How to Fix BMW Water Leaks // THE ONLY THING KEEPING WATER OUT OF YOUR BMW!

Today on JD Cars I’ll be talking about how water manages to find its way into the interior of BMWs. The “sound insulation”, as BMW calls it, is actually a vapor barrier that seals water from entering the interior. I would highly suggest checking this before spending hundreds on replacement door seals. Thanks for watching. Please like and subscribe for more BMW content!
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PARTS:
◆ Vapor Barrier, Front Left - bit.ly/3f08OSq
◆ Vapor Barrier, Front Right - bit.ly/3eUTDd5
◆ Vapor Barrier, Rear Left - bit.ly/3aK3jnn
◆ Vapor Barrier, Rear Right - bit.ly/2W1PYBz
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[@bubbe1234]

Thank you! Great video! I had same issue, as soon as it rained, carpet behind and under driver seat got soaked. Apparently, there are some electronics under the driver seat that got fried and cost me $4k to repair at BMW dealer. Terrible design when quality of barriers are that poor. My local BMW dealer never thought of fixing the actual cause of the wetness (vapor barrier in rear driver side door) and of course got wet again the next time it rained. Amazing that the BMW dealer cannot identify such a common problem when I found your video in 10 seconds and identified he issue with your help! My local BMW dealer is absolutely horrible, except they are great at charging the absolute max price for lowest possible quality service. Time to switch from BMW I fear when service is as horrible as it is at the dealers.

[@sw3d501]

What a great video. I have been battling this issue in my MINI Clubman for weeks. Ttoday I finally realized it was coming from the door itself and I landed on your video. Thank you so much for the explanation.

[@alxmufasa]

This is by far the best video I have watched. All the others I've seen on KZbin don't go into the nooks & cranies. Great explanation. Thank you bud

[@JDCarsChannel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your feedback!

[@michaelyu2015]

Triple Thank! I myself won't explain the situation very well to BMW so you helped me a lot.

[@woundedsoldier1766]

Finally, someone who can explain to me how this vapor barrier works, you earned a new subscriber. Just wondering, what if I seal the bottom of interior door panel with waterproof sealant, would that work?

[@bdavison31]

Omg. This is exactly the problem I'm having! I can't believe that's all that's keeping the area dry. Thanks for the video.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Happy we could help! I hope all is well!

[@joshuatan7479]

Awesome video. Love that you go into detail about how the water flows through the door. Literally answered all of my questions. Thank you!

[@JDCarsChannel]

I'm so glad to hear that! Happy it helped!

[@njohnson7359]

Great video. Silver plumbing flashing tape (50mm wide) over the lower half of the vapour barrier also works very well too. Plumbers use it to seal up skylights and plastic pipes in all weather conditions. Cheap fix under $15 and takes 30 mins each door.

[@lauralubart700]

Thx so much, my son's BMW is having this problem, you explained it perfectly. Fixing today!

[@princenubian2000]

Great detailed video. If I’m correct, if you hear the water sloshing it’s a drainage issue. It’s a barrier issue if it’s infiltrating the cabin. I have the sloshing w no water in cabin so I guess I’ll check the drainage holes 2mrrw. Thanks again.

[@sadatx101]

Good stuff. Having to replace my front barrier. This video came in handy.

[@TheMindeliux]

I also didn't think water could come inside the door itself. Finally everything is now clear, thanks to great explanation. Thanks

[@JDCarsChannel]

I'm glad the video helped!!

[@claudiahenry4183]

I am in the process of re-sealing the driver door vapor barrier on my E36 (1997 318is) for the third time! The barrier finally ripped and I have ordered a replacement - I was able to use the original barrier the previous two times, - I was lucky! (The newer vapor barrier designs look more fragile than this older one, but we'll see what I get for a replacement.) I live in the rainy Pacific NW and the car was parked outside for many years. Now I park in a garage, and I hope that the butyl tape lasts longer this time!

[@aarondillon6879]

Very well explained thanks for posting video man👍

[@ThankHank]

Good problem solving man, keep up the good work. Props from RI

[@JDCarsChannel]

Thanks man!

