WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

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DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
Posts: 27

  Z3 roadster 1.9

WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

RECENTLY PICKED UP 99 Z3 BODY IMMACULATE ,MY DAUGHTER PICKED IT WHILE BROWSING LOCAL SHOW ROOM,100,000 BUT RUNS REALLY NICELY,ONLY PROBLEM IS IT MUST HAVE BEEN LEAKING RAINWATER FOR SOMETIME ON DRIVERS SIDE ,LOOKS LIKE THE RUBBER DRAINAGE WHICH GOES DOWN FROM SIDE OF WINDSCREEN SEEMS TO END UP TRAVELLING DOWNTO BOTTOM RUBBER DOOR SEAL CARRYING RAINWATER INSIDE MOST UNUSUAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM, IS PERISHED IN SEVERAL PLACES (,I HAD TO REMOVE A SECTION OF CARPET TAKE SEAT OUT AND REMOVE SOUNDPROOFING SPONGE WHICH WAS SATURATED SUCK UP AS MUCH WATER AS POSS AND RUN TWO ELECTRIC BLOW DRYERS ON CARPETS) ,THE WATER APPEARS TO BE ENTERING THERE,ALSO DRIPPING FROM DRIVERS WINDOW SEAL HAS ANYBODY HAD THIS PROBLEM APPARENTLY THIS NOT UNUSUAL ON Z3,S,I,VE PUT A SHEET OVER WHILE OUTSIDE ON MY DRIVE ,SUCH A PITY COS SHE LOOKS GREAT ,BRIGHT RED AND A REAL HEAD TURNER,ANY TIPS WOULD BE GRATEFUL ,IF I CAN GET IT SORTED I HOPE TO REFURB BIT BY BIT ALTHOUGH LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR OUTSIDE CHEERS!
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by Southernboy »

The window seal issue may be able to be resolved by adjusting the closing height of the window a mm or two...It's a simple thing to do, and I'm sur if you search the KB you will find a write up on window height adjustment. Alternately, you could replace the rubber seal at the top, but that is an expensive piece of rubber. I think I saw something recently about pumping some PU (?) into the hole of that section of seal, which apparently plumps it up and creates a better seal again.
One of the issues with Z3's is the rubber window guide on the 1/4 light window. It is a *itch to keep from being pushed upwards and tends to cause a leak at the top where it comes to a pointed end...something you can check too. Good luck trying to dry the carpet out...that is one large "sucker"... :lol:
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DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

thaks for all that ,i.ll try window adjust,the main leak seems to be from the two small run off holes just above 1/4 light window which guides water excess down door frame to seal at bottom by sill,its perished in two places and seems to be seaping thru inside car ,theres a a little piece of rubber tube about half way down which pops out,i,ve attached a piece of plastic tube to run water away from bottom bit ,its only a temp measure,do both of the drainage holes go to that little piece of rubber tube that pops out ? gonna have to do another dry out had to pull most of sponge off back of carpet will have to find some thing to replace sponge but had no choice as it was really soaking wet! cheers
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by Southernboy »

I'm really not familiar with a "pop out" tube?? Would like to see a photo of that !! Sponge is really cheap from any supplier, and in the required density. Would be worth doing a replacement in the winter...Don't throw away any sponge you have removed, you may need it for a template. Removing the front section of carpet is quite a task, but not insurmountable. Somewhere on the KB is an article titled "removing the entire interior of your Zed" It might be a good read for you if you decide to do the sponge replacement in the winter, and have a garage you can work in. It also offers the opportunity to clean, replace light bulbs, and learn a whole heap about the bits and pieces behind the dash, under the center console etc etc. I have done it a couple of times over the past 10 years to give the carpets a thorough cleaning, and to clean up the dust etc that accumulates from driving with the roof down. Her in sunny South Africa we fortunately have ample opportunity to do topless driving... :D
The sponge is probably best sourced from an auto trimmer, or if you google a local manufacturer / supplier, it is always worth going direct from a cost point of view, and if you don't need the car as a daily, then it's a really fun task. I have re-taped all the wiring under the dash, behind the console etc and that always makes for easier access when wanting to replace fiddly light bulbs in back of the aircon control switches etc. If you've never had the console out, you'll be surprised at the grubbiness that awaits...
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Robert T
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by Robert T »

Two useful articles on the subject, detailing two different fixes:

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22754

and:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showth ... p?t=254611

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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DC
Joined: Tue 15 Sep, 2009 17:31
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Inverness-shire

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DC »

Robert T wrote:Two useful articles on the subject, detailing two different fixes:

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22754

and:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showth ... p?t=254611

Cheers R.
I fixed mine by using a cycle inner tube repair patch (available from Halfords and most bike shops, the "spongy" kind you just peel the back off and stick down), over the rubber plug making sure the joint is covered.
It's an instant fix if you make sure the rubber you're sticking it to is clean and dry.
I meant it as a temporary fix but it's still keeping the water out 28 months later though cosmetically it needs replacing

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Apologies for the lousy photo.
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Dave. 1998 Arctic Silver Z3 M44 1.9 Automatic
DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

thanks for the tips and link ,i,ll give em go!
DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

A BIG THANKYOU TO ALL WHO POSTED I,M NOW MORE KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT MY Z ,REPLACED PERISHED SEAL AT BOTTOM OF DRIVERS DOOR WHERE MAIN LEAK WAS,ALSO ANYONE ELSE SHOULD NOTE THE RUBBER PLUG CAN BE CULPRIT TOO [SEE POST]THANKS AGAIN FOLKS!ESP DAVE AND ROBERT T,AND SOUTHERNBOY TOO
DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

hello again have replacred rubber seal from passenger side across above windscreen then down around drivers door but aghhh!still got water seeping in seems to be from little holes on rubber door seal/overflow but its hard to tell exactly have removed pop out door sill thingy and side bits of carpet are wet its driving me nuts and i,m not going to replace sponge until this is sorted ,dont have garage so hard to find a gap in the weather.i think this may be a design fault i would advise any z3 owner to check under carpet on drivers side especially and more so if you live in a wet climate like here in uk ,i stumbled on a pool in footwell after curing a more minor leak and checking under carpet,anyone else had water seeping in? :?:
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by Southernboy »

Hi Doll....
These leaks are really small. The amount of water leaking in may seem a lot, but consider the volume falling on the car and you will realise that it's a small leak. My suggestion would be you either dry the seals around the door & window, get into the car - when it's raining - and use a decent torch and carefully look for the water entry point(s) and ty to follow it's origins by working upwards from the entry point.
Alternately, get a waterproof car cover and attack the problem when summer comes around. At least it won't be freezing sitting in the car looking for the leak.

I don't think it's a design fault, as the only leak my car developed was the rubber plug thing at the top of the windscreen pillar. But consider, water loves gravity, and whereas the water has collected in the footwell, it may have originated a long way off.
Also, water always follows a course if it can't drip, pour cascade etc.. I mean, water is very "sticky" and will cling to surfaces, it'll even hang upside down in small quantities, while flowing across such a surface until it reaches the lowest possible point from which it cannot flow further....the footwell.
By the by, the "sponge" and the carpet are one, having been bonded in the manufacturing process. If you replace one, you replace both.
It's a "b" itch which demands a scratch, and when you just can't find the spot, it becomes a bitch.
A waterproof cover may be your cheapest and simplest solution to prevent further damage to the interior while you investigate further..... :wink:
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Southernboy
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Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by Southernboy »

I noticed another post about car covers...on the list. £60. for a cover from Halfords, and seems it lasts around 3 years.
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DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

thanks for reply to post ,have got a cover already ,first thing i did as needed few monor leaks when i first aquired my z3,i have replaced rubber seals on drivers door and replaced one rubber seal on hood as signs of perishing at no small expense,and yes have already tried torch in heavy rain sitting in passenger seat but cannot see any drips or an entry point,when i found how much water was in footwell in september when i first encountered leak [solved that] dripping onto my lap when raining but have resolved that issue,took driver seat out ,and becaause it was so badly soaked down there i cut [aggghhhh] yeah i know but was saturated,pulled alot of the sponge off,and with two heater blowers dried carpet and remaining sponge backing with soft top down during last of decent weather,earlier this week i took door card off as described very clearly here on knowledge base as i thought wet may be seeping thru weather seal behind door card,yes weather seal all shot along bottom edge but no real signs of water could be sneaking in there,greased window runner[which had been very sticky] and had some switch cleaner lying around so sprayed a bit into window guides ,i cit out some plastic sheet[polythene] and stuck it behind worn weather proof sealed it with silicone and replaced said door card ,so have done all procedures advised here on our site but.....yes i,m still looking at water in footwell under carpet,i,ve got a piece of board under the carpet til i can resolve this and then get some suitable soundproof/insulation sponge to fill in the gaps of missing sponge. i really thought it was the door seals cos it was broken on drivers side but no,only thing i can think is could be coming thru a missing gromet in the run off from windscreen were it goes into a gully inthe bulkheadblocked with leaves it filled up and seeped thru to passenger footwell. it looks a bit awkward when i lift bonnetyou cant actually see down as bonnet is preventing also has like a mesh cover on it ,lookin out now been lashing down all day got cover on will try and poke wire thru mesh tomorrow if its not still raining see if its blocked in there.sorry been a bit long winded,this site has been really helpful so far and with all you z lovers and troubleshooters help i,m gonna find this bl...y leak c,mon guys what do i check next! cheers ps my z3 is bright red 12yrs old and a real head turner cant wait for summer! help
DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

Been a while replying here but due to weather have only recently detected the cause of leak EUREKA! water entering via window seal on drivers door bad,bad leak pouring in must have been a problem for some time judging by the FLOOD in footwell ,anyway it was dripping[niagra] style down inner part of door and entering via inner sill thru old worn door card and worn door card seal,could not see it until sat in car during rainfall with door card removed,there is also a leak around the door handle but this just ran into inside of door and thru run off ,am so happy to have found this leak,so am in process of replacing window seal i,ll seal round door handle while i,m at it,thanks again for suggestions and links for removal of door card etc etc. hope this helps anyone else to trouble shoot their leaks !!
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Southernboy
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by Southernboy »

The door handle seals are rubber gasket type things...they are available on eBay from Taiwan...BMW don't seem to sell these as separate items ...and you should do both doors while you're at it... :wink:
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DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

thanks for the info re;door handle seals your right bmw dealer just dont have em got the window seal fitted today,any special tips ? bmw dealer says dont water test or open window for a couple days. am off to look on Ebay for those handle seals.
DOLLYPEG
Joined: Wed 12 Sep, 2012 14:01
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

thanks again [southernboy].any ideas on changing rubber door handle seals,[if i can manage to obtain them],any tips greatly appreciated, :
yocky z3 2.0
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  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Barnsley

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by yocky z3 2.0 »

Hi only just read this thread a friend had this problem on is car rear window split water getting in where hood folds and running down under carpet behind seats,removed seats lifted carpets and dried with a small dehumidifier from eBay did a great job snuff dry cheers tony.
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DOLLYPEG
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: WATER LEAKING IN DRIVERS SIDE HELP!

Post by DOLLYPEG »

just a foot note to anyone reading this,if you have water seeping into footwell and cant locate it,take doorcard off open car door and see if rubber seal is water tight{the window seal at bottom of window} pour water against window and see if it is coming thru door,sounds obvious but no one recommended it to me,esp the drivers window as it is likley to have been used far more.rubber window seal not cheap but essential. i replaced loads before i sussed it was seeping thru door. goodluck.
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