BMW 4 Series F33 - Water Sloshing Sound Potential Fix - Save your Amp Before it Blows Like Mine!!

[@tiptopchap]

This should be shared with every 4 series convertible owner - I’m driving around with my headphones after the amp went pop on a 5 yr old M4 that BMW want to charge me over a grand to fix. Seeking an amp repair person however thanks for sharing, it really should be a factory recall yet we will be waiting a long time on that from BM

[@CallumColes]

Yep completely agree! Just a ticking time bomb waiting to cost a load of money, poor form from BMW

[@kennethwise7108]

Thanks, got rid of mine immediately afterwards

[@mandlazooloo9733]

JUST HAD MY AMP BLOWN TOO ... bummer

[@paultthelekky4763]

appreciate the amp issue, but how does draining the side skirt fix the issue where the water pools under the amp? surely the issue with the amp is coming from above not below?

[@jameshickam1787]

@@paultthelekky4763 great question.. looking for answers

[@davenelson1538]

Outstanding! I had just bought my 2018 4-series convertible, and after a rain ... no radio. AND: BTW - you *may* be able to fix your amp if it's been underwater. Try this: Remove the amp. Disassemble it down to the circuit board. Clean the board carefully with isopropyl alcohol (or contact cleaner). Then, put the board in your oven, and set it for about 175 degrees (F). Let it bake all the water away for a good 7-8 hours. Reassemble, and test. Fixed mine! I'm a retired EE, did major stuff with PCBs & circuit board mfg. 175 F will not hurt anything. And, what do you have to loose! Good luck - and THANK YOU for the video!

[@TonyJvideos]

You've shown what's involved very well, Well done! Inspired use of the 3D printer! Bit of a bodge on the nut and bolts with the tape but it worked so all good. Using a bolt and a couple of (the right size) nuts locked up together I found easiest to "make" the 13mm allen key. For the viewers benefit, it only has to turn that little plug about an eigth of a turn to release the plug and it isn't hard to turn. I wouldn't advise drilling the hole after you screwed the panel back up, you could potentially mangle the plug (allen key won't be much good if someone drills in too far and rounds the hexagonal insert off), it's easier to do while you have the panel down. Easiest way to cut the plastic panels is with a dremel-type tool, goes through them like butter. I didn't even pull off the side skirts, just bent them down underneath by a couple of inches, and wedged them to maintain the gap while I made the cut-out in the plastic with the dremel. The advantage of making cut-outs over drilling is that you can make the hole large enough that you can remove the drain plugs in future (should you ever need to if they get gunked up again) without having to release any trim screws for the side skirts or under-tray. A little explanation of the theory. The side skirts and under-tray don't have gaps for the drain holes because BMW have used the same ones as for the coupe, which doesn't have opening rear windows, they're sealed, water can't get into that section so doesn't need a drain plug. BMW should have designed specific side skirts and under-tray for the convertible with cut-outs for the drain plugs either side but they didn't. Purely a design oversight (mistake). The last thing to mention, which none of the videos show (I can't talk, I didn't even make one, lol) but what people will be asking is how does it fill with water? Essentially over time the rubber seals on the rear windows (which open on a convertible) don't seal properly and let water in. Obviously heavy rain at the wrong angle will penetrate, and something people should be aware of when they wash their cars, particularly if using a jet wash. They're essentially filling up their own quarter panels with water without realising. Car doors always have drains at the bottom in case water ingresses past the window rubbers, the rear panels on convertibles same applies. To keep water out people should replace the rear window sealing rubbers when they get old / hard / brittle enough that they no longer prevent the ingress of water. Dirt and gunk gets lodged down the gap accelerating deterioration and just as windscreen wipers deteriorate, they won't provide a good seal against the glass forever. Apologies for the long comment, but hope that fills in the gaps.

[@CallumColes]

Thanks for the comment! Yep bolt and tape was definitely a bodge lol, but impatience got the better of me, at least I have the printed version for if I need to re-clean at some point in the future. Agree that it probably would be best to do the side skirt while separated, that's why I kept the drilled holes quite a bit smaller than the size of the plug opening. But realistically, it would be best for the hole to be the same size, if not bigger. Very interesting to know about the reason for this issue, expensive design oversight though!

[@TonyJvideos]

@@CallumColes Body styling designers missed talking to the engineers about that point. "Oh it's the same shape as the coupe, we can use the same sills and undertrays"...

