BMW 3 Series water leakage in footwell

Check bulkhead water drains in the corners , can get blocked with leaves etc.

The older BMWs we run e30s have a common fault with the sunroof drains leaking into car also water can enter through the vents just below the windscreen.

Thanks for response how do I gain access to this area? Do you mean vent on righthandside of dashboard or under bonnet facing dashboard..drivers side..looks like I would need bmw tools for this as latter are plastic snap on type rivets two part dome shape with small hole in centre of middle domed rivet..any ideas please? Cheers Paul

Under bonnet at rear ( bulkhead ) the rivet you describe is usually held in by the centre pin spreading it .

Thanks for confirming that is correct area yes can see those two black plastic domed rivets with the centres you describe..now what tool will open these up as the hole is small and round..all pointers appreciated!

If you prise the rivet up slightly with a flat bladed screwdriver and then push down again it exposes enough of centre pin to get a grip off and then raise fully , allowing removal .We always had new rivets so were unconcerned if they were damaged on removal but a little patience and you will be o.k.

Thats great advice I will give it a go tonight..many thanks indeed

Home from work and did what you instructed and I very soon realised I hadnt solved the problem sadly; as it had been a dry day but the weather conveniently changed to a heavy downpour with inch hailstones too so I sat in the drivers seat and I could see in action where the rain was coming in as it poured down outside..its seeps around doorseal where just about the seal changes directiion from 45 degrees to vertical ..then runs hit doorcill and runs into footwell where it pools up and saturates the carpet in area where pedals are..help please!

Surely it must be the door seal then mate don't you think?

Tony yep this looks the most likely..is it something to replace with BMW or Europarts and do you think its within remit of amateur! Cheers Paul

This explains the other cause of water penetration with the vapor barrier .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbpeSo7mKio