Water in Foot Well: 325i Convertible

[ebod]

I did a search, but the culprit in most seemed to be the sunroof. I have an 89 325 Convertible (so no sunroof) . When I washed it, the carpet under the floor mat was a bit wet. I don't really spray the top when I wash it, so I don't think it's a leak from the top. Is there a drain or something somewhere that could be blocked that I should clean out or something?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

[superj]

not sure on e30 soft tops but on other vehicle soft tops, the leak is always where the wind shield makes that turn downwards. the rubber piece of the soft top gets old and starts leaking there so it follows the door frame down and comes out under the carpet

the other spot I have read about, I think, is in the vents by the wipers. if I remember right, there is a drain that plugs, or maybe its rust that forms in there

[ebod]

Thanks!!

I'll check the vents by the wipers (because I didn't get the top wet). Does anyone know how to check, and unclog, them? Should I remove the covers and try to stick pipe cleaner down there?

[superj]

Look first to make sure but if there is clogged drain, it should come out somehwere you can stick a wire in it or put a shop vac on it

[richardodn]

It's almost certainly the "elephant trunk" drain on the firewall is clogged. google "e30 elephant trunk"

[tomstin]

Remove the drivers side windshield wiper. Then remove both cowl vent covers. Clean any debris you find. Both those wells drain out behind the fenders. Make sure they are clean. Pour in some water and make sure it drains out to the floor. The drain holes in the rocker panels can clog too causing rust but probably not your problem. Also, as mentioned before, on the passenger side, by the battery tray, you'll find a black tube about an inch or so wide and maybe a half inch thick, this is AKA the elephant tube or drain. Make sure that is clear.

One other that had me stumped was under the hood gasket, passenger side, there is a gap between the fender and the cowl itself. Water was dripping onto the AC hoses and through that firewall gasket. The hint was water on the battery tray.

Almost forgot, under the HVAC box, there are three drain tubes. They tend to crack with age, but those leaks tend to be under the carpet.