Sunroof Drain Clog - Flood

I have an 06 CPO 530 Xit that I got this summer. Has been in shop for a variety of electrical issues, 8+ times since June- including rear suspension failure, failure of read hatch lock, erratic behavior of radio and bluetooth, finally failure of Sirius module. Have questioned leak issue with dealer, they pooh-poohed. Yesterday washed car in high pressure wash, suddenly i Drive flaked out, bluetooth quit then came back. When I got home, opened compartment where all these electronics were, upper cable sheath was wet, carpet at bottom of compartment door was wet, drops of water seen in fuse area. Also, saw small areas of oxidation (rust) on top of Sirius module. Went to dealer with printout of this thread while insides were wet. they agreed this might be the ultimate problem, were very apologetic and is in shop right now. I would suggest that any flaky electronics in the rear (suspension, communications, entertainment functions) should first address this possibility, and was in car wash, then check back. And BMW does cover this under warranty. Any dealer that says they do no is lying. Should then just call a lawyer.

Our year and a half old wagon has developed the exact same problem. One day of rain in LA last week, and the entire electronics system goes berserk while my wife is in the car. Windows going up and down, radio on and off, iDrive barking about a major malfunction, etc. The only saving grace was that she was on surface streets and not on the freeway... Otherwise it could have been an extremely dangerous situation.

Anyway, car was flatbedded over to Century West BMW in North Hollywood where the SA confirms that there's several inches of water in the well where the spare tire resides and that it has shorted out all of the computer modules in the car. Says it'll be repaired under warranty. Then they call back a few hours later to say that it was caused by outside elements clogging the sunroof drains (leaves) and that warranty would not cover it -- it's going to cost us $4200.

A conversation with BMW N/A this morning resulted in no help whatsoever. They stood by the fact that "outside elements attacking the car" could result in catastrophic damage like this. When asked how a car owner could possibly avoid such damage by keeping the drains clear, they replied that it would not be a good idea for the owner to do that. When asked who could possibly keep the drains clear, then, they replied that the dealer could do that during routine servicing. When asked if the dealer was responsible for that, then, they replied that there was no way the dealer could inspect every little item on the car every time, unless it was specifically requested. When asked who might request such an inspection, they replied the owner could do that. When asked how the owner would know to request that since there's no mention of it anywhere in any manual --- silence.

This is unbelievable. I am about to lose every ounce of respect I had for the BMW brand. To top it off, we now own two of them.

In reading back through this thread, maybe any owners who have been affected by this design flaw should band together and make a claim to BMW. As individual cases we're much easier to ignore...

Any thoughts?

If this were to happen to me, I would take a few hours off and go to the dealership in person (after scheduling an appointment with the service manager) with my wife. I would start from scratch and do my best to slowly and calmly explain your situation including the safety issue the problem caused you. I would then ask him to explain to you how this problem is anything other than a BMW design issue. Somehow it is harder for (most) people to look you in the face and give you absolute BS. If still no response, I'd call BMWNA again and ask them who your attorney should contact regarding an unresolved safety issue on one of their cars. BTW, was the sunroof closed during the rain? If so, how the heck can water get around that seal? Maybe water got in around the liftgate? I don't get it. And how can leaves/debris get in the drains? Isn't the sunroof supposed to seal this stuff out when closed?

X3 is an OK car, but I've confirmed has major problems with a clogging drain in the sun roof, wihch IS NOT covered under warranty and cannot be seen or cleaned out by the owner and is not part of routine maintenance. The clogged drain apparently caused water to leak into the computer of my X3 and short it out, the replacement of which cost $2,000!! I'm hearing FROM BNW that this is a common probelm with the X3 and 5 series wagon, both of which have a similar sun roof. I asked the dealer to show me the clogged drain and they said they couldn't because it wasn't accesible. Their suggestion was to submit a claim to my insurance company! Obvious design flaw or oversight in routine servicing!!!!!!!!!!

This is an old thread but glad I found it.