[@cagman101]

Use a pair of channel lock pliers, its not that hard to remove

[@annieamador464]

I have been putting this task off too long, but finally was getting actual water in the boot. So far nothing seems to have shorted, fingers crossed. Thank you for making a comprehensive and straightforward video for this inanely over complicated procedure! Just a note that on my car (USA 2015 428i convertible), there were additional fasteners underneath the foot plate in the door wells. As if it wasn’t fiddly enough already 🙄

[@darrenaxe8036]

Had mine from new. Today notice sloshing sound (Music off for some reason today) 😂. Checked out your video. Exactly the same outcome. Mod done, slightly different, same result. Easy access now to the drains. What I don’t understand is why BMW didn’t make them easy to get at. Thanks for the video. Been a great help. 👏👏👏

[@CallumColes]

Yes design flaw / oversight! Glad the video helped:)

[@brianlloyd3762]

I've had this problem for about 2/3 years, tried with a few KZbin videos myself and always had to take to a garage. Youre video was great and feeling very proud of myself that I've drained it myself this afternoon! My problem was that I wasnt pulling that side skirt towards me before! Thanks for the video!

[@CallumColes]

Really glad it gave you the confidence to have a crack at it yourself! Can save some money now:)

[@chriswalsh3768]

Just heard the sloshing on my way home from work tonight, first video I found was yours! Spot on mate!! It’s a good ‘how to…. ‘ Cheers 👍🏻😉

[@Paul-h9z]

This is a brilliant video - thank-you. How on earth have BMW got away without doing a recall? Amp and roof retraction seems to be damaged!

[@simonhobson2923]

Really valuable and informative video! My F33 convertible has been dripping for weeks and this explains why. The dealer conversation was not useful - this video was! I shall be following your example of unblocking and then adding a drain hole. Many thanks.

[@CallumColes]

Thanks for the comment, was certainly not what I wanted to discover, but figured if videoing the process could help a few other people it would be worth sharing the experience:)

[@johnoates7906]

Best video I've found to help identify the location of the drain plug, now resolved thanks for the info 👍

[@guysmets1559]

I noticed this a while ago, that after it rained, there was water under the car until the day after. So very near to being blocked. Thanks for the great tip. At least I could fix it before it got too bad...

[@motorbiking18650]

Great video, I've had this problem for a while and yours was the only video that showed the drain plug fix

[@CallumColes]

Thanks for the comment, much appreciated:)

[@florintucan566]

@@CallumColes 9 9v. 9vj

[@Shandinho]

Thanks for the good explanation. I've got the same problem with my 3 series.

[@dave262b]

My 2015 F33 has lost 1 amp and also over time flooded on the battery side which corroded the main cable terminal to the front of the car and one day it just wouldn't start. Both expensive to rectify by dealer. Interestingly at some point they also drilled the holes (as per BMW Service Information Bulletin SI B51 33 16 V2) but that did not stop the problem - maybe the holes were in the wrong place or the drain plugs just got blocked anyway. Also they never even bothered to tell me they'd done this - I only knew when I found the holes. Anyway, a few months ago I removed the plugs and on both sides got as much water out as in the video. I haven't put them back in - as far as I can see they could just get blocked again with gunk even with a hole beneath and can't see how any water off the road could go upwards and cause a problem. So far so good. Note that another tell tale sign I had was the rear window coming up with drops of water on it even when it had not rained for a while.

[@CallumColes]

Thanks for sharing your experience, crazy that they still managed to get blocked even with the holes drilled below. Nightmare design!

[@richardwood8485]

A brilliant video. We heard sloshing water noise in my wife's 2015 420d convertible a few days ago. I accessed as per the video and did the offside first and gallons of water escaped. I then did the nearside and it seeped but no gush. I then prodded up with a screwdriver and saw a plug of debris slowly lower itself before the torrent. Obviously the debris had been accumulating more on that side blocking off access to the drain hole totally. I agree - an abysmal design by BMW - and I have always been a BMW fan...

[@CallumColes]

Thanks! Hopefully it was in time to save your Amp from blowing?

[@richardwood8485]

@@CallumColes Yes it was. Just heard the sloshing sound after the recent storms and so no damage luckily...

[@markdavison965]

Thanks for the video. Just had my 435 drains cleared by a local BMW / Mercedes garage. The car had the water swashing noise and your video put me onto the problem. Cost £106 and they did the mod so the drains shouldn't get blocked again. Fortunately the amp and surrounding area was dry, although they reckoned the got 2lts of water out of the drain. Thanks again!

