MOST COMMON INTERIOR WATER LEAKS IN BMW! + DIAGNOSING

Welcome to ShopLifeTV!
In this video I go over the most common water leaks in the e46 chassis and how to diagnose them.
Water leaking into carpet and floormats.
Clogged Sunroof Drains.
Bad vapor barriers.
Wet carpet when raining.
Water getting into trunk.
Water noise inside car.
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[@sumochop360]

I just want to say thank you for making all these videos for the E46. I just bought my parents 04 325i sedan with the sport package. They bought the car new and it's been garage kept and serviced properly. It has 140k miles so there's the normal wear and tear and your vids are going to help me so much in fixing all the little things. Honestly before finding your channel I was intimidated and nervous to work on the car myself but you are very good at making everything seem less intimidating and you're very clear on what to do. So again that you so much for helping save some money by doing the work myself. I'm fairly knowledgeable with working on cars I've had a couple Honda's,Jeep's and currently have an A6 wagon and just sold my A4. That being said the BMW still scares me a little!

[@shayes325]

You didn't mention this, so I figured I'd share. I had lots of water coming into my trunk. It got to the point where there was a puddle in the spare tire well. It never made it any further into the car tho. I actually tore apart the interior and had my wife close the trunk on me with me inside. Then I had her spare water on to the tail-lights and the trunk to see where water was coming from. I realized there was a tiny bit of seepage coming from the trunk gasket along the bottom of the trunk. My seal was fine. So, I removed the seal and used some Permetax Super Weather Strip Adhesive to ensure the seal between the gasket and the body was tight. Never saw water again! So, sometimes your seal can be fine and still not work! FYI!

[@menaceiisociety9598]

I miss my e46 so bad.. grey green metallic 325xi. Totaled it 4years ago. Fell asleep coming home from college. That car saved my life. Broke my right leg tho

[@realanthonyrich]

Great video! Thank you! I'm going to check my car today because there are leaks 100% every time it rains.

[@drexellake4051]

First thing to do when discovering a water leak is to ask yourself if anything has changed. Most leaks are attributed to recent service, be it a windshield or regulator replacement. The most common is the later. You need to make sure the vapor barrier is sealed properly with butyl tape. You can try others, but in my experience the will fail over time. Even if it looks like you have it sealed correctly don't put the door panel on until you've run water in the window channel and top of the door for at least 2-3 minutes. Sometimes it takes 3-4 tries before it's sealed good. Don't allow the tape to overlap and cause low spots, because it will leak.

[@godfatherofcinema]

terrific video. clearly presented and easy to follow. thanks

[@dmitrygear]

Thank you man - I am fixing that problem on my E46. Very helpful!

[@Houdiniology]

Great job. Keep these coming.

[@jacquesbaraby2933]

Congrats for the clarity of this video , give you a 10, Bravo. Very clear image as well. Too often people post video where the mecanic holds the cam, bad moove.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks man!

[@soupdee]

Excellent, excellent job covered all of the most common leaks most of which i had no idea, friend's BMW is leaking driver's side floor, like the very first thing he just covered in this video first thing tomorrow gonna check those areas that may be the possible cause. Thanks again, great video

[@Tillhony]

Yoo thanks a lot for this video dog. Water started getting into my carpet and this gave me a good idea of where to check. Didn't realize these seams and everything where so important.

[@slippe_69]

Great video mate, really helpful to our aging E46 cars

[@drdebocherry]

Great video babe! Thank you. Your car is beautiful!

[@Raveoysounds]

One of the only vids that helped me out here 🤞🏻💪🏼🙌🏻💯

[@polloloci21]

Thank you for the information. My 320i has a leak- now I will check what you have shown.

[@lesliegreene11]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@aidenp5768]

Never knew there was water leaks in BMWs at all. Thanks for the video!

[@ExcaliburTTP]

for real. crazy how its a premium car too

[@sweetbutsour145]

this was very helpful and clear

[@nonniengema536]

This was very very very helpful thank you very much

[@lastochka100]

Great video! Very informative. I’m sure it helps so many people. Thank you!