Had the same thing happen to me about 2 weeks ago on my CPO 06 530xiT. I first saw the rust on the test drive in the back left corner panel. Asked my CA about this and he said "not to worry about it"

Car came from TX. Lot's of humitidy down there. Take car home and all is good. Get windows tinted at the place the dealer recommends. All is good. Take it to the recommended dealer car wash and all is not good. Get the SOS malfunction error message and nothing works. Make appointment at the dealer and take it in on a Monday. 2 days later he calls and tells me that the electrical is fried because of water. Asked how this happend and he asks me when I got the windows tinted. Explained to him they have been tinted for only 2 weeks. Tells me that the window tint place jacked this up and it is not covered under warranty, going to cost me over 700 dollars to fix. I explain to him that your dealership recommended this place and there is no way that if there was any water left over would rust in 2 weeks in Colorado with single digit humitidy in January. He tells me that he will "try to push through to BMWNA"

Get a call the next day and tells me that he has found the issue. Clogged drains. Asked him how to unclog them and he tells me that they will have to force air and liquid through them to get them clean. Tells me that they drain in front of the rear tires on both sides. There are 2 holes that can drain. One that you can see in the front of the sunroof and one that is not visible. Ask how we can stop this from happening again and he tells me not to park under trees....nice job dude!!!! There is no way for the consumer to test this or do any maintenance and just hope that they can use the internet to find an answer.

They keep my car for 4 days with cleaning, reprogramming and working on this so it does not happen again. I show up on Friday and all is good. Ask to speak with a Service Manager and they tell me that they have all left for the weekend...at 330p. I am just glad that my dealer covered this under warranty and they now have a record of this. If it happens again, they can cover this again.

Below is a link for all known SIB's for for newer 5 series but did not see this one on that list.
http://www.bimmerdrivers.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=1042

Good luck to everyone that has had this issue. Print out the SIB and take with you to the dealer. They cant deny thier own recall can they?

Hello,

Well, better late than never. This thread is gold. The '06 530 xiT my wife and I bought to haul our new baby and groceries around in has this exact problem. After the recent rains, the electrical system freaked out a couple of hours before we drove to the hospital in labor. We had to take the '99 528i. Needless to say, we were *not* pleased.

After a trip to the dealership, they said leaves clogged the drains and replaced the battery to the tune of $800. Right now it's in the shop again as the next time it rained, the battery was dead. I am fuming.

I am scheduling an appointment with the service manager immediately. I'll keep you posted.

Cheers!

p.s. The Service Manager never did take my calls, but the SA called last night to say they were kicking this up to BMW NA. I'll have an answer Monday. That SI B was did the trick I think. I'll post again with the resolution.

Don't let them get away with it....