[@royal011]

That's crazy! Thanks a lot for sharing this with us, man! Great job!

[@JDCarsChannel]

I know right?! Happy to help!

[@parisdimos]

First of all thank you for the video. I didn't know the sound barrier also keeps water out. One extra remark to whoever search for leaks in the door: The white clips with the rubber/silicone washer are also there to hold the water out. So please pay extra attention to not lose one or forget to put back. The water will splash and somehow find the way to leak inside. Especially the ones close to the column and at the bottom of the door.

[@joesgarage618]

Well done very well detailed !! thnk you.

[@TheFlintNoir]

Best video I've seen yet.

[@martinwood76]

Brilliant young man well explained and I can now sort my x5, 😎

[@tuggers1000]

decent video mate. thanks. Nice to know exactly what’s happening and why, instead of just how to fix it. good work.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Thanks Darren! Glad it helped!

[@TranquilRide]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful I’ll be ordering my insulation soon

[@JDCarsChannel]

Of course! I'm glad to be of help. Good luck with your replacement

[@maryg7812]

This is helpful, thanks!

[@lidu3300]

I'm having this exact problem, this has caused me to have a few electrical problems. All of my cigarette lighters and usb plug ins are not working from this water leaking in my car...Thank You for this video❤😊

[@zodiac8208]

You know what? Right now I’m way home with my m3 style bumper for f30... and you know who’s my guide to install? JDcars!! Thanks a lot for your videos mean a lot for bmw community.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Awesome!! Thank you for the comment. I really do appreciate the support!!

[@ak77dragon1]

Cheers for that I got a 1 series here in the uk and noticed it was getting damp a little in the rear passenger foot well.... I will check it out ,great vid 👍🏻

[@JDCarsChannel]

I’m glad I could be of help!

[@gb-bk1xi]

Thanks so much for posting this video. You are amazing! This is the exact problem I am experiencing. My 328i is a 2013. Just had water come in before Hurricane Ian so I had to cover my car. I can now address this leak thanks to you!

[@ingieb8125]

I am having this problem during the northern cal storm right bow

[@Thatguynicoo]

Same but even with the cover on I still come out to find a new puddle in the rear passenger floor.

[@iamnormalandcanbetrusted]

no bro don't tell me thissssss I need it to work, I already unclogged the ends of the sunroof drains below the car and got water flowing well thru there, hoping its this, big puddles on both back sides each rain day but I've done the window motors several times@@Thatguynicoo

[@myversionofstuff]

Thanks Dude great advice

[@TheTruelakersfan]

Crazy thanks for the info

[@muhammedhasanyucel5722]

Great job. Thanks.

[@angelachristianjones5604]

Thank you for this explanation!! Never thought I’d need swimming shoes to drive my 550i!

[@JDCarsChannel]

HAHA! You're very welcome. I hope the 550 is in better shape now!

[@Sebastian_Lucca]

Very helpful. Gonna try this out. Cheers from Brazil

[@JDCarsChannel]

Glad I could help! Cheers!

[@moky4241]

Excellent vid. Do you think it would be ok to use waterproof sealant instead of the weld?

[@brettballinger813]

This is the same for most BMW'S, if you have wet carpet this is more than likely the fix!

[@delboy2596]

Great info. Well done.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1Krsna8]

thanks for posting!

[@JDCarsChannel]

Happy to help!

[@cheetosnfritos]

Thank you!

[@iamnormalandcanbetrusted]

spoke my entire mind

[@snowyren5135]

Excellent

[@rubysmercury5202]

You a real one

[@EpicFishFingers]

Thanks for the video. My 3 series is only 4 years old and has developed this problem. Honestly this is the last straw: I've been disappointed with how much I haven't got for the money I spent on the car, and now it's falling apart in ways that I would expect of a badly built early-2000s Kia. I'm fixing this then selling it.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Thanks for sharing! I'm sorry to hear that. It is disappointing how much the build quality has declined in recent years... hopefully they pull it together soon!

[@_Forever555]

Thank you so much

[@petrochemicals4u]

Awesome....I love mold !

[@lisaalum]

Thank you!!!

[@samblanco5434]

Wow thank you, I have an F10 528i that had body work to this door !