[@tonyfetter1054]

Thanks another great video👍

[@teresas683]

Super helpful🙌🏻 thanks!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coreycrocker3766]

Great video . My front driverside sunroof drain is broken . Any tips or suggestions ? Can I patch the drain the tube ?

[@davyboy888]

Brilliant video as always. I've a lot of condensation inside my facelifted 2003 E46 325i M-sport saloon... I mean a helluva lot. Also the seatbelt is wet when I draw it out of it's inertia reel. I'm going to go through all of your suggestions here... but I couldn't see any reference to wet seatbelts. Any clue on where the source of my leak could be ? Thanks so much in advance.

[@mauriciocoura4167]

Great video!

[@wonsuai9191]

I watched like drill jack stand some water out my car was brake light desktop on gone you made save money you the best thanks a lot.

[@gomez1027]

I have a 525i and I had water on the rear door. When I hit the brakes it sounded like a bunch of water moving. I found a drain plug on the bottom of the door. I believe the water came in through the small window seal that is wasted from the harsh sun that I have in Florida. I just wanted to add to one of the other points that water could accumulate.

[@RCincorporated]

Hello, Thanks for the video very informative. I’m currently still dealing with water in my glove box. Moonroof drains are working good. I see waters coming down my passenger side Pilar. Can the windshield window barrier be rusted under the rubber seal? Or am I missing another area that would cause water to drop down my pillar inside into my glove box? Thanks for your help.

[@mengeshafeseha5345]

love these videos

[@jackbergman9367]

Hey I have a request. I can't find a video on how to remove the lower mesh on the front bumper of my e46 zhp. I have read its easy to do without removing the bumper. Mine is faded and should be repainted or replaced but I really don't want to take the entire bumper off. How can I refresh this part? Thanks! I used your video for my angel eye install and am replacing my windshield cowl later this week. Keep up the good work

[@randythemitoman]

nice explanations. thanks

[@DWI_Community]

My M3 battery area is a swimming pool every time it rains 🤣 All your E46 videos are great buddy. Thank you.

[@vdubskiee5356]

fix it

[@mike.135i]

video requests please ? - tutorial to blackout chrome around the windows (NOT plastidip) - prep and paintmatch the ugly black weather strip on the doors and bumpers - m3 side mirrors conversion please teach us how to do these, looking forward to the next video!

[@jackbergman9367]

I am refreshing the black moldings myself, was considering doing a vinyl wrap on them. Ive read its much easier than painting it and it stays protected.

[@flyazn707]

Would u be able to help me.. I have a 2006 325i and I went to the car wash and after driving out.. my right front passenger side started to have water flowing down underneath the dash were the floor ac comes from. Idk if the rain tray is the culprit .. cuz the last on the video u said if it’s the rain try by the windshield it’ll flush out to the fender. Idk where the hell this water come from pouring out of. Sigh

[@user-yi2uv2rb7o]

Hey young brotha thank you for these videos just came in to ownership for a 2000 e46 coupe ! I love it . Your videos are very helpful and didn’t realize how user friendly some early bmws are your vids are encouraging ! Are you on ig ?

[@48haburt510]

how about the rear side windows that open like a vent. both my e46 330ci an m3 rubber started breaking up from the sun. most common problem

[@jimmythepowerful]

Who do you fix unplugged drains ? great video !

[@haroldsgarageo4822]

hey my question is about a leak but not inside the car, hope u can help me , thanks in advance, have u ever seen transmission fluid on the radiator ? i have a 2005 325ci automatic, ,i u have what can cause this problem and how can i fix it thanks for your time ,really awesome videos

[@hughg.rection6284]

Where can I buy those drain plugs that go under the rear floor?

[@MiddleEasternGuy]

Could the water sloshing around also be because of gas in the fuel tank? Whenever I wiggle into the back of my '04 coupe (usually for cleaning), I can hear it right beneath me splashing around.

