X3/X5 Sunroof drains

[FILV]

So last night i spent two hours helping my father in law check and clean the Sunroof drains on his 2013 E70 X5 40D.
While busy cleaning them, we both asked the same question: whats the point of the sunroof drains, if the sunroof is closed and sealed?
Hopefully This is not a stupid question, but we thought if your sunroof is closed, and the drains are there around the sunroof frame, which is covered bu the sunroof when closed, what is the drainage for? Or rather, what water gets in there?

On a side note, i strongly suggest any x3 or x5 owners test and check their drains.
We discovered that my father in laws side compartments had about 4 inches of water. We found that water was leaking into the grommets for the wires running from the boot, into the body. This caused the eletric tailgate module to fry due to water. Also the rear drains were not flowing perfectly due to gunk build up.

I strongly suggest any X3 or X5 owners to take an hour or two and test and clean theirs. Especially with all the rain we have been having lately.

 

[///M Individual]

So last night i spent two hours helping my father in law check and clean the Sunroof drains on his 2013 E70 X5 40D.
While busy cleaning them, we both asked the same question: whats the point of the sunroof drains, if the sunroof is closed and sealed?
Hopefully This is not a stupid question, but we thought if your sunroof is closed, and the drains are there around the sunroof frame, which is covered bu the sunroof when closed, what is the drainage for? Or rather, what water gets in there?

On a side note, i strongly suggest any x3 or x5 owners test and check their drains.
We discovered that my father in laws side compartments had about 4 inches of water. We found that water was leaking into the grommets for the wires running from the boot, into the body. This caused the eletric tailgate module to fry due to water. Also the rear drains were not flowing perfectly due to gunk build up.

I strongly suggest any X3 or X5 owners to take an hour or two and test and clean theirs. Especially with all the rain we have been having lately.

So from what I understand even when your sunroof is closed water will seep into the surround which is the reason for the drain.

Even when Webasto fits an aftermarket inbuilt (slide into the roof) type sunroof they install drains, while the tilt and slide type (above the roof) do not require drains.

 

[KPM3_30]

Thanks for sharing this Fil, prompted me to give this some thought and inspect the X3 rear drains. I usually clean out the front but have never checked the rear - assuming the F25 has those 2 rubber grommets under the tailgate?

 

[FILV]

Thanks for sharing this Fil, prompted me to give this some thought and inspect the X3 rear drains. I usually clean out the front but have never checked the rear - assuming the F25 has those 2 rubber grommets under the tailgate?

Hi there

Just like the X5's, the X3's rear sunroof drains are located on the body, on the top of each corner. (Seen when the tailgate is open)


For the Front:
Open the sunroof, stand out the sunroof.
On the front corner on each side, you will fine the small drainage hole.
Pour a bit of water in each hole.
you should see water dripping out the small rubber behind your front wheel.
If not then check the rubber hose just under the windscreen.
this video shows you where they are:

You might need to give the hose a clean. most guys use the gut used for a lawn mower.

For the rear, park your car on a slope,so that the rear is lower down.
open the tail gate.
pour water on the rail and go to the back to check that water is exiting the rear hose, on each side.
you might need to give the hose a clean. most guys use the gut used for a lawn mower.

On my car i actually found that i had a water leak through my third brake light. There was barely any info online on how to remove it, but eventually i figured out. I Removed it and saw that the thin rubber seal on the third brake light has slightly aged, so i applied a thin layer of Silicone, and problem solved. No more water leak.

 

[modocrat]

So I spent the weekend at my parent's place due to a 41-hour power outage in my suburb. Unfortunately the X3 had to sleep out in the open and was exposed to the extremely heavy rains.
I jumped into the car early on Sunday morning and noticed some water on the front passenger seat. Initially I thought the sunroof was left open but soon discovered a lot of moisture around the phone/bluetooth/mic thingy. The water had drained through mic-holes and onto the seat. (2 months out of plan 😭😭).

Later in day I opened the roof to inspect but everything looked normal (to me).

Any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening in the future will be greatly appreciated ☔

 

[///M Individual]

So I spent the weekend at my parent's place due to a 41-hour power outage in my suburb. Unfortunately the X3 had to sleep out in the open and was exposed to the extremely heavy rains.
I jumped into the car early on Sunday morning and noticed some water on the front passenger seat. Initially I thought the sunroof was left open but soon discovered a lot of moisture around the phone/bluetooth/mic thingy. The water had drained through mic-holes and onto the seat. (2 months out of plan 😭😭).

Later in day I opened the roof to inspect but everything looked normal (to me).

Any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening in the future will be greatly appreciated ☔

Bud book it in with Adam (Window Master) in Phoenix - 084 786 4500. He will inspect, service, clean drains etc. Absolute legend when it comes to factory sunroofs, window mechanisms, roofs on convertibles etc.

 

[modocrat]

Thanks @///M Individual, will give him a shout.