[@terrogz2159]

great vid bro

[@JDCarsChannel]

Thanks brotha! Hope this helps!

[@marcusyaha]

I have water leak problem too... This might be the answer, thank you very much for the explanation

[@JDCarsChannel]

So glad to help!

[@bendalua9059]

Thank God for your video! I was going crazy because of the leak in my 118d! Since I live in Flores Island, The AZORES, my car would need to get shipped to another island and I would be without it for over a month just to fix it! THANK YOU SO MUCH! 💪💪💪

[@cinematicb]

thankx man

[@FernandoBoteroMusic]

Thank you bro

[@JDCarsChannel]

Happy to help brotha

[@emc2039]

Thanks very much, that explains the problem I am likely having.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Great to hear!

[@karieltheone]

Ha, thanks man...I have this problem, water keeps getting in on the passenger side. Took it to my dealer 3 times about it, they were never able to fix it. Not much of an issue for me as I live in a part of the US that rarely rains on and the car sleeps in a covered garage but still annoying. I guess I am going to have to try to fix it myself following this video.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Good luck! You got it! Don’t waste anymore money at the dealer 😬

[@calltfushia7298]

I replaced a window regulator several years ago and this year my car started flooding..thought it was the weather striping…

[@NusuZST]

Very good video! Tip: you don't have to buy new foam if the old one is still good. Just buy Butyl double-sided tape and reseal it. It cost £10

[@jzallday102]

You think so ?

[@bungl3971]

Good video I'm having what seems to be an identical leak in my F31 328d, thanks!

[@JDCarsChannel]

Glad to be of help! I hope all works out smoothly

[@Likgoo]

Did you get the 1/4 x 15 or 3/8 x 15? How many roll(s) would you recommend if I was adding it to 2 vapor barriers?

[@lindapraveca7900]

Hi, I have the same issue on my f30 msport 2013 330d. But the rear doors are dry all around. I don’t see any water coming out of doors at all. But rear passenger carpet is wet, behind drivers seat.

[@tatianadaubek]

Any ideas for how to get the floor dry and prevent mold? Or better yet, since water has been sitting in my car for a while, how can I get rid of possible mold that is there? Now I know the problem so I can go have it fixed. But it’s been wet for over a year!

[@ruxandraruxi]

My father also has this problem for two months now, when it rains/snows, there is a mini lake in the car... The car was in service 3 weeks and they couldn't find the cause...unbelievable. I hope this will work.

[@josephjones8959]

This is crazy!!! My 2007 x3 is completely soaked right now and I’m stressing over it so much. I hope I can’t fix it kinda like this soon.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Best of luck to you!

[@SuperHogwart]

check the weatherstripping on the back window

[@bhekicloepas4693]

Hi man I just want what cost the water in the bottle leaking everytime when i moved it just under the side of water bottle because we changed the coolant flange pipe was damaged and we put more water in the bottle it over the limit it can be a problem

[@f30angel]

I feel I am having this same problem on my 2018 f30 330 expect only on passenger side. I cleared out the sunroof drains and today it to a local shop has them removed the door panel and check the vapor barrier, the vapor barrier was not on all the way towards the bottom so we put it back made sure it was on right, now I’m hoping it doesn’t leak anymore 😢 if it does they told me it could be my door seals

[@andybeal5461]

Also, need to make sure that the door card trim clips are all present and that they all have their rubber o-ring as this forms part of the waterproofing. I switched door cards over recently and did not know this. I even replaced some of the not-so-good clips with new ones, but no o-ring. So after some heavy rain lately I now have a wet footwell to sort. On testing the door with some water, I could see that one of the clip holes wants to spit out water, and that was the exact spot of my water ingress.

[@JDCarsChannel]

Yes! Good tip! The little rubber o-ring seals that sit on the back of each white clip is very important for waterproofing as well

[@dandada2720]

What’s good Bro. What speakers are those in your door??

[@DjMasterD7]

I have this problem on my F31 on the passenger side. What's the name of that ribbon you put in?

[@peterlearner8594]

So how wide does the butyl strip need to be and how thick?