[@axlef1513]

Thank you. Had water coming in through driver door vapor barrier.

[@CatalinaAVX]

Jason can you suggest a reason for water dripping out of the bottom of the right hand side speaker housing in the rear parcel shelf? My 2001 330i right hand drive has water splashing out from this felt lined speaker housing that is soaking my trunk. Several garages have so far been unable to help me with this. I figure you will maybe know the car's anatomy a lot better than the garages.

[@AwhiteBEANER30]

What about the rain gutters in the door frame? One of the plastic clips that holders it there broke and now my car leaks from there.

[@GarinKilpatrick]

Your aftermarket tail lights look awesome at 6:41 can you recommend the brand?

[@Golonish]

I can add another source of leak in the trunk- the paper gasket on the rear shock mounts (in my case there was none someone just forgot it to install)

[@LumbeeGod]

You are an inspirational!

[@SolarSurfLeo]

Just fixed mine. Sunroof rubber connector under headliner was disconnected partially. It was leaking water everywhere yikes!!

[@El-brujito]

Do you have a video that explains how to replace the front windshield seal on an e46 coupe? I found one on how to replace the cowl but not the windshield seal.

[@petermitov8432]

What is the best type of shop to visit when water issues ? Thanks

[@mariuszanfir2298]

I had a 94 e36 for 10 years and I have never experienced water getting into the car, even when one of my rear doors was not actually closed completely during a rain storm. The vapor barriers were toast. The e46? Well, it's a nightmare in this regard.

[@jdamore44]

Had any problems with water in the back driver's side of the wagon? Mine keeps getting in there, but my headliner is dry so I don't think it's the antenna.

[@angelcontreras1581]

I have 2002 325i and my passenger side floor board is wet but I have already check all the seals and I check all my sunroof drain and there good what could it be

[@jamesc7745]

Where do you buy the rubber seals? Thanks in advance

[@robertomaldonado6414]

What is the part number for the underbody drain plug?

[@hailyphan7754]

Hi bro May I ask how to reduce wind noise on f10 when car hit cross wind. Non acoustic glass. The rubber seals are likely normal

[@1robmal]

My battery compartment in the trunk is full of water. Any idea of where it's coming from? Also, there seems to be a small hose in the battery compartment any idea of what is the purpose?

[@patrickgquarlesjr.8438]

I have a 2004 E46 sedan, I am hearing water or feeling moisture in my rear passenger side seat. Where is it coming from?

[@kristinesalmon8822]

You didn’t mention anything about clogged drain outlets under the hood. Can’t those cause water to leak into the interior?

[@JustDontPls]

My third break light has water leaking from and it just started raining think it’s the rubber around the back glass ? By chance or the little metal bracket that’s between the two?

[@kompuiheartsu]

thank you for the tips. unforunately my problem is coming from under the hood beneath the air cabin filter on the passenger side. the water will come through and spill out from under my glove box!? please help anyone!

[@nemanjagajic6815]

Hello friend! I have a problem with water leaking in number plate lights...how can i solve that problem?

[@Luguis95]

Do you know where can i get the rubber drain grommet for mi e46 cd? i can see the foam in this gap and i think that i can smell the car wet when it rains because de water go inside the gap... some solution please? i can see the ground inside the car if you look into one carpet stand and is the same place than the rubber drain grommet... thanks...

[@KAYAONNO]

Mate where do you order your door rubbers?

[@rickleikam7902]

What about water in, of all places, the glovebox? Still part of the pillar drain?

[@mike.135i]

i solved a rear door leak by putting a drop sheet before the vapour barrier so the the water drips down the drop sheet and into the drain holes inside the door, i fixed my antenna gasket and also plugged that plug underneath the floorboard and now im leak free ;-)

[@anthonyortega3064]

I have an 2008 X5 with water issues in the driver side floor boards. Before I noticed the water I had no sound issues. No radio & no chimes. When I start the car it turns on for a second but that’s it. I now have the rugs pulled up & everything drying. Hoping after it dries, everything will be back to normal. Any input greatly appreciated.

