Water leak through HVAC unit

[daveduck]

I have finally found my dreaded water leak. When water would go through the front driver's side (left) cowl, all of the water would dump onto the front floorboards (mostly on driver's side). I could see it coming from above where the heater core pipes are.

I took off both of the cowls and cleaned under them, but there wasn't much debris. I then took off the cover that is in front of the blower motor and there was a lot of dirt/gunk. After cleaning all of it out, I poured water into the cowl and it drained out of the elephant trunk hole.

I tested again, and poured a bit more water... and it leaked through like before. It looks like it may be penetrating the gasket that seals the HVAC unit to the firewall. (#2 here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=64_1719) It looks fairly old.

So, is there any way I can fix this without taking off the dash? I really need to get back on the road, and am trying to avoid taking off the dash just yet.

[daveduck]

I also may be overestimating how much rain will actually pour into the cowl at any given time. Maybe I am just pouring too quickly and worrying for no reason

[tomstin]

Something else to consider. There are three drain tubes at the bottom of the HVAC unit. One on each side, and one toward the rear by the ashtray. These rubber tubes go from the unit through to the transmission hump. They tend to crack. Take a look at those.