X5 E70 2009 water leak

[sinX5]

Hi,

Just wanted to share what happened to my X5 after first heavy rain in BC, Canada. Water got in through the moonroof and it leaked through the left rear column, over the speaker, and over all of the electronics. What I noticed first was the smell of the moisture, then soon after the iDrive froze, so after researching online I decided to disconnect the battery in the order to 'reset' the iDrive. HA!

I still don't know what the total damage is, but will update the post when I find out.

Here is the video https://youtu.be/PXXqWSvtG-c

Best,
Sin

[noelskii]

Yup! Common problem. Make sure you roof drains are clear. Also, check that rubber stopper for the hatch- make sure it's not loose.

I had that leak, but good thing it missed all the electronics.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by sinX5

Hi,

Just wanted to share what happened to my X5 after first heavy rain in BC, Canada. Water got in through the moonroof and it leaked through the left rear column, over the speaker, and over all of the electronics. What I noticed first was the smell of the moisture, then soon after the iDrive froze, so after researching online I decided to disconnect the battery in the order to 'reset' the iDrive. HA!

I still don't know what the total damage is, but will update the post when I find out.

Here is the video https://youtu.be/PXXqWSvtG-c

Best,
Sin

That does not sound good. If the damage is significant enough to warrant filing a claim, this would be covered under your auto insurance comprehensive coverage. I've known cars to be totaled by insurance for leaks that went undiscovered for a bit and did significant damage.

[sinX5]

Hey,

Here is the follow up. Yes, the wretched left roof drain was plugged up (what a design).

So, I took out all the electronics and got them in the house to r dry, and I dried the interior of the car with a blow dryer. Luckily, only the Sirius satellite DLP module died. Since I do not subscribe to Sirius anymore, I took out the module. Since the whole system is on the loop, there is no sound when you take a component out. So, I got in touch with my local service and they gave me a small plastic optic cable connector which you install to close the loop. You have to take the existing plug apart in order to use this connector. Here is the video https://youtu.be/X2ALWZBV3W8

There are some aftermarket looping plugs on Amazon (about $10), but this option from BMW works great.

Thanks for comments noelskii and Skyline.

[Jnash467]

This happened to me a couple of years ago. I turned into my insurance, and it covered replacing all of the electronics. So now I make sure I keep my drains clear. Sorry this had to happen to you.