[@jasmineburrough4641]

This is what’s happening to my x5 right now and we just found about a gallon of water under the carpets but also wet in the back seat area too but the car runs but none of the electrics are working the dash radio etc

[@mattcaron9248]

I have a leak right above my battery tray. And I sealed where I thought it was coming from but it’s coming in from somewhere else. I did test the spot that I sealed and it did stop coming from there. Idk where else to look. I can check that wire grommet but idk

[@maysplays]

2000 750iL water in the left rear passenger floor after going through a car wash or heavy rain. Would these suggestions apply to my E38?

[@ivald9952]

my F33 (430i convertible) I'm hearing the water sloshing on the right rear side. I think its getting on from a hole a PDR guy put in my door jam. How do I fix? by removing the lower body molding and drilling into the lower part of the rocker panel?

[@kcce36]

Ya forgot to mention on early models that have the beesting antenna have a water leak from the rubber grommets

[@donnovanrobinson]

Hey I plugged of all my pre and post cat oxygen sensor and my 2003 e46 and it runs better what do u think

[@CityOfEvil95]

what is that? plugging your sensors? can u explain please

[@jasonc8148]

how do you repair the drain plug leak if the drain plug is lost? The hole is a bit rusty too, so the diameter isn't true. I'm thinking of using some liquid weather adhesive with some fender washers and a bolt...what do you think?

[@jasonc8148]

i have a 2001 325i

[@sign4thel-x___]

Do you have a tutorial how to fix the trunk rubber garment

[@lbh1879]

Thanks from Germany

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-pb2zf4qf7e]

very good

[@rabmc]

My e46 m3 coupe (no sunroof) the rear window mainly has terrible condensation inside after it rains, full window steams up and I’ve felt all the carpets and inside the car and all dry. It’s so frustrating.

[@danigirl22]

What if the water is coming from the sunroof towards the back ?

[@Cash3600]

Good info does this apply to e38 750il?

[@l3chuga]

How many of these are applicable to an E90?

[@michaelgresham9794]

Do you have any idea how water is getting in the battery compartment for a 2004 x3? I don't have a sunroof.

[@seanfox6947]

Michael Gresham seal around the rear tail light probably

[@MrUglily]

can a bad sunroof drain also make the back seats wet/ damp? Thanks

[@HanoverHouseDental]

Yes in mine water is running from the sunroof drain, down the C-pillar, under the back seat and into the passenger footwell. I think mine;s a loose pipe connection

[@mister.c4631]

Just found water under my passenger rear carpet. Turns out my gulleys were blocked where water drains away. Nightnare, but glad it’s not mechanical

[@KurruptedDataYouT]

So where did u get those headlights tho

[@joseverdejo9010]

Bee stinger antenna gasket leak too

[@4drhtrd812]

I have a monster leak in a 2001 325i. I have resealed the RF door panel barrier, and the windshield. RF pass footwell fills with water during an overnight rain or a car wash. The water comes out of the RH dash in 2-3 pencil-sized streams. Any other ideas on the cause? The front sunroof drains look clean and open. 206,000 miles. Need some help with this one. Bad leak. Thanks!

[@StyleGT]

did you finally found it

[@4drhtrd]

Yes! I found the right sunroof drain elbow disconnected from the drain tube. It was right next to where it should be connected, and was in good shape. I put some clear silicone sealer on the tube and reconnected the rubber elbow to the tube. No more leak. The car has since moved on to yet another owner. Over a year ago now. 6:26

[@keithdanielSr]

what happens if you find water in the back seat of my 2008 E60 528xi

[@User-tr5ke]

Does anybody here know what would be wrong with my 2002 E46 316i? It suddenly turned itself off and it won't start anymore, but it shows yellow warning light in the dash

[@davidbarrett8224]

Do you or anyone here have a part number or link to that plug shown at 3:00 in? Mine is shot and I'm trying to work out the leaks in my 2005 325xi wagon. That is for sure a problem and I'm working on fixing the issue under the spare tire and battery.

