Body - Water Leaks Into Luggage Compartment
SI B51 19 09Body Equipment
May 2009
Technical Service
SUBJECT
Water Leaking into the Luggage Compartment
MODEL
E82, E88 (1 Series)
SITUATION
After rainfall, varying amounts of water may be present in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. This water may be present in either side area, or in the wheel well area.
In addition to the presence of moisture, the customer may note that Park Distance Control (PDC) is inoperative or moisture is present in the tail lamps.
CAUSE
This water intrusion may be caused by one or more of the following:
^ Damaged or deformed trunk seal
^ Loose mounting of the tail lamp
^ Damaged tail lamp seal
^ Trunk wiring harness grommet not fully seated
^ Void in the seam sealer in the trunk/floor pan area
^ Various luggage compartment and wire harness grommets not properly seated
^ Fuel filler neck grommet not properly seated
^ Air extractors damaged or not properly seated
^ ABS harness grommet behind the right rear wheel arch not properly seated
^ Convertible top cover hinge fasteners loose (E88 only)
CORRECTION
Review the affected areas in the order listed, and seal or replace them as necessary.
PROCEDURE
Water-test the vehicle and then open the trunk lid to see whether an obvious water path is present. If no obvious water paths are found, remove the luggage compartment trim and water-test the vehicle a second time. If no obvious water paths are identified, conduct the following inspections following the water test.
1. Inspect the trunk seal for damage, poor fitment, and areas that appear not to make good contact with the trunk lid. Repair or replace as necessary.
2. Check the fastening nuts on the back side of the tail lamps to ensure they are properly secured. Tighten them as needed.
3. Inspect the tail lamp opening in the body from inside the luggage compartment. Inspect the tail lamp foam seal for damage, kinks, etc., and repair or replace as necessary.
4. Inspect the grommet where the trunk wiring harness enters the luggage compartment (1) and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Inspect all the body grommets for the various leads of the trunk wiring harness to ensure they are properly seated.
6. Inspect all sheet metal joints inside the luggage compartment for small voids in the seam sealer which covers them. If any voids are found, they should be properly sealed using seam sealer. If the water entry seems to be coming from the area of the tail panel, it may be necessary to remove the rear bumper cover and inspect the seam sealer in the area of the bumper supports.
7. Open the fuel filler flap and inspect the seal (1) around the fuel filler. If a gap exists at the bottom (2), it is not installed properly. Press the bottom of the seal downward to fully seat it on the plastic housing.
8. Inspect both the left and right air extractors (1) from inside the luggage compartment. Ensure that they are fully seated to the body and that none of the rubber flaps are damaged. If water entered from this area but the air extractor does not appear damaged or improperly installed, remove the rear bumper cover and inspect the air extractor from the outside. If it does not sit flush against the body, but is fully seated, run a bead of silicone sealant around the air extractor.
9. Remove the right rear wheel arch liner per REP 51 71 038 to access where the ABS wiring passes into the luggage compartment. Ensure that the ABS harness grommet (1) is fully seated.)
10. E88 only With the trunk lid open, inspect the hinge fasteners (1) for the convertible top stowage compartment lid. If leaks are found in this area, the hinge fasteners should be properly tightened.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Disclaimer