer bullet
Brigadier General
tracer bullet's Avatar
United_States
3705
Rep
4,244
Posts

Drives: '25 Z4, '15 X3 35i (135i sold)
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Saint Paul, MN

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scout10 View Post
You can always put some paper on floor back there, shut the gate and add water via garden hose or car wash.
Seems like a good idea, maybe some paper towels or similar. Could use some tape to hold them. Basically put them around the hatchback area and close the door, get the car wet with a hose, and see which ones get wet.

If none do, then of course still check for water inside and start looking for drain holes. Wonder if there's a service manual available that would identify them?
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2018, 11:37 AM   #6
msj_atl
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMX X3 MSport
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tracer bullet View Post
Seems like a good idea, maybe some paper towels or similar. Could use some tape to hold them. Basically put them around the hatchback area and close the door, get the car wet with a hose, and see which ones get wet.

If none do, then of course still check for water inside and start looking for drain holes. Wonder if there's a service manual available that would identify them?
My 2015 X3 is in the shop for water leakage into the same compartment... oddly enough there are drain plugs there so someone had the thought that water might leak and end up in battery compartment. Unfortunately, the control module for the rear hatch is also in there and got fried and needs to be replaces - explains the possessed rear hatch I had. I was told water can come in there because of plugged drains for the sunroof or a leaking gasket for the "shark fin" antenna for the GPS/SatRadio.

Good Luck.
Appreciate 0
      01-08-2019, 01:14 AM   #7
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the responses.

I have a new tailgate seal, which looks easy enough to replace except along the bottom sill across the bottom Does that sill need to come off to replace the sill or can the seal be fitted without removing it? If the sill has to come off then the the trim at each side needs to come off and the luggage rails.

Has anyone changed their tailgate seal?
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2019, 06:47 AM   #8
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

OK, I finally tackled the tailgate seal replacement on my X3 F25.
There are no instructions on the newtis site, but it does how to remove the luggage compartment lower sill.

So, go to this page on newtis.....

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...blind/EWRbYIsy

When you get to the 4th image and you have the adjustable lashing rails installed then ignore that instruction and go here but don’t remove the wheel arch covers. Just remove the 2 screws at the top rear of the covers. That will give enough movement to remove other parts. Only remove trim on the left side as the sill can be lifted and removed without removing the trim on the right.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...panel/Hd0ZVNnw

Go back to the first link.
One of the screws under the sill is tricky because of the proximity to the battery but is possible using a small 90 degree ratchet.

In the second to last image on the page it states remove the edge guard. That doesn’t appear to be possible so ignore it.
Lift off the sill which is held by 4 clips.

Remove the old seal and install the new one ensuring it is pushed on firmly.
Ensure the vulcanised join in the seal is at the centre bottom.

Reassemble all the trim panels.
The instructions refer to replacing the clips. I had no trouble with any clips breaking.

Last edited by Jonsaved; 01-16-2019 at 07:07 AM..
Appreciate 1
      01-10-2019, 05:00 PM   #9
Scout10
Second Lieutenant
United_States
87
Rep
268
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW X3 X28i
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: S.W. Michigan (stalag michigan)

iTrader: (0)

SOOooo did you ever verify where water was entering ?
Says you replaced the gate seal.
__________________
2017 BMW X3 x28i SOLD
2015 Honda CRV-EXL AWD
2019 Honda CRV-Touring AWD
1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327 / 4spd Convt
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2019, 12:21 PM   #10
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

I believe the water in the left hand compartment at the rear was coming from the top left of the tailgate seal. The old seal looked as if water could have entered in that area.

For water in the battery compartment, I am not sure whether that was the tailgate seal or not so will monitor that. It seems that the grommet that goes through the floor on the front left of the battery compartment may me letting water in, but will monitor frequently and update here.
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2019, 01:50 PM   #11
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

I think the water was going under the seal and over the metal ‘flange’ then down behind the trim that is over the D Pillar.
The water was definitely running down behind and on the D Pillar trim and then dripping into the storage tray, cleverly missing the electronics.

Last edited by Jonsaved; 01-16-2019 at 07:05 AM..
Appreciate 0
      01-21-2019, 12:59 AM   #12
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

Tailgate seal didn’t fix the water leak. The seal needed replacing anyway but where is the water getting in. I don’t have a sunroof so it’s not drain tubes.

The only thing it could be is the rubber wiring Flexi tube
It’s not rear light seal as the leak is too high.

Has anyone sealed the Flexi tube where it joins the d pillar with silicone?
Appreciate 0
      01-21-2019, 07:55 PM   #13
lobeydosser
Second Lieutenant
lobeydosser's Avatar
Scotland
105
Rep
251
Posts

Drives: 320d auto active suspension
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Glasgow

iTrader: (0)

I don't have an X3, but am thinking about getting one.