[@ryanrussell6922]

my e90 got junked from this problem. i loved that car. if only i wanted this a few years earlier:(

[@deol1]

I think that goes with any car that water comes in the vehicle I have to check it out myself thanks

[@amirriaz6514]

Having same issue after heavy rain found that there is water. Does anyone know good grage in UK to fix already spent signficant amount on this issue at local grage but no result😢

[@nathanielmoore5677]

Is this typically caused from damage to the barrier after a window regulator repair? I don’t feel like the vapor barrier is otherwise an item that should experience damage/wear...what’s your thought?

[@iwillnoteatzebugs]

Mine failed suddendly no repair has been done front right . In fact i did repair the rear windows and there s no leak there .

[@Djsatile]

Thanks fixing my x5 today bro

[@JDCarsChannel]

Happy to help brotha

[@PatrickMuniz1]

Great video! I currently have a fish tank full of water swishing around the floor in the back on the passenger side. Ugh!

[@JDCarsChannel]

Jeez! Definitely time for a new vapor barrier! I hope this video helps. Best of luck!

[@princenubian2000]

From what I gathered, the sloshing is not a vapor problem but a drainage problem. It’s only a barrier issue if it’s getting into the interior of the car. As said water is expected to get into door but is suppose to drain out.

[@Ranjath]

Having the same issue with my E83 X3. Hope this solves it.

[@MrDutchentre]

Me too. I have a 2006 E 83 that I'm selling. I replaced both of the drive dogs in the rear windows but I’ve discovered that I didn’t do a very good job of resealing the vapor barriers. Does your X3 do a poor job of defogging/defrosting because of the moisture in the vehicle?

[@user-bp1pj2qp6o]

Crazy. I had water seeping in the front passenger side and the rear which ended up being a puddle. I'll try this tape. This is such an annoying problem. Not knowing where the water is entering. 👍

[@antonioskon4580]

I have the same problem, can't fix by my self,can anyone tell me where i have to take my car?

[@NicoDelCap]

I took off the door panel and seems like water is coming in through the door seal not the vapor barrier

[@casst346]

i just now having the same issue in my 550i...i shake the door and can hear and feel about a gallon of water in it

[@afoukes]

Did this actually fix the problem? You said you would update us but i cant see a part 2 of the video.

[@markcotter6309]

I have a wet floor drivers footwell, going crazy trying to find the source

[@johnrodriguez930]

328i f30 2015.. just last month i had to repair the aft right door and now the fwd right door.. i also notice the drains on the door were clog..

[@paulfox1020]

I have the same car and experiencing a leak on the driver side floor mat… Did you happen to resolve your issue?

[@omefea8501]

Thanks yo. I got water in my car recently. Sucks…. Now I may know where the clogs may end up…

[@weaseltown]

So basically, I think, maybe it's because of the angle of the door? Ie: the doors are curved not straight up and down, so when water drips through the outer window trim, it drips down actually toward the inner part of the door, is that a reasonable way to describe it? I've had this issue for over a week now, and living in Florida, my car unfortunately sits outside and I've soaked like 4 Full sized thick bath towels over the past week. Most of the water is in the back foot area, but there's also now a bit up front under the pedal area.

[@jayserna1989]

Having that issue now so stupid how they designed these cars smfh 2006 x3

[@ALPINA527]

Same thing happening to my E90 Alpina D3.

[@TigerCoolCookie]

Great video, thanks. I have an 2017 i3 that has a water leak, (from rain), in the ceiling, leaking from the area where the seat belt comes out between the driver and rear passenger doors. After 10 days of having my car, BMW cannot find the source of the leak. If you have any thoughts or a video on this, I'd love to see it. Very frustrated. -Thanks!

[@jeffreyhinman1397]

Sunroof drains?

[@TigerCoolCookie]

@@jeffreyhinman1397 Maybe. It rained, today (May 16) and it's leaking again in the exact same spot. Looks like I'll be taking it back in and will suggest that. Thx

[@jeffreyhinman1397]

@@TigerCoolCookie let us know if you issue gets solved please and thank you.

