DS jack compartment in trunk keeps filling with water!!

[robspeed325i]

The PO replaced the taillight gaskets, and I see a thin line of rust on the driver's side under the trunk opening lip, where there appears to be a boxed section forming a channel under the opening. the jack compartment FILLS with water, and the only place I see where it could be obviously getting in is about a 1" gap in the top half of the trunk lid gasket itself (like the top of the gasket "tube" was torn off), right in the center where the lock is. Thing is, this is under the lip of the trunk lid itself, and it "looks" like it would hit the lid, and drain off the edge onto the rear bumper. is it instead following the line of the closed trunk and seeping into this gap in the gasket? anyone seen this before? I was going to get some RTV and try to rig a patch type deal for the area, see if that works before springing for a new seal....

[Eric Giles]

Check the grommet that sits around the antenna mast. A leak there can also fill the jack area with water.

[JUMPNYC]

Im having the same problem, but I replaced the antenna grommet and taillights, it helped a little. The water seems to be coming from the back of the trunk for some reason. Since i have the Hardtop on for now, I know its not a issue with the convertible, could it be leaking from anywhere else? I probably need to stuff a small person in the trunk with a flashlight and hit it with a hose.

[///M42 sport]

do you park at a incline so that water collects in the corners of the trunk seals?

[robspeed325i]

do you park at a incline so that water collects in the corners of the trunk seals?

nah its sitting more or less level. once i get the engine oil leak fixed ("pipe" running between block and intake mani) it will move to driveway, but by that time it will probably be getting hit by snow, not rain. the thing that is clear is that there is that line of light rust that shows from that boxed "channel" just inside the trunk, above the taillights. is it true that area (jack compartment) should be draining anyway? i didnt see any obvious drains, and was considering drilling my own but thought I should fix the leak rather than create another rust opportunity...

[gearheadE30]

Check the aforementioned antenna, runk, and taillight eals. I've also seen some sunroof drains that are rusted out on the inside and drain into the jack or battery well. I have no idea how to fix that, though.

[AndrewBird]

Check to see if the tube for the sunroof drains came off the trunk vents. They often pop off as only friction holds them on.

[smonkbmw]

Check to see if the tube for the sunroof drains came off the trunk vents. They often pop off as only friction holds them on.

seconded.

wifes eta had a hole in the lip of the trunk that was hidden by the seal. sealed it with putty and that stopped. now its leaking on the passenger side, on to the shelf that covers the battery. im gonna be pissed if the m3 has leaks like her car does.

worst case pop a hole into the trunk well to let it drain.

[z31maniac]

Yup, my car does the same thing. The trunk vents no longer seal to the car.

Just drilled a hole.

[robspeed325i]

mine appears to clearly be draining from that upper area just under the lip. id rather fix the problem than create another one (future rust spot around hole). im heading out later ... will take pics.

[robspeed325i]

mine appears to clearly be draining from that upper area just under the lip. id rather fix the problem than create another one (future rust spot around hole). im heading out later ... will take pics.

OK, duh pics:





any thoughts?

[smellslikecurry]

i have the same problem but i dont have the water puddling issue



since the rust ate a gaping hole through the metal


its all rotting there now :(

[Jean]

Clean the "gummy" areas, those are the trunk drains.