1999 E46 323ci Wet drivers footwell

[dylanbrown]

Hi, I have noticed that the drivers floor mat is wet and there is a small dribble coming in from the area where the floor carpet meets the plastic door shut. It is directly below the stereo speaker when the door is closed. I have cleared out the engine bay gutters and cleaned the door and door shut. All of the rubber around the door looks like it is in good condition. I did recently have a new actuator fitted, so the door card has been off recently. It could be that this was happening before I had the work done. Any ideas? Thanks

[NealP]

There is a weatherproof membrane fitted to the door card initially, which could be your case if not there. Also, make sure it is not coolant on the carpet otherwise you could be looking at the heater core pipework .

[dailydoggy]

ide say seal membrane in doors bin damaged too much of a coincidence if somebodys bin in there meddling..

[dylanbrown]

Thanks for your advice. I have located a tiny trickle of water coming in from below the door speaker. Although it is not obvious how its tracking across onto the carpet. I will take the door card off soon and have a look. Is it easy to replace? If its missing will using a plastic bag / refuse sack do the same as the membrane that is damaged?? Also should there be black plastic plugs in the botton edge of the door? They look original, but I cant see how water gets 'out' of the door! I hope that makes sense! :-)

[dailydoggy]

a plastic bag or a refuse sack are you serious???

[dylanbrown]

I guess Halfords will sell the special plastic for the membrane? I wasn't trying to be funny, but the plastic used to seal the door of my old e36 compact had a very similar passing resemblence to the same plastic they used in the manufacture of plastic bags. I remember that it was held in place by some really sticky black 'gunk' which remains maluable after several years exposure to the elements. Thanks very much for your advice. I will get the door card off on the weekend and have a good poke around inside. Cheers again! Dylan

[dwnb01]

Had exactly the same problem on my '99 e46 318i. I sorted it last week. As other's have said, its the soundproofing membrane behind the doorcard. The black seal looses its adhesive properties over time, meaning water runs down through the gaps, onto the sill, and collects into a lovely puddle on the passenger footwell. I used 'leakfix' to sort mine, a kind of weatherproof sealant for exterior doors etc - all is good now .

My car is still damp though! The remnents of this problem will be with me for some time, especially in the winter!