water dripping from sunroof when opened
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
My Ride: e60 535i JB4+DCI
Model Year: 2008
Hi Everyone,
After it rains, when I open my sunroof completely ( not vent ) water will drip from the top of the sunroof glass. It seems like its being 'emptied out' over the glass when I place the sunroof in this position. It happens here and there, mostly when i slow down towards a light.
What could be causing this?
Cheers,
After it rains, when I open my sunroof completely ( not vent ) water will drip from the top of the sunroof glass. It seems like its being 'emptied out' over the glass when I place the sunroof in this position. It happens here and there, mostly when i slow down towards a light.
What could be causing this?
Cheers,
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 361
From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
I think that is what we would call gravity. Lol. Seriously if it has rained and you open your sunroof water will come down. Some of it will drain but the other will drop down. I would suggest drying the top off if you want to drive while it's wet.
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
My Ride: e60 535i JB4+DCI
Model Year: 2008
ha ha i deserve that response.
what i mean is that it happens after the car is dry. i mean fully dry roof. its as if the water is coming out of inside the roof itself and then dropping to the top of the glass and pouring into the car. its not a lot, but its a small concern.
what i mean is that it happens after the car is dry. i mean fully dry roof. its as if the water is coming out of inside the roof itself and then dropping to the top of the glass and pouring into the car. its not a lot, but its a small concern.
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 361
From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
Ok now I'm getting it. Not knowing the year of your car you might need to replace the seal around the roof. When it rains do you notice water getting in? Is there a wet spot on the fabric around the sunroof? If so then just replace it. If not I would still replace it. It's cheap and inexpensive to do. I had to do it on mine a few years back. It's easy to do. I wouldn't say the drains are clogged because the roof is closed while raining.
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
My Ride: e60 535i JB4+DCI
Model Year: 2008
There nothing wet in the car. I've checked every time. It's such a small amount of water.
Car is a 2008 e60 535
I'll check around the sunroof seal but it's just weird.
Car is a 2008 e60 535
I'll check around the sunroof seal but it's just weird.
Members
Senior Members
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 5
From: Atlantic Beach, Fl
My Ride: e60 530i e21 320i
Model Year: 2005 1981
Engine: M54 M10
OP, Drive your car on a major highway at speed. Slide the sunscreen panel back and listen for windnoise from the sunroof. If you hear any wind noise, changeout the sunroof weather seal. Inexpensive part, even at a dealer and 1.5-2 hrs of your time to change out.
Last edited by jtbgonesailing; Sep 8, 2017 at 12:34 PM.
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
My Ride: e60 535i JB4+DCI
Model Year: 2008
Ahh I see what you mean. I can definitely here wind with the roof closed and the screen open. I just figured it anyways was like that but wasn't sure because I picked up the car a few years ago. I looked and the seal looks fresh but maybe that's just it
Members
Senior Members
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 5
From: Atlantic Beach, Fl
My Ride: e60 530i e21 320i
Model Year: 2005 1981
Engine: M54 M10
Looks of the weather seal can be deceptive, they deform and compress while still appearing serviceable. Put a new seal in and not only will you not have any wind noise in the cabin, but no water intrusion either.