[@CallumColes]

You’re welcome! £106 much cheaper than if the amp had gone👌🏼

[@tomdarrohn6138]

Thank you! Same exact problem on my 2018 430i convertable. I was able to improvise by using a bolt head (as you recommended) and just turned it with a pair of vice gribs. Probably drained about 2 liters of water between both sides. The driver side was worse. Unfortunately what led me down this road was the blown amp, finding it submerged in water 😩 Update, there is a service bulleting from BMW on this: 513316. They say to leave the drain plug out after removing it. Don't re-install it. I also saw on other threads to cut both plastic overlays to allow the water to flow and not cause dirt/grime building up to prevent drainage.

[@Stuff58979]

Thanks for the information, we just drained about 10gal from the back. New holes made it drain much better, the sludge buildup will happen so make this a maintenance item with your oil changes and clean that plastic part

[@macmad6959]

This brings back memories, I had same issue on my F33 last year, full of water, drilled through the valve and gallons of water came out, unfortunately it causes my window regulator cable to snap, so had issues getting the roof up, all got sorted in the end, required a new window regulator, and was installed.

[@CallumColes]

Thanks for sharing your version of events! Problem shared is a problem halved as they say, glad it all got sorted.

[@jeanmarc_nkb]

How much did all that come out to in the end? If i may ask

[@PrinceVidz]

This problem just happend to me, water slosh sound in back panel. Exact same problem you are having. The reason the water gets in there is because of the back window rubber has gotten bad. Its deformed to the point where water slides in to the back. I tested it with a bottle of water on the bad side and the water gushes in to the car. On the other side where the rubber stil is good the water glides of off it. So i would imagine the long fix is to replace the back window rubber. After fixing the drain plug of course. Excellent video. (m4 f83)

[@CallumColes]

Cheers for the comment! Yeah the window seals are considered are maintainable part, I think they have a 5 year advised lifetime or something like that. But if the drainage has been properly designed, water should still always be able to get back out if it gets in!

[@kevindixon8706]

Just uploaded a short vid of my wife’s 430i convert. Thanks for your vid so I knew how to fix. I found that a bolt with a 9/16” head fits in the drain plug so I used the bolt with a stop nut as a wrench. Thanks again.

[@CallumColes]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment

[@ndaveis8208]

Having heard the same water sloshing about and seeing dripping its clear i will need to complete this fix.. very helpful Callum

[@matthewwakefield782]

Brilliant video thanks. Just bought a 4 series cab and noticed the sloshing. On this mornings job list! Thank you

[@peteslojay592]

Your instruction was spot on, although I had to borrow a 13mm Allen key from my local very friendly ATS Euromaster as it is not standard size. I drained litres of water from both sides of my car and removed the plastic plugs completely. Unfortunately I found your video after the water had sloshed over and drowned my boot and blown my amp :-( so still a costly repair.

[@bails1310fcjq]

Thanks a lot for the video. I’ve been on the edge of pulling the trigger on a 4 series cab and so pleased I saw this. I believe error from BMW, great fix though. Thank you.

[@CallumColes]

No worries, thanks for the comment:)

[@Satrolkof]

Thanks brother! God bless you! I made it today, same thing! Unbelievable!

[@ColinMcEvoy]

This is exactly what was going on with my e70 x5. Could not find the course of the water sloshing and finally took it to a shop and they did something similar to this and drained almost the same amount of water

[@Drops913]

Thanks for sharing! Worked perfectly. What an insane construction… Many thanks!

[@CallumColes]

Yep, truly awful! Glad the video helped =]

[@Raffles-68]

Holly sh1t!! My rear window stopped working. Was looking for causes and fuse number to check and found this! I also heard some water slosh but thought it was just a water bottle in the back. Now I know! Warranty claim on its way ..

[@CallumColes]

Good luck! Let us know how you get on with the claim...

[@christaunton]

Perfect - thanks for a great video! Thought I could hear sloshing in the passenger side sill of my 440 convertible and was on my way to the garage to let them investigate (but it was closed this weekend) when I had multiple electrical failures/warnings on my dash as well as losing my iDrive display completely, most button controls, audio - and my boot wouldn’t open at all (had to manually release it from inside the car). Boot carpet fairly damp, & lots of condensation in the car. Hope I haven’t killed the amp & it’s just fuses. Meanwhile, I’m running a dehumidifier overnight to try and remove most water vapour. We’ll see!!

