How to properly clear a clogged BMW e38 sunroof drain

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I had my windshield replaced on my E38. Auto Glass UK. Came to my home, they did a fantastic job with the exact amount of sealant. They had an electric sealant gun that created a narrow but high bead. No chance of blocking the drains. I purchased a few new clips for that side molding just in case some broke, just as well as one broke and one was missing. That cured an air noise.

[@gattube]

Thank you very much for the video

[@mjrami]

I ihave a 740il 1995 and there are no holes as you saying on the winshield it runs through the side and back of the car,what model and year is your car?

[@HollywoodHornet]

You most certainly have drains for the sunroof. One on each corner. The rear drains will drain out the rear of the car (under the B-pillar I believe)? The fronts drain above the windshield and the water will run down the sides of it (under the metal trim, that should be clipped in, not caulked in) and down the channel under the edge of the hood, and out, above the headlights.

[@mjrami]

@HollywoodHornet I did the test on the front two holes of the sunroof meaning the front toward the engine, I poured water on these two holes and water came out toward the back of the car, your saying that the water should be going through the front windshield to the headlights?

[@HollywoodHornet]

@@mjrami if the front of the car is lower than the rear, no matter where you pour the water, it will drain out the front. If the rear of the car is lower than the front, no matter where you pour the water, it will drain out the rear (that is why once I discovered my front drains were clogged, I always parked where the rear of my car was lower than the front.) The above does not apply, if you have the sunroof open, put hose or funnel, or something similar, and either blow compressed air or water into said hole. At that point, whatever you are forcing into that hole, will drain directly from said hole. If you are gently pouring water from a cup into the sunroof tray. Water will seek its lowest level and drain from whichever corner is lowest.

[@carltonabsher4807]

Hey, where did you get the big magnet from? That's a great stopgap measure idea.

[@HollywoodHornet]

I thought it was a pretty clever idea to get me through the spring until I could actually fix it. I had it made from signazon.com I think? I just measured the size I wanted and put in the measurements. Boom done.

[@mjrami]

Hello, what model and year isbyour E38?

[@HollywoodHornet]

2000, 740iL

[@Cash3600]

Where did you get the bmw sunroof cover ?

[@HollywoodHornet]

I can't remember the company now, but the made vinyl decals for businesses and magnetic signs. I gave them my measurements and the picture for the sunroof cover.

[@Cash3600]

@@HollywoodHornet thank you , i hope it presents wanter getting inside the sunroof

[@jessejames5825]

Would using compressed air get the junk out from the top and hose it down?

[@HollywoodHornet]

Only if it's small enough debris and not some sort of silicon. 90 psi from an air compressor wasn't enough to free the clog from my car because my clog was made of the stuff used to affix a windshield to a car.

[@darek4488]

Are there any rear drains?

[@HollywoodHornet]

Yes.

[@SixSpeedSeven]

Holy shit this was hilarious

[@aramos811]

I agree with you, watch the numbnuts repair your car. They messed up the windshield for sure.

[@lumafusionfcpedits9787]

$800? You can get a windshield directly from BMW for $560 and do it yourself way better. Or, get a used 740i for like $1,000 and get the windshield and everything else you want to keep and junk the car at pick n pull for $300 and it’ll still be cheaper than what you paid

[@gbkny1]

I'd be mad as hell myself. They create more problems just trying to cut corners.

[@michaelcleary5205]

Parts?

[@ceemo3056]

Dude, you could've just pulled the trim straight up with your fingers.

[@HollywoodHornet]

I could have...had the assholes not glued it down. It's supposed to be clipped in place, not glued down but the idiots at the windshield store did me dirty.

[@Cash3600]

@@HollywoodHornet damn that sucks .

[@nrg7560]

@@HollywoodHornet yep, just went through this myself. The top seal is glued down all the way, lol. It is a monumental task just to pull out the seal. Think I am going to razor it, then lift, hopefully get all the shit out of the channel.