Looking at some review sites and Youtube videos I'm sure I saw a mention of water leaks from "the third brake light".
I'm guessing that means the high-level brake light in the tailgate.

Might be worth a look.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      01-23-2019, 12:18 AM   #14
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the response.
It appears that the rain water is getting under the wiring grommet from body to tailgate. Where the grommet enters the D-pillar it is double skin metalwork. It appears that the water is running down between the skins and exiting where the plastic mount for the d-pillar trim is screwed to the d-pillar. I think some careful application of silicone under the grommet will fix it.

The car is going anyway. It’s 5 years old exactly with 43650 on the clock and has whining transmission, noisy turbo and rattling timing chain. All that and a water leak has signed its end.
Appreciate 0
      03-07-2019, 08:01 AM   #15
Jonsaved
New Member
England
9
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 3 Series
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Bookham Surrey

iTrader: (0)

Problem fixed. My bodywork specialist sealed the wiring grommet so all ok now
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 11:10 AM   #16
8383
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: X3 E83
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Hi Jonsaved,

My x3 has water pooling on the right side in the compartment. I see there is a hose there, do you think that it could be leaking?
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2019, 12:45 AM   #17
i068
Registered
Taiwan
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: BMW F25 X3
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Taiwan

iTrader: (0)

My 2013 F25 got a different situation, a leaking water container I put in cargo space caused water in battery compartment for around 1 inch deep. Is there a drain hole that can free those water?
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2020, 04:16 PM   #18
Morelsky
Morelsky
United_States
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW X3 F25
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Miami Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Hi guys, I have been searching, looking for answers, consulting, reading posts and talking to mechanics to know where the water in my trunk is coming from when raining heavily. Nobody found the cause. Where is the leak? It was a mystery until yesterday.

A guy that works at the auto glass repair shop made a test for me. He splits water with a hose on the top edge of the back glass. Nothing. He did it again but this time on the top edge of the red third brake lamp that is on the spoiler, you know, the red plastic lamp. BINGO!! The water was entering into the cargo area from the 3rd brake red lamp. Water all over exactly like when raining, on the same spot.

Now the one million dollar question is how to take the 3rd lamp off in order to reseal it.

If you know how, please send /post some videos here.
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2020, 01:04 AM   #19
pungo
Colonel
pungo's Avatar
984
Rep
2,680
Posts

Drives: Z4MC, X3-35i,525i, Corrado G60
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MD

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
Manual
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2020, 02:39 PM   #20
najnad
General of the Space Forces
najnad's Avatar
United_States
179
Rep
730
Posts

Drives: 11 X3 35i M-sport
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Elkridge, MD

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I had the same problem after my rear door was replaced after I was rear ended, the body shop repaired it with a new brake light and new gasket/sealant.
__________________
Current: 2020 X5 x40i M-Sport, Arctic Grey Metallic / Ivory White, Executive Package, Luggage Compartment Package, Integral Active Steering, Tow Package, Parking Assist Package, Driving Assist Package, M-Sport brakes, Tux Mats
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2021, 04:38 PM   #21
cedchung
Lieutenant
Mauritius
65
Rep
407
Posts

Drives: 2011 F25, 2014 F30
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Mauritius

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Morelsky View Post
Hi guys, I have been searching, looking for answers, consulting, reading posts and talking to mechanics to know where the water in my trunk is coming from when raining heavily. Nobody found the cause. Where is the leak? It was a mystery until yesterday.

A guy that works at the auto glass repair shop made a test for me. He splits water with a hose on the top edge of the back glass. Nothing. He did it again but this time on the top edge of the red third brake lamp that is on the spoiler, you know, the red plastic lamp. BINGO!! The water was entering into the cargo area from the 3rd brake red lamp. Water all over exactly like when raining, on the same spot.

Now the one million dollar question is how to take the 3rd lamp off in order to reseal it.

If you know how, please send /post some videos here.
Hi
Did you manage to fix the problem?
I have the exact same issue.
Thanks
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2022, 05:45 PM   #22
Julianne Bowers
Registered
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: '09 E93 335i Convertible Crims
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2019 GMC Yukon XL  [0.00]
2009 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Unhappy Rain leak into trunk

I have an E93 2009 Convertible; I also had rain water in my trunk; left side. Left side is where the amp is located; and of course it has taken out the amp; power to the amp is illuminated in the trunk, radio lights up and shows currrent station and song info but no sound and no telephone. I am hesitant to replace the amp before I can determine where the rain came in. I have checked gaskets and seals, etc. as has been recommended..Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
battery compartment, leak, trunk boot

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:04 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST