Another Cabrio Water Leak

[handysmurf59]

Hey guys,
I searched this topic and found a couple of references to water leaks in the same spot, but no one called out what they thought could fix it. So here goes.
I have had a persistent water leak in my cabrio since I bought it. The water comes in right where the top meets the windshield and the door. Right in that corner. The problem is that all the seals look good. Nothing ripped or cracked. I have had someone water the car while I was inside, but no luck. I can see the water coming in just can't tell where its coming from. Also have a hardtop that had all new seals just before I got it. I have the exact same leaks when its installed. Any suggestions?

Jason

[handysmurf59]

I was hoping that some cabrio owners would chime in with there experience / recommendations. Bump for the weekend.

[NC325iC]

you need a new windshield/door gasket, its a large one piece seal that goes in the top from about half way through the front windows all the way around the windshield to halfway up the other window. costs alot of moneys for what it is, requires a little bit of RTV to install properly.

edit: or you need to adjust your windows. probably the latter if the seals look good.

[handysmurf59]

Ok I'll check that out. The seal on the softtop does look a little ragged. However the one on the hardtop looks great and the windows mate up well with either top on. I have suspected the original top seal as being the culprit, but then started to doubt it when I noticed the exact same problem when I had the new hardtop on.
Thanks again for the replays,
Jason

[idanity]

1st, ensure your top does meet the car perfectly.
2nd, to resolve small seals, lay down a hefty garbage bag over your car, and add some silicon, then tape up your softtop to protect the visual areas.
next.
set your soft top on the car in the up/ closed position, but do not lock it down.
wait 12-24 hours, and then remove the tape and plastic. then, reseal the top, and test with rain, or pouring water (not jet water, or hose blast water).

this should resolve most issues with minimal cost

[pmac]

I have the same issues with both my soft and hard top. I live in Vancouver so it'll be a big issue come winter. I'll be looking into these solutions.

Really is a silly design for a cabrio. I've been looking at other convertibles and some seem to be much better designed so that even if water does find it's way in there is a channel for it to escape out.

[pmac]

1st, ensure your top does meet the car perfectly.
2nd, to resolve small seals, lay down a hefty garbage bag over your car, and add some silicon, then tape up your softtop to protect the visual areas.
next.
set your soft top on the car in the up/ closed position, but do not lock it down.
wait 12-24 hours, and then remove the tape and plastic. then, reseal the top, and test with rain, or pouring water (not jet water, or hose blast water).

this should resolve most issues with minimal cost

I'm not sure I understand what you're suggesting. Where is the silicon going? What part are you taping up?

[handysmurf59]

1st, ensure your top does meet the car perfectly.
2nd, to resolve small seals, lay down a hefty garbage bag over your car, and add some silicon, then tape up your softtop to protect the visual areas.
next.
set your soft top on the car in the up/ closed position, but do not lock it down.
wait 12-24 hours, and then remove the tape and plastic. then, reseal the top, and test with rain, or pouring water (not jet water, or hose blast water).

this should resolve most issues with minimal cost

I thought this was a joke at first, but I think he is talking about resealing the seams.
yeah, both of my tops also leak. I just can't get over how the seals on the hardtop are brand new and still leak! I have checked the mating surfaces and they look good to. So fricking annoying.

[N2MYE30]

This may help...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1462586

[87cabrio89is]

Are your coverings for the centering bolts on the handles present? I have a leaking soft and hardtop and recently found that I have just one cap between the 2 tops (there should be 2 on each top). Hopefully this will solve my problem.

[Trptguy]

Are your coverings for the centering bolts on the handles present? I have a leaking soft and hardtop and recently found that I have just one cap between the 2 tops (there should be 2 on each top). Hopefully this will solve my problem.

did this work?

[iloveryanevans]

shit. i have this same problem... my seal looks fine and window sits all the way up into the molding and looks right. even tried raising my door a little (bad idea) think i might have to spray out some dough and get a new seal