From digest.v7.n621 Wed Nov 19 20:02:16 1997
From: "Alan Alfano"<Alan.Alfano_at_SNET.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 1997 14:36:20 -0400
Subject: RE: E30-87-325e water leak in trunk

>From: PARADE <Parade.CSC_at_bigfoot.com> v07.n620
>Subject: E30-87-325e water leak in trunk
>After heavy rains i have water in my trunk in the wells/cutouts behind the
>rear wheel housings on both sides. Sometimes it's pretty damn full, almost
>up to the main floor of the trunk. I checked all the rubber seams around
>the trunk and they seem fine. Where can that water come from - any
>suggestions ?
>Thanks in advance,
>Ryan

Ryan,

1. Check the rear tail light assemblies. They have foam seals that deteriates.
2. Check the rear trunk seal with newspaper. Really... Take a 4 inch section of newsprint, close the trunk on it. Pull on the newsprint. There should be some grabbing. Open trunk and move paper, close trunk , check,,,,etc. Around complete trunk seal area. If there is a lack of grab/seal, then replace rear trunk seal.
3. Check rear license plate lights, with age the rubber seals no longer seal.
4. Do the light test: in low light, place a drop light under the car, from inside the trunk, look in the two side wells. Sometimes the caulking brakes away between two metal panels. It will be real obvious if the leak is here, as you will see light from the trunk.
5. Do you have a sunroof ? Check to make sure that the rear drain tubes do not drain into your trunk.

There is not much else back there....

Due to the volume of water that you describe, and that it is in both sides, I bet its the rear tail light assemblies.

Regards,
Alan Alfano
alan.alfano_at_snet.com

BMW CCA #30492

1988 BMW 325iX
1956 Austin-Healey 100M (2)