[@CallumColes]

You're welcome, cheers for the comment. Let me know how you get on, hopefully the amp survived!!

[@1athar]

How do you get into the boot from inside the car - I have the exact same issue but cant get into the boot

[@greggles612]

Just happened to mine. Radio on and off and then poof gone. :/ Wish I had seen this first but at least will be able to fix now. Thanks!

[@frankyanonym7755]

Can this happen to f36?

[@jaman2366]

This is absolutely ridiculous. Im having this issue now im very surprised this issue is not big enough for bmw to cover the issue. Water can get into the trunk where the amplifier is and cost $1500 to fix. This is crazy to me

[@CallumColes]

It is crazy, should have been a recall. Shocking from BMW

[@jivewire2050]

Great video. How did you remove the side skirt?

[@that_kouki_26]

That's mad, I've just bought an F83, gonna get it up on the ramp tomorrow and get this done!

[@CallumColes]

How’d it go?

[@that_kouki_26]

@@CallumColes Turns out it had already had the fix done on mine mate!

[@mohammedbayasi8354]

Thank you so much. My car collected so much water the sound system went out. The dealership quoted me $3700. Did this like you showed in the video and worked just fine.

[@CallumColes]

You're welcome, glad to have saved you some money:)

[@CZ-57]

They quoted me the same amount i told them they smoking crack

[@CarinMik]

This is crazy and exactly what is happening with the 2020 440i convertible we just purchased. I heard water slashing around a few days ago and have found puddles on our garage floor. Thankful we're under warranty so no fees.

[@davym2678]

Finally someone who shows how it's done. I just did it on my cabrio as well. My back windows mechanism was completely rusted and had to pay 1000€ to have it replaced... Also thinking to blame this on BMW but I'm lacking the time and emotion to start it. PS. I think you need a 14mm hex key as the 13mm seemed slightly too small

[@CallumColes]

Crazy that such a design flaw can exist, it will be the engineers not checking things properly when they made the convertible version from the coupe... Yep you're right about the 14mm hex, that is a better fit, the comment I had read online had said 13mm, so that is what I originally tried.

[@alexpetrie6190]

Just sorted on my 420d soft top. Crazy design flaw! Thanks!

[@CallumColes]

Nice one, glad it helped:)

[@Shabbe02]

Soft top? So you have the latest gen? I dont think that they have the same issue

[@salesmindestandbusiness1678]

This is great thank k you for sharing. I thought that they had forgot to add a baffle on the fuel tank but it would appear it’s a water ingress/drainage issue. My entertainment system stops every time I hit the breaks

[@felixacosta]

Thank you so much, finally fixed that sloshing sound!!

[@CallumColes]

Glad it helped! Cheers for the comment

[@umairmkhalid]

Thanks, a lot.. u saved me a hefty bill .... 530 gt 2012 has no drain plug, For some reason BMW decided to seal the opening coz i could see the plastic bit but no screw..... so I had to drill a hole to get the water out... but my Rear Passenger carpet was getting soaking wet .... leaving it to dry now.

[@CallumColes]

You’re welcome! Yes seems the BMW engineers like to forget about the drainage… 🙈

[@umairmkhalid]

@@CallumColes Absolutely.... why would u do that i mean they designed a Frameless door car and think water will never get in btw I am still unsure how water got in :D... do you know how u got water under the floor Thanks

[@ryanp7219]

Why not do away with the drain plug? Seems that’s part of the issue as well, getting clogged with debris

[@CallumColes]

Well I suppose you could, but normally it’s there to prevent debris like leaves getting up and into the car. When there’s a hole above it, water will continue to drain and that helps keep it clear anyway, never too much trouble to give it an occasional clean, it’s the sort of thing BMW would/should check at service. The problem comes when BMW decide to block off the hole completely with the car bodywork🤦🏼‍♂️

[@maus_drummer]

Dude thanks so much for this video… i already lost my amp… my roof has a missing piece on each side now… just broke and came off the roof… 🤬…. If rains … i have a pool in my car!! Insane… If you have any suggestions.. i take them all! Thanks so much

[@CZ-57]

Bro same fuck this car is an hassle with higher mileage. The roof parts have to be replaced. Mines broke too and small piece fell off. Shits so frustrating and my amp is blown.