[@liamcaylor1780]

@shoplifetv

[@tasha9650]

My BMW has the strangest leak… Water is getting on the backseat from Im guessing the trunk and sometimes the back floors and I can not figure it out

[@sexylawyer8228]

I like!

[@besofacacia6103]

windshield cowl may leak from the inside , where water supposed to go to sides. sometimes the seal between frame and cowl may dmg and you will dust filter full of water.

[@RS-hz1yi]

can you explain in more detail. my driver side floor is soak but i dont think its the door vapor seals.

[@eddy45686]

@@RS-hz1yi coming from under bonnet. Below brake fluid reservoir bin. Drain plug blocked and leads to front wheel arch exit point.

[@SERVITE888]

Where is your shop located? Are you in California? In need of e46 help!

[@ShopLifeTV]

yes my shop is in Alhambra, CA. Message me on instagram to book a appointment

[@skuatsh123]

On the e90 2006 where is the leaks pls i have passanger rear right wet

[@DaSneakyAzn]

The floor plug at 2:45 has the part number of 51718126605. Mine were completely rotted out and water was splashing up on the foam underneath the carpet.

[@simonl7567]

Thanks for sharing the parts number!

[@stacksilver79]

What causes a drip from where the 3rd brake light is onto the top of the backseat?

[@jasonjohnson7805]

Just fixed mine, its probably the antenna gasket.

[@mike.135i]

mine was antenna gasket too

[@stacksilver79]

jason johnson Thanks, i did some research and installed the new o-rings. All good now!

[@patrickgquarlesjr.8438]

How can i send you photos of my soggy rear seats to help me figure out where this water is coming from?

[@sebastianp8211]

Patrick G Quarles Jr. Try ig

[@lukas______]

Rear passenger has a wet floor. Hoping it's just the cap underneath because I dont want to oay $40 for a vapor barrier!!

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

lol the e46 is so unreliable.... so many things. i have a qeustion hope you reply i reinforced my rearsubframe mounts set everything back agian .first it vibrated like crazy on full gas/power normal gas/power not. then i putted some grease on the driveshaft spines where it adjusts in length and now it vibrates the hole time but alot less... what can it be...? iwas thinking cross coupling.... the guibo looks good and before reinforcement i didnt vibrated

[@alextran8188]

A car Is only unreliable if you don't maintain it properly

[@caesarguzman5831]

Sounds like a bad guibo

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

alex thats bs cause all the early e46 rust all e46 crack chassis wise the oil pump nut can loose up the the headliner and style liners go hang diff wears out quickly shocks go bad fast headlamps get yellow (the glass) oil leaks... ccv problems vanos problems its just a unreliable car... but dont worry i have one myself so i know where i am talking about

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

caeser no the guibo is good no cracks etc i reinforced my rear subframe mounts then i putted everything together agian first it only vibrated by full gas then we lubricated the spines on the driveshaft now it vibrats alot less but hole the time before reinforcing the rear i felt nothing...

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

You must have got a lemon! I have an 01 E46 and I've never had any of those problems! I've had her since new though and she's well maintained.

[@elvisasamoah5476]

I have a triangle light on my dashboard turned on and ever since my e46 performance has been very poor. its a 6 cylinder engine but my friends 4 cylinder runs faster. I need help please ...

[@sebastianp8211]

Elvis Asamoah the triangle should be the DSC, check the owner’s manual Also depending on what car your friend has, a newer turbocharged four cylinder might very well be far quicker than an older straight six

[@leovaldivia4185]

It's amazing that a vehicle with such prestige can have such issues. I will never buy a BMW again. There so many videos that explain soooooo many problems with these cars.

[@user-ot7jd9dt7t]

The cars 2 decades old.. its a modern classic

[@lucindagoliath4943]

Rear floor always has water. Please help