hard top leaks near "A" pillar

[tennisjazz]

The hard top on my 328ic convertible leaks just back of the "A" pillar, dripping on to the outer edges of the front seats. Not sure if the soft top leaks or not as heavy rain is rare except in winter when I have the hard top on. The BMW dealership seemed clueless about how to fix this problem so I did not let them work on it. Might it be a blocked drainage duct in the "A" pillar? or what?

 

[sinisterE36]

could be the seal across the top of the windshield or the drain on that side is blocked?

 

[CORBLYMELYME]

I have the same leak problem, did you find a fix???

 

[tennisjazz]

No; admittedly i haven't tried all that hard, but summer is over and i put the top back on this month, and yeah it still leaks somewhat, just back of both "A" pillars. The soft top does not leak -- it good a good testing in the Oregon coast monsoons last month -- but i'm not sure what that implies. Guess i will have to check with a body shop.

 

[E30m42cab]

try foam tape along the seal, that helped my leak in the same area.

 

[tennisjazz]

i took it in to a body shop who tested it with pressurized water. they found many leaks. it needs all new seal along the roofline, way too much money for the part, so i didn't get it fixed. i just keep a wee towel handy for when i park it outdoors in rainy weather.

 

[bobobmw]

I'm having the same sort of problem on my Z3, with leaks just where the hardtop means the window screen. I can actually see daylight through the seal, so it's pretty obvious where the water is coming from

I'm also getting some wind noise through the front seal.

I'm going to try some foam tape all around the front and side seals - the hardtop is pretty much a permanent feature for me here in the UK so I'm hoping I can do that and be rid of the leask once and for all!

I'll let you know how I get on.

Just out of interest, how much was the replacement BMW seal? (if you don't mind my asking...)

 

[Big Daddy]

Is number #8 the part you are looking for? I use Zymol Seal Conditioner on my roadster and have never had any leak issues. I have never purchased it here, but Auto Anything has it.

#8 SEALING WINDSHIELD PANEL, COLUMN A 1 51718410169 $212.04

 

[tennisjazz]

Thanks, Big Daddy.
The estimate the body shop gave me gives part descriptions but not part numbers.
The parts and their Canadian list prices + labour to install are:
front seal $425 + 140.25
rail seal $32 (I think this is some kind of clip) + 46.75
+ shop supplies + hazardous materials charge + taxes
comes to $788.57!

Spring is here so it's time to take off the hard top anyway. I would like to sell this car and buy a newer one this summer. But if i still have it next fall then i'll try some foam tape on the front seal in hopes that it won't make it worse