PSA: check your trunk gaskets.

[kronus]

With age, they shrink and stop doing what they're intended to do. Even in California. This is what results:



This is a more advanced example than most I've seen, but last weekend I went through three junkyards of e30s in search of a donor and was unable to find one that wasn't rusty in that location, which is where the trunk gasket joint typically sits.

The part number for a new one is 51711884149.

[5ickride]

So true.

[ELVA164]

Holy crap. I actually just replaced mine just last week after eliminating all other trunk leak possibilities. Even though the old gasket looked and felt okay, you could really tell how much meatier the new one is when installed! Fixed the leak immediately. Also, luckily no rust around the lip like you pictured. Whew.

[nando]

Also, clean out the damn gutters and door jambs on your cars. It bugs the crap out of me when I see an E30 where everything is full of leaves and needles, of course it will rust! :(

[anabolice30]

Also, clean out the damn gutters and door jambs on your cars. It bugs the crap out of me when I see an E30 where everything is full of leaves and needles, of course it will rust! :(

How to do this? Like the sunroof drain and stuff.

[nando]

Dont park under trees and it will never be a problem :p

[Dj Buttchug]

confirmed this happens in socal.