[@maus_drummer]

@@CZ-57 damn… same here bro

[@CallumColes]

Nightmare of a car🙈 at least it has a good resale value because it’s one of the very few four seater hard top convertibles models

[@desgatt6]

After umdion the tory bolts will the side skirt still come off if you have carbon fibre side skirts attached? Great vid BTW 👌

[@moshazza5684]

Thanks for this. What potential damage will it cause tk electrics? Where has it all cone from rear quarter or boot?

[@phily-ue6et]

This is obviously a design fault and, as some have pointed out, is a possible electrical hazard caused by modules in the boot shorting out, directly above the petrol tank. This problem should be a BMW recall as it's potententially dangerous.

[@NGR5BF]

Thanks for the video. I had the same problem with a Serie 4 Cabrio, when i stopped i could hear water splash on rear side, now i have no watersloshing.

[@susanlampshire639]

Hi Callum, thanks for sharing this.ive got a 2016 420 hard top convertible and fear this might be an issue with mine. I’ve never experienced any symptoms and there aren’t any sloshing sounds even when I do an emergency stop on an upward or downward slope. I ve checked the rubber sea.s around the rear windows and they don’t seem to be slack. I don’t have any Mechanical expertise nor any tools or a Jack. I will get my local mechanic to check it when it’s next in for new tyres soon. any idea if later models than yours had a redesign/fix?

[@CallumColes]

Hey Susan, the one is the video was 2017, so yes I’d definitely recommend have your mechanic take a look and install the drainage holes. Alternatively if you take it to BMW they should do it for free, since it’s a design flaw.

[@susanlampshire639]

@@CallumColes Thanks Callum

[@Abercrombemonkey]

​@@CallumColesis that the argument at the dealer? 2015, no more warranty. Argue that the water is sloshing around and it's their fault? Lol please advise!

[@Biorbboy]

Great video pal. Please can you advise whether both sides were filled with water?

[@TonyJvideos]

Can vary depending upon conditions (do you always park so one side faces the sun and one window sealing rubber deteriorates quicker than the other? etc) but typically yes, the window sealing rubbers are the same age, have undergone the same temperature changes and falling debris from trees, leaves etc so deteriorate similarly and fail to seal and prevent the ingress of water at a similar time.

[@CallumColes]

Yep, both sides had filled, but the one side far more than the other since the gunk was worse. So the water did not even drain until completely removed.

[@nahpimpin398]

Insane😮 I assume this is the same for the F30/F80 3 series?

[@ImranHussain-ue4nz]

Did you have to take off the side skirt to access the drain plug?

[@CallumColes]

Hi Imran, yes I did indeed, the side skirt completely blocks the drain plug🤦🏼‍♂️

[@markperkins384]

@@CallumColes could you drill a large hole through the side skirt to get to the plug? I think it might be easiuer than taking the whole skirt out? tempted to do that and remove the plug completely!

[@CallumColes]

@@markperkins384 theoretically you could, but you’d have a job knowing where the plug actually is! The side skirt completely covers it. I think it’s safer to take the side skirt off rather than risk drilling into the wrong part of the car… I’m not a mechanic and found it quite comfortable to take the side skirt off, I wouldn’t go as far to say easy, but certainly not difficult!

[@markperkins5400]

@@CallumColes Thanks i will give that a go first!

[@joachimstickel8345]

Very good video, thanks! However, when I start pulling the side skirts, I get some noise that sounds like something's about to crack. Therefore, I didn't dare to pull them out. Any comments or hints about that? Thanks again!

[@ngtatsang]

Do we need to put the plug back in? I thought the TSB said to remove it and leave it out

[@paulcosgrave6878]

Thank you so much for your very helpful video. I had that whooshing sound behind me and water onto my shoulder rear window well full of water. And simply un blocking hidden drain water poured out. Problem solved.

[@CallumColes]

Ayy, that's what I like to hear, thanks for the comment :)

[@Yigitcanakkas]

Thank you for the video and info. I have another question, when i first drove my car after the heavy rain and heard sloshing sounds, there was no water in the car anywhere but i heard sounds from the roof as well, when i forced the car with heavy braking, some water came in from the roof middle section, but that was it. Where is this water exactly filling and whats the risk of it filling inside? I opened the top and there was no water anywhere on the roof either.

[@lmh-mv3ec]

Do we have to do it on both sides? I am driving a RHD model. Do I have to unscrew the left side skirt too? Also does drilling a hole expose the car body to rusting?