[@esanetemad]

I had and have the same problem with my Z4 and 520 BMW in Finland, the door and the back trunck, full of water into my battery box, 20 liters, paid few thousands euro to repair, still the same problem. I just cover the whole car with a car cover!? Specially the back part, I have to replace the whole rubber parts, difficult, don’t know what to do?

[@JDCarsChannel]

Jeez! Sorry to hear that! It's not too difficult to replace, no

[@ethanbautista3845]

Wow I have been getting so frustrated because water has been leaking in the exact same spot in my car and I couldn’t figure out why

[@kunfucanine]

F31 got sooo much water inside. Will check out vapor barrier but my sunroof area and visors are wet so may have a lead from roof. Did you do anything to dry out the door?

[@JDCarsChannel]

I pulled up the carpet and bit and pointed a fan under it... the door was pretty dry from being open

[@kunfucanine]

@@JDCarsChannel After hours of diagnosis turns out leak was from sunroof. Just design flaw. Also the sunroof being clogged also lead to water accumulating in trunk footwell where the amp is and it shorted it. Thank you .

[@carlosgonzalezsanchez8466]

I hated this problem. It was hard to find out why water leaked inside I had to take it to the dealership and get ripped off to get it diagnosed

[@JDCarsChannel]

Yeah the dealership doesn’t do a great job of diagnosing these sort of problems

[@johng.4434]

How much did the dealership charge you?

[@carlosgonzalezsanchez8466]

@@johng.4434 it was going to be $400 they said it was a vapor barrier that become unglued

[@beigefox6579]

@@johng.4434 My local Indy charged $400 bucks. Didnt fix my issue and still a problem.

[@kevinford6420]

The drain holes on door might need a good clean out 👍

[@JDCarsChannel]

Good call!

[@jamesveney3651]

This is what I did with my 08 BMW 535xi Quick Fix you are not fixing the problem by doing all of this to your door I just Cleaned Rubber trim around the door and on car trim with Armorall leather care he’ll and I don’t have anymore water in my car !! Do this first believe me before doing all of this

[@jefferyk.spellerberg176]

And did it work... here we are 2 years later... did it work?

[@KennethBostonian]

Great video. Why does it sound like Massachusetts in the background. Only a Bostonian or a suburban would know this lol. Hello from 02368

[@JDCarsChannel]

Thanks! Hahaha good to hear from Norfolk!

[@Edwin-km4xk]

Hey. Can I use silicone to seal the foam piece? Thanks

[@JDCarsChannel]

Yes, but the butyl tape is best to use. Removing the silicone will be a major paint, should you have to access anything in the door in the future.

[@Edwin-km4xk]

@@JDCarsChannel I already used it 😅 let's hope that it will loosen with time if I ever needed to replace something inside. Thanks bro

[@kef103]

100% agree is designed to fail as soon as warranty ends . I would not doubt they actually tested extensively to find the cheapest material that also fails in about 4 years .

[@MrPants1970]

I have literally picked up my five and a half year old 530d msport with exactly this issue in the U.K.! The carpet was destroyed, the bass speaker blown under the drivers seat, new door cards, £4,500 later!

[@JDCarsChannel]

Jeez!! I'm sorry to hear of your damages. I hope others are able to learn from this and prevent such disasters on their vehicles!

[@MrPants1970]

@@JDCarsChannel thanks mate and yes, the moment you see unusual amounts of mist inside your windows thoroughly check what this video shows! 👍

[@Laguna2013]

nice house/compund

[@JDCarsChannel]

Thank you sir 👊

[@mediocreman2]

This is how all cars work. They're designed to let water come in down the outside of the window, through the door, and out the drains in the bottom of the door. What BMW did got wrong it appears is not providing a channel for the water to easily exit along the inner side of the outer door skin, so the water runs along the vapor barrier instead. And we all know that seal fails eventually.

[@SaykoPathRR]

You dont have to buy a new vapour barrier, its enough to take off that butyl tape you call adhesive and buy new one butyl rope rubber sealant for 10 bucks and apply as shown on the video.

[@JDCarsChannel]

You may not HAVE to buy a new foam barrier but I prefer to do it right and have the peace of mind that my door isn't leaking into my car

[@evographx]

having the same issue wtf.