bmwe21.net forums

calling all e21 owners,

I am new to this forum even though I have owned my e21 for 13 years now, it is a great car that should have been sold years ago for a newer car, only problem is I can't bear to part with it as it is so lovely.

My problem is that this car is usually garaged, however this winter it is outside and I have noticed that I get quite a lot of water in the boot. I have checked the boot seals and these seem fine, so does anyone else have this problem or does anyone have any ideas please, Andy

Check also the seals from the rearlights?

Don't assume the boot seal is fine because of a visual inspection; they turn porous with age; if you squeeze them after a heavy shower you may find them sodden with water. Replace yours as a matter of course, along with the real light seals, if you can get them; BMW unfortunately don't sell the light seals separately.
Worth checking the rear window seal too; this can be a terrible rust spot if the rubber's gone as the water will sit under the rubber, rot the metal underneath and will let water into the boot, to boot.

Walloth + Nesch probably still have the rear lights seals, I bought these from them very recently

Thanks for the response about the seals, I have a lot of water on the underside of the bootlid, is this likely to be connected to the seals leaking?

coley wrote:Thanks for the response about the seals, I have a lot of water on the underside of the bootlid, is this likely to be connected to the seals leaking?

It's a condensation problem, so your seals are very likely shafted. Do you also have a boot spoiler and/or boot-mounted aerial, as rain may be finding it's way past the fixings for those as well.
Might want to (very carefully) prise up the edge of the rear screen rubber and have a peek/poke with a torch and a thin-bladed screwdriver.

Thanks for this, def no holes/rust under the window seal, all like new but probably need a new boot opening seal to stop the condensation. A question for you, where can I get a decent set of seats or the seat filling for the originals as mine just aren't comfortable anymore, any ideas? also a sunroof winding handle

Hi Coley. Exact same issue as you, water condensing underneath and making everything damp. I need to get myself a boot seal too. Seats in good condition are really rare/expensive. There's a good set of charcoal seats on ebay atm for £175 - I think someone on here is selling them. The only other option is to recover or modify some similar seats to fit (E30 normally - plenty of threads about the mods needed on here).

Just rang BMW.. £90 for a boot seal! WTF! Anyone know where they're cheaper?

£68 at W&N :\

Hi Reck, Walloth and Nesh it is then. I nee to order a couple of other small parts from them so this might save on the postage