'91 318i, recent unusual heavy So Cal rain and I have discovered that I have some sort of leak thru the trunk. Its not ALOT, its only visible when I physically open the trunk and then the water has seeped thru the toolkit and then drips into the trunk. I do not think its the trunk seal. I think, somehow its leaking thru the top mounted brake light. Any thoughts?

D, check out the rubber o-ring around your radio antenna. Mine was cracked and I experienced a leaky trunk exactly how you describe it.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm a little confused though, as the antenae is messed up (its broke off, theres no 'rod'), however, thats on the left side (when your outside facing the trunk) and the leak is only apparent when I physically open the trunk, then the water seems like it comes thru the tool-kit (as its soaked), and then goes into the little 'channel' between the back of the open trunk/car, then into the trunk (just a little, but enough to be annoying and I have to place a towel in there). What should I place around the antenae ring? Some sort of clear liquid gasket goo?

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm a little confused though, as the antenae is messed up (its broke off, theres no 'rod'), however, thats on the left side (when your outside facing the trunk)
I think you mean right side. The antenna is on the passenger side.

Water travels in mysterious ways before it meets the eye. If you want to explain all water leaks, you have to say that water can beam itself into position ;)

I think you mean right side. The antenna is on the passenger side.

Water travels in mysterious ways before it meets the eye. If you want to explain all water leaks, you have to say that water can beam itself into position ;)


I have seen (and a pic in a mag) of an e36 (cabby too) that has also an antenna on the left side. Maybe old school telephone antenna or something.

I really don't want to get in a discussion of where my freaking antennae is, its on the left side, the driver's side, I didn't build the car for crissakes...I need a slution to the problem. Upon closer examination, I do see that where the antennae is broke off there is 'space' where water could get thru. Any suggestions? What do I utilize? Glue? Gasket seal? Anything? Thanks

Your car is 1991, are you sure you dont have an E30 BMW? That has the antenna on the left. Anyone with an E30 that can help?

Your car is 1991, are you sure you dont have an E30 BMW? That has the antenna on the left. Anyone with an E30 that can help?

Bingo!

have a look here, it might help

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101212

Thanks Ireland!!!! If anyone were to know about rainleaks.....I will try to replace 'antennae grommet', stealer wants $12 for something that costs .05. But I still don't see how that makes the water come thru the tool kit. I'm still thinking its the top mounted brake light, somehow.

Tell me about it, I bought the car 2 months ago and still haven't had a proper chance to get the roof down. Have a small leak myself, know how to fix it but it hasn't stopped raining to get the time to do it.

What your seeing in the toolkit is condensation caused by damp from the leak elsewhere. The condensation will appear at the highest point in your boot. I know this cause i had the same problem with mine. Antenna grommet fixed. Dry boot. Woohoo.
...Guy

Man, you guys in the rainy countries...... Condensation? I'm talking 'soaking wet'. Its like someone poured a cup of water (or in your case, tea, ha) into the tool kit, the old (its a '91) insulation (foam) is soaked and gross, the tools (whats left of them) are all rusty. But I'll try anything once. Thanks

Condensation doesnt just dissapear. It drips off and pools up on the carpet, down the sides of the boot, wheel well etc etc. From what youve said, Tools being rusty, that it has been leaking for a long time. Remember damp attracts damp. I am from the UK, so i know all about damp LOL.
...Guy

found the leak?

I guess u have...

After rain, in my car, the convertible storage compartment gets flooded........

In which side? Like this?:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1097308

I can't see pictures at work. But it floods inside the convertible storage compartment where the shocks are mounted. On the sides. The deeper parts. Then I drive around, te water drains and end of story. My trunk leaks too, but I'm thinking gaskets. I need to replace all of them. To be on the safe side.