[@richardt6220]

Hi Callum I have just purchased 68 plate 420i convertible, do U know if this has been fixed on the newer models or do I need to do this also :(

[@CallumColes]

Hi Richard, sorry for the slow reply, had a bit of time off! Is it the same model as this one or the newest version? If it is the newest version, I'm not sure tbh. You should be able to tell though if you have a look at the bottom of the side skirt, if you can see through to the water draining point then you're all good. If not, it's probable that the design flaw is still there...

[@MrSmipet]

Hi great video, easy to fix, the only problem i found was when everything was back together, went to start vehicle and battery was flat. Is there anything that could have caused this.

[@thelastprime7290]

Do you think the F30 saloons have this same problem?

[@thewjs3738]

Nice video even if a bit different than your normal content.

[@CallumColes]

Haha thank you for your continued support! Kept me busy this weekend so I didn’t have time to do another printing one. Will be back next weekend with either an Anycubic Mega 2 in 1 Update or the Elfin3 mini review:)

[@thewjs3738]

@@CallumColes You're welcome!

[@BiancaMoore-b4q]

Thank you!!! Fantastic video 😊

[@leekaiser]

Great video Callum. My left side boot compartment has just flooded, rendering the amp useless. No sound in the car at all. When you replaced the amp, did you go with the same one? Did you have to buy it from BMW? Or did you find elsewhere? Or would be possible to go for another make of amp? Conscious that BMW are likely to take the p*ss on this one…..

[@CallumColes]

Thanks! I did go to an official BMW service centre to fix it and it wasn’t cheap since it’s the H&K amp, £1800… however, BMW contributed £1200. I’m still somewhat tempted to take BMW to court over it to be honest, since it’s an obvious design flaw of a non consumable part that’s caused the car to fail within 6 years, so if I’m not mistaken it should be their responsibility. Let me know how you get on.

[@markperkins384]

@@CallumColes Hi Callum great video!. I also have had the amp blow and will do your fix. I have sent the amp to a company in Rochester for a fix for £235, fingers crossed. If not I will have to go back to bmw. can you let me know which dealer did yours for the reduced fee as I might have to try that if the repair doesnt work! This is clearly a design fault and think BMW should have recalled this!

[@CallumColes]

@@markperkins384 yes, my opinion was that it should have been completely covered. Every manufacturer has a duty to produce goods fit for purpose, so since this fault was there from manufacture it is their fault. I was planning to take them to court! But then managed to sell the car for more than I’d paid anyway, so just let it go. The BMW facility I took it to was Swindon, it’s quite a big centre. Good luck with your fix, fingers crossed 🤞🏼

[@chrisroberts2115]

Thanks for the vid - Sorry if asked already asked before but why not just leave that plug out completely ? Does it need to be there and keep getting clogged ?

[@CallumColes]

They are meant to be there to keep leaves and things out, the problem is with the bodywork overlapping these drain plugs rather than the drain plugs themselves.

[@chrisroberts2115]

@@CallumColes I understand, but the plug lets a lot of water out once pulled out so must be stopping the water . If I drill a hole worried something may get trapped In that . Will give your solution a go!

[@anthonymckay6520]

Thanks for the video mine needs doing, the main issue is the how the water gets down there in the 1st place, I believe its the rear window seals, any information on replacing the seals

[@CallumColes]

Yes, I was also under the impression that is how it gets in there. Not sure how to replace these unfortunately, I've since sold this vehicle.

[@anthonymckay6520]

@@CallumColes thank you for the reply, opened my up and it flooded, going we a quote from bmw for replacement seals, but now am the same as to if I really wanna keep the car

[@CallumColes]

I've been told that the seals last 2-3 years. Ordinarily, that wouldn't matter if the drainage worked properly... Yes, I know the feeling. I love cars, but the minute something major goes wrong, they lose their gloss and I start thinking about what to get next lol. It's a shame really, as it's a cracking car, hard top convertible really is best of both worlds and since the latest version went soft only, it will hold its value very well.

[@albruce10]

Where's the water come in from? Dodgy rear window seals?

[@TheVinC1975]

Hi... can you not leave the drain plug out? Would it cause any issues if you don't put it back in?

[@SamRayes]

this is exactly what i thought too

[@ostorry]

Yikes! Just bought a F33 440i... I'll be checking this as soon as it's on the driveway. Absolutely mad how much water came out of that! Is there an argument to leave those drain bungs out? They look like they could further the obstruction of water and debris

[@CarlosPerez-eb9xn]

Thanks for the video. Just fixed the same problem.

