Tackling this now on our X5.
Was driving this while I waited getting my rear spring/shock/mounts work done on my F10...
Heavy/steady rain last week and noticed water on the floor mat on the passenger footwell when I got in the car in the morning.
I couldn't find/feel the source, but figured I'd research potential causes here.
Symptoms sure-do sound like a clogged sunroof drain.
Hasn't rained heavy since and I'm reluctant to put too much water in to try to find the source....focusing instead on trying to dry it out completely (while we have a late blast of heat/dry before the temps turn) and seeing if I can find a blockage.
I started with the string trimmer line, but I can only get it in between 6 and 12".
Tried compressed air with a small section of hose pushed into the drain line. Now I'm anxious that I made it worse as I let the pressure get fairly high. All I really achieved was a little moisture blow-back.
Tried BMW washer fluid concentrate.
Dealer says they're happy to work on it, but states that BMW is NOT going to support the work at all. I'm underwhelmed by the local dealer, so that doesn't appeal.
There is an excellent independent shop relatively nearby. I emailed them last night, but haven't heard back. I plan on giving them a call. My hunch is that they have experience with this.
I also plan on giving it at least one more shot on my own...
I have a veterinary syringe and the plastic tubing that I can connect to that that I used to use to extract fluid when flushing brakes and clutch for my motorcycle. I was thinking I'd get a small cup of hot water and try pushing/pulling the hot water with that. I'm hoping that a few iterations might open up a clog ~ assuming it's near the top.
I also figure this is a good way to check if it's NOT draining well.
I can, of course, pull the wheel well cover and try to access the drain ~ but I'm reading mixed messages on whether that's where the drain is (or in the engine compartment).
I could also pull the kick panel on the side of the passenger footwell if it's likely that I have the kink there (per the youtube link above).
I'm also open to the idea that it's the drain in the engine compartment. My first stab at this was checking to see if the engine compartment drains were clogged. They DO tend to collect leaves and such...
After looking at that, I wonder whether I had that reassembled incorrectly (I had changed my cabin filter this summer). I can describe that better and/or take a photo if anyone thinks that might be the explanation...
I guess I'll know once I see whether water drains well or not.
Any other thoughts?
This is, to my surprise, causing me a good bit of consternation....I'm irked that this is such a common issue and struck by the potential electrical headache and/or labor-heavy repair (if I'm unable to manage this on my own)