SI B 54 06 06
Special Roofs November 2006
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B54 06 06 dated August 2006.
designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Water Leak from Panoramic Sunroof
MODEL
E53 (X5 SAV), E61 (5 Series Sport Wagon) and E83 (X3 SAV) equipped with Panoramic Sunroof (S402A)
SITUATION
Customer may complain of a water leak from the overhead console area during heavy rain or when driving/parking on a steep slope facing downhill.
CAUSE
Possible Causes:
A. Obstructed or damaged drains or drain tubes.
B. Void in the windshield urethane bead.
C. Excessive gaps between the glass panels and the perimeter seal.
D. Inadequate water management system in the sunroof cassette.
CORRECTION
In case of a customer complaint, inspect various components of the sunroof system. Perform a leak test and then perform the recommended repair based on the outcome of these inspections.
An improved sunroof cassette with an optimized water management system has been implemented in production since 10/05.
The current improved part is available as a complete color keyed cassette as opposed to the bare frame previously available.
PROCEDURE
Inspect for the following causes and perform the applicable repair.
Cause A: (Obstructed drains)
• Inspect the cassette drains and drain tubes for any obstructions or kinks in the tubes.
• If any concerns are found with these items, they should be cleaned/repaired/replaced as necessary.
Cause B: (Windshield sealant)
• Inspect the top edge of the windshield glass for any possible voids in the urethane bead.
• Using water or compressed air may help in locating a leak.
• If any voids are found, the windshield must be replaced.
Cause C: (Excessive panel gaps)
• Inspect the condition of the perimeter seal and the gap clearance between:
1. The sunroof glass and the roof panel.
2. The two glass panels.
3. Note: 5.8 plusmn; 0.3mm gap all around (without seal) is required and can be measured with the special gap tool, P/N 00 9 341, or similar.
• If any excessive gaps are found, adjust the glass panels as per RA 54 13 003.
• If any damage to the perimeter seal is found, replace this seal as per RA 54 13 055 and adjust the glass panels as per RA 54 13 003.
Cause D: (Inadequate water management)
• If no fault could be found with causes 1-3, perform the following actions:
1. If the vehicle was produced before 10/2005, replace the sunroof cassette per RA 54 13 080
If the vehicle was produced after 10/2005, do not replace the cassette but still perform the following countermeasures.
Note: The cassette available is the color-keyed updated cassette, complete with headliner and glass panels.
2. Apply light electrical contact grease on to all the electrical connectors and emergency call (SOS) switch in the front interior light console. The surface area must be cleaned as necessary.
3. Replace the perimeter seal as per RA 54 13 055.
4. Install the absorbent pad kit as per the instructions provided in the appropriate Absorbent pad kit attachment.
Note: This kit must be installed exactly as shown in the attachment for maximum effectiveness.
5. Perform additional sealing operation as described in the Cassette Sealing attachment.
6. Initialize sunroof per Repair Instruction 54 0 ...
7. Water test to ensure proper water management.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
54 13 7 184 903 E53 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Light Grey 1
54 13 7 184 904 E53 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Light Beige 1
54 13 7 185 572 E53 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Anthracite 1
54 10 7 185 573 E53 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Pastel Green
54 10 3 436 363 E83 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Anthracite 1
54 10 3 435 213 E83 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Basalt Grey 1
54 10 3 435 217 E83 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Light Beige 1
54 10 3 436 311 E83 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Grey 1
54 13 7 184 899 E61 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Grey 1
54 13 7 184 900 E61 Panoramic Sunroof Cassette – Beige 1
83 23 0 149 149 Electrical contact grease (NyoGel 760G) 1
52 20 3 421 311 E53 Felt Pad 5
51 48 8 211 922 E53 Roof Insulation Material 1
52 20 3 421 311 E61/E83 Felt Pad 2
54 13 7 180 747 E61/E83 Foam Pad 1
54 13 7 072 786 Perimeter Seal – E53/E61/E83 1
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

I have since had my wagon fixed. AAA covered it completely! It was in the shop for 2.5 months at a grand total of 20 K!

Arghhh this sucks to read. My X3 had the same problem but the water did not damage anything. Now I am looking at the 5 wagon and it has the same problem. The dealer covered the cleaning but they gave me the same bull**** story about not parking under threes. Well there is nothing but threes to park under here in Brooklyn plus if they know why not at least tell the customer or have a service plan to avoid it - is there even a know recommendation from BMW of how to maintain?

I'm planning on asking them to clean the drains with each oil change (2x/year).

Originally Posted by The_Missile

exactly why I never order a sunroof. too much trouble.

I've never seen a new BMW in this country without a sunroof.

Originally Posted by w5lx

I've never seen a new BMW in this country without a sunroof.

Saw an M3 without one yesterday.

Originally Posted by cbj

Arghhh this sucks to read. My X3 had the same problem but the water did not damage anything. Now I am looking at the 5 wagon and it has the same problem. The dealer covered the cleaning but they gave me the same bull**** story about not parking under threes. Well there is nothing but threes to park under here in Brooklyn plus if they know why not at least tell the customer or have a service plan to avoid it - is there even a know recommendation from BMW of how to maintain?

I'd narrow the search to 2007 models only, when the new roof cassette was implemented. Or to 06s that have had the improved cassette installed.