[@CallumColes]

Awesome! Pleased to have been able to help

[@mbut123]

I've a 2016 F32. Not a convertible and doesn't have a sunroof. I pulled the side skirts off over the weekend but couldn't find a drain hole. Presumably its only for convertibles or perhaps cars with sunroof?

[@CallumColes]

Yes think it’s just the convertible, as I understand the fault is because the convertible was designed after the coupe and the bodywork team didn’t leave the drain hole exposed🤦🏼‍♂️

[@karlj.4798]

For a 3 year old video this is still relevant. This needs doing if you haven't already. Does anyone know if there is a drain the other side of the rear wheel arch in the boot, (underneath towards the rear of the car) as maybe water can slosh over if full enough?? Thanks again. 😊

[@davidgeorge2666]

nothing like a bath for electronics, motors, sensors, wiring & it freezes in winter depending where u live. Was all that water in the rear quarter panels & lower section of boot?

[@CallumColes]

Such clever engineering 🤦🏼‍♂️ I never saw the water from the inside of the car, but yes, from the sound of sloshing water while driving, it sounded like that’s where it was located.

[@alfiesmith5836]

Is there gonna be an issues if I just keep the drainage plug out and drill the said hole

[@3BEEZ]

Dammmm, gonna have to check mine

[@TwoSnailTom]

Hey, having this exact same issue with my F83 M4. Would you consider selling your 3d printed tool? Thanks

[@oguzhankalayc2394]

I’ve done same to my f33 last week and didnt put back drain plug, I just left the hole open, you guys think is it gonna be problem in the future ? 🙏

[@beblum007]

This video helped me out! Thanks a lot!

[@CallumColes]

You're welcome! Cheers for comment

[@ionutdorgo6187]

Does this affect the F31 aswell? I can hear sort of a splashing sound from the passenger side (right side in germany) when it rains

[@CallumColes]

I’m not sure but very possibly, have a look at the underside and see if you can see the drain holes. Even if present, they could be blocked so try and clear them out in this case

[@christopherjgreaves8937]

Is this just an issue on the f33 convertible or on the f32 coupe as well? Seems mad that a modern has this issue!

[@CallumColes]

I believe it’s just the convertible, but yep completely crazy. Lost my trust that’s for sure, I wasn’t sold on the brand even before I bought this car…

[@sonofcold]

Hey, any chance you can share the STL on thingverse?

[@CallumColes]

Sure I’ll get it uploaded later on

[@CallumColes]

Here: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4942691

[@77and]

Great video. A job for tomorrow. Thank you for making it.

[@CallumColes]

No problem! Hope the fix went well:)

[@JeovahLovesYou]

I have almost the same issue,but the water on mine is getting stuck above where the small window stores itself after lowering it! No Idea why

[@CallumColes]

Window door seals can go after a while, so I suspect that is what is happening here. You'll want to get that fixed asap, because it's not something that would be covered by warranty / the obvious design fault shown in my video.

[@25252ben]

Isnt this only prone to the convertible models? Never had this issue with my f32 coupe but know its a big issue with the convertible

[@CallumColes]

Yes, typo! Updated the title to F33, cheers:)

[@lloydranola]

Thank you for this! I need to perform this fix in my wife’s car. QQ: was it a 13mm hex or 14mm hex? I know the 3D print was 14, but I thought I heard you say 13. Thanks!

[@CallumColes]

Thanks for the comment! Yes 14mm hex, I may well have said 13 as that’s what the original post I read suggested, but 14 works better. Be prepared to jump out of the way of water lol

[@lloydranola]

Right on… Thanks again!!

[@-GA-MancsFinest]

so last week i thought my rear channels went \Logic 7 surround setup if i go to rear channel i hear nothing ,then today whilst putting the roof down it wouldnt do the final boot close,had water under battery and on red junction box above it too soaking, carpet was soaked ,and one of my 12v cig socket is dead,all fuses ok (66,69),and the one in the boot ,after reading this i found my drivers side rear window seal was about 4mm away from the side of the glass ,so i gather its coming in there,other side is fine,gonna look tomorrow for the drain channels,not even sure if amp is fried anyone with a f33 440i try putting sound to rear only(full) ,can you hear anything,i cant get a straight answer on the forums some say its the way its setup i.e the front covers the speakers in the rear side panels too,i know ive got water even the boot seal had been moved and wasnt covering the outer lip expecting a tsunami........

