Water in my X5 - Help!

[omodos]

Jesus, cheeky BMW I bet they got whole libraries full of these glithces and fixes! where did you pick up the info? hmmm next thing I am wondering is whether there is note in bmw archives about the kaka quality of their coolant reservoirs and their susceptibilty to cracking or coming loose at the seam....anyway thanks to tall the other members who replied, rain out here is scarce but it has rained and it has been torrential downpours, and I love 'playing' with the x5 in the rain drenched roads out here, drainage was never part of the road infrastructure out here due to the minimal rain, so when it rains we have lakes everywhere.....ok thanks again for the replies

[JBF]

A guy came to look at the car I was selling a few weeks ago, he had a 2004 X5 with Pano roof and gave me a tour after he'd looked at mine. He warned me about exactly this issue as his had become clogged and the water pooled in the area around the spare wheel. That fried all of the electronics costing £12,000 to replace/repair!!!!! Luckily it was still under warranty.

I'm looking at a pretty fully loaded X5 which has the Panoramic Roof. Coming from having a convertible I would really like a sunroof but this and the issue with it sticking open and needing replacement are a bit worrying. Guess it's just a case of looking after it and regularly checking for water in the back. Wonder if you could use a can of compressed air to clean out the drain tubes?

At least BMW have been paying 100% parts and 50% labour when it sticks open.

[omodos]

I got a pano roof too on my late 2004 x5, reading all the posts just how common is it?1 in 10, 1 in a 1000 or just pure luck depending on whether or not the drain holes get blocked?yup would be good to know if they can be cleaned out now and again?and where exactly the drain holes are on the sunroof cassette?anyone know what the best routine maintenance is?and how do they clog up, i cant see how leaves can clog up the channels unless you keep the sunroof open and close it without realising it is full of foreign objects.....any advice would be great on this,ta

[BMWLOVER]

[JBF]

Apparently the replacement sunroof cassette is an updated part. I'd like to know when this updated part was introduced. I'm looking at a late 2005 with Pano roof and wonder whether it will still be effected by all these issues.

[DSAviate]

Section 540 of the Bentley manual has a note referring to the sunroof drains, but no details on how to clean them.

Perhaps a stiff piece of plastic wire (like 200# fishing leader) and some club soda with 409 would do the trick at all 4 corners.

X5 Meister's tip on the impact absorber leak issue is especially key for all us installing the OEM tow hitch . . . we're in there already, want to make sure this gets sealed up good.

- M54 Lover

[JBF]

I can't see how blocked drains would require replacement of the entire sunroof cassette. Surely, even if it means removing the headlining etc it would be possible to remove the drain pipes and clean them out?

[omodos]

Originally Posted by DSAviate

Section 540 of the Bentley manual has a note referring to the sunroof drains, but no details on how to clean them.

Perhaps a stiff piece of plastic wire (like 200# fishing leader) and some club soda with 409 would do the trick at all 4 corners.

X5 Meister's tip on the impact absorber leak issue is especially key for all us installing the OEM tow hitch . . . we're in there already, what to mack sure this get sealed up good.

- M54 Lover

I can’t remember where I read it but poking things in the holes is not a good idea, just to clarify these holes are in the 4 corners of the sunroof and are visible with it fully open??, I reckon some duster spray/compressed air type approach may help too. I am going to give mine the once over soon and post any finds….

[Weasel]

I usually use compressed air to clear the hoses at the shop. And especially the front hoses (on most BMWs) it is a good idea to get to the bottom of the drain as that is where the trash accumulates to cause the clog. On X3s you can just reach up under there even with the front edge of the doors and clear them with your fingers, on the X5s you need to get the wheel liner out of the way. But as I said, using a compressor to blow the hoses out works, and works better from the bottom of the drains. Just be aware that you will blow the trash out of the top, so cover up

[vivanov1]

does anyone have a picture of these drains? is it worth cleaning and taking preventative maintenance even if you dont have problems?