I have an E61 and exactly the same issue. My dealer was very coy and tried to charge for the full repair despite the fact we had an extended warranty. We're now in the position where BMW is paying 100% of the parts and 80% of the labour. However, we have to pay for the two hours(!) investigation time to discover the fault.

Having just found these posts, I feel like we're being pretty hard done by, but they have the car and have completed the repair so it's pretty hard for us to argue now...

Having read this and other threads including other websites, my understanding is that this happens in 2006 or older wagons??

Wifed parked in a parking lot, electrical system goes haywire. wipers start going, every known imaginable failure displayed, transmission, engine, srs, awd, ..............

She hits SOS, apparently uploads codes for fault, told one hour for pickup and overnight storage at tow company as everything closed.

I go pick her up. Switch off the car and restart, all the errors and the wipers keep going. Leave the car there, figure I can just have it towed Monday.

Go back after 4 hours, everything works fine, no faults, check ok. drive it home.

It rained 3 days this week and I had the windshield replaced last week and sunroof adjusted. Check both side storage compartments and wheel well, bone dry. I had the ecu or idrive replaced at 12 miles.

thoughts......

Originally Posted by obi.wan

Having read this and other threads including other websites, my understanding is that this happens in 2006 or older wagons??

2006's are the older wagons

Originally Posted by WDC330i

I'd narrow the search to 2007 models only, when the new roof cassette was implemented. Or to 06s that have had the improved cassette installed.

My 07 X3 had the problem too.

Originally Posted by cbj

My 07 X3 had the problem too.

That does not make me feel good. currently car is fine except for check engine light that is now on. oh well one more trip.......

Originally Posted by obi.wan

That does not make me feel good. currently car is fine except for check engine light that is now on. oh well one more trip.......

We had the improved cassette installed under warranty in our '06 wagon (after four prior fruitless visits to the dealer). It's been through many carwashes since--no problem (crossing fingers)

I’ve owned my 2005 BMW X3 for less than a month and two nights ago, after heavy rain, water leaked into my car. Luckily the extent of the damage appears to have been the puddle of water on the passenger side carpet.

It looked as if the windshield was leaking, but I’m glad that was not the case .

The problem was that the moon roof drains were clogged (at the bottom). I did a quick test by pouring some water near the drain holes, located on either side of the front of the moon roof, to see if it would drain. It did not. I checked the bottom drains and they were very obviously clogged. Using two screw drivers I was able to remove the clog. It took less than 30 minutes from start to finish, including the initial test and the final test to ensure that the drains were in fact, unclogged.

I would have to respectfully disagree with the person that said, “I don't think it's safe to blame the design of the drain when just about everyone else's car is dry as a bone.” BMWs are known for their excellent engineering and we pay premium price for it. Being an engineer myself, I don’t think this design is optimal, even if it works well for most people.

Originally Posted by obi.wan

Wifed parked in a parking lot, electrical system goes haywire. wipers start going, every known imaginable failure displayed, transmission, engine, srs, awd, ..............

She hits SOS, apparently uploads codes for fault, told one hour for pickup and overnight storage at tow company as everything closed.

I go pick her up. Switch off the car and restart, all the errors and the wipers keep going. Leave the car there, figure I can just have it towed Monday.

Go back after 4 hours, everything works fine, no faults, check ok. drive it home.

It rained 3 days this week and I had the windshield replaced last week and sunroof adjusted. Check both side storage compartments and wheel well, bone dry. I had the ecu or idrive replaced at 12 miles.

thoughts......

update I think I posted in another thread.
IBS: intelligent battery sensor
so far so good about 400 miles since repair

Same issue with our 2008 535xiT.

Repair quote is $1400 parts and labor. TPM malfunction and load levelling function and several relays. (underwater)

(dealer checking with BMWNA, any help with copies of ROs under warranty, from 07/08's appreciated)

I brought the ol E46 in for its 3rd sunroof replacement - unfortunately for them when they removed the cassette the SA said both technicians working on the project became soaked with water that fell down on them from a clogged drain. This doesn't look like a serious flaw that is affecting just one specific year or just one series model.