[@sundeeprai2360]

Great video, very helpful. Thank you.

[@syoung3602]

Is there any drainage opening in the front of the car?

[@CallumColes]

There's another on the other side

[@syoung3602]

@@CallumColes I drilled the hole for it to drain but that didn't really work well. I will leave the bung out this time because the don't serve any purpose.

[@E9x.M3.Best.M3]

Anyone knows the part number for the drain plugs ??? Cant find it 😮

[@MrPeterjshaw]

Heard water in my F36. Had my 13mm Allen key bought off Amazon for £6 but no release valve at that location. Pity!

[@Gareth.kellyy]

Hi how does this prevent damage to the amplifier? Many thanks

[@CallumColes]

If the drain isn’t fixed, the water level can rise internally and fry the electronics for the amp

[@saynotothegreatreset]

Does this problem happens to 3 series aswell or only on 4 series ?

[@CallumColes]

The exact issue showed in this video is specific to the 4 series cabriolet, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were drainage issues on other BMW models....

[@kenyatawilliams5476]

I just purchased a 2020 3 series and I have the same problem with the sloshing sound, I have only had the car for a month. The dealership did not resolve the problem so now I have to take it back again. So I'm concerned that once it resolved will it continue to happen?

[@davidalexhughes]

Could this cause a damp smell in the cabin?

[@CallumColes]

If the water can’t drain it will continue to rise. If it’s been in there a long time the water will stagnate, so yep I suppose it could do. Give the plug a clean out and see what happens

[@csiistandard]

What symptoms did you see when your amp blew?? Loss of audio from radio/speakers?

[@CallumColes]

I was on a long drive at the time in the rain, the audio started to chop in and out, then stopped completed. When I restarted the car the next day, the warning ‘no warning tones’ showed on the dash

[@Nimrahir]

Thanks for this video, has there been any official answers by BMW on this issue ? I am facing the same now with failing window and convertible roof due to water issue :(

[@Nalathepoochon]

I’ve had same issue with my M4, both rear window regulators failed so roof wouldn’t come down, BMW have charged a fortune to replace them. Luckily I managed to save my Amp that was covered in water!! It’s a design fault and BMW have taken no responsibility!!!!

[@brezdog4623]

Sorry, watching with no sound on a train. Did you drill straight through the bung?

[@kenzip2277]

What is the size of this screw

[@dairees1888]

Great video but was your carpets wet inside the car. Because mine are trying to find the problem 👍

[@CallumColes]

Carpets weren't wet no, perhaps a different drainage port has become blocked or your window door seals need replacing?

[@Abercrombemonkey]

I have a 2015 m4 convertible, when driving slowly I hear the water. 😓 . Thing is i hace carbon fiber side skirts installed, id have to remove those, THEN undo the bolts for the sides. Is it possible to just remove the under panel and get to the drain hole??

[@Abercrombemonkey]

Nvm it looks like the drain bolt is under the side bumper AND the under panel cover

[@daniloradovanovic3762]

Did you hear the sound of water in the cab of the car while driving or? How did you find out it was gathering right there? Thanks!

[@TonyJvideos]

Often the first tell-tale sign is a sloshing sound coming from the rear quarter panel areas when you're driving. Unfortunately (as for Callum) people often don't come looking for these videos until they get an electrical problem like with the amp. Essentially the quarter panels fill with water inside, then overflow causing problems with nearby electrical components, like the amp.

[@CallumColes]

I'd not long had the car and drove it over to London (100 miles) in particularly bad weather. Once the weather cleared up I heard the water slosh, but during the journey home my amp went. Bit of googling, showed a fair few comments about this issue, so thought it would be worth a try and sure enough the water came out, far more than I had expected.

[@daniloradovanovic3762]

@@CallumColes did you hear the water the whole time you were driving or just occasionally? Maybe in bends when you turn or something?

[@CallumColes]

@@daniloradovanovic3762 yeah just the sharp bends and breaking

[@TonyJvideos]

How old is the car btw? I did the mod when I read about people having problems for future-proofing but I didn't have any build-up of water. Mines 2016. Most cases I've heard of seem to be slightly older. Just trying to establish the predicted longevity of the window sealing rubbers.

[@CallumColes]

2017, so not as long lasting as one might hope for!

[@arinibhp5254]

Excellent video. Thanks a lot

[@CallumColes]

Cheers 🙌🏼