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BMW Z3 A Pillar Leak Repair

hard top

Zorg Expert (I)
Dutch Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Dec 5, 2011
Points
213
Location
Netherlands
hard top submitted a new resource:

A Pillar Leak Repair - A Pillar Leak Repair

Some of you were so kind as to help me with a leak problem at the A*****ar seal on my 2001 Roadster. The possibility was raised that the rubber had shrunken and needed to be restored with Gummi-Phlege (sp?) or something similar. I did that, with only modest improvement in the situation. Then I followed another recommendation of tightening the roof latch. That apeared to "fix" the problem, at least for the moment.

Then I got my new/used...
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Phil T

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Feb 17, 2015
Points
63
Location
Newcastle, Staffordshire
Model of Z
Z3 3.0
I actually tried this with gorilla glue. Limited success, but the glue doesn't seem particularly malleable so the improvement is temporary. What product did you use & are you still watertight?
 

jonco

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Dec 6, 2011
Points
159
Location
Chester
Model of Z
'98 1.9 Auto
I actually tried this with gorilla glue. Limited success, but the glue doesn't seem particularly malleable so the improvement is temporary. What product did you use & are you still watertight?
I used black silicone rubber seal from Halfords - can't remember exact brand. I never removed the actual plugs but just dug old sealant out with a small screwdriver. Squirted new in and wiped off residual.
Seven years ago and still ok :thumbsup:(damn shouldn't have said last bit ;)). Agree glue will not flex enough. When you have fixed it check foam under carpets - it will be soaking if you've had a long-term leak.
 

Grumps

Always happy, apart from when I'm not 🤬
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Apr 27, 2014
Points
226
Location
Forest Town, Mansfield
Model of Z
Z4 e85 2.5i
I just pushed the original grommets in and filled both pillars out with clear silicone and cleaned off to leave a tidy finish. It's never leaked since.
 

Phil T

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Feb 17, 2015
Points
63
Location
Newcastle, Staffordshire
Model of Z
Z3 3.0
Hi both,

Many thanks for this. The leak is small & I've been under the carpet looking for part of the wiring loom in the last couple of weeks so I know its dry (luckily). I shall purchase a sealant & have a go.

Two specialists have advised a new roof as the only cure, but it's red & a special edition so I didn't want to do that if I could help it. Funnily enough, both companies offered replacement soft tops...:shifty:
 

Grumps

Always happy, apart from when I'm not 🤬
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Apr 27, 2014
Points
226
Location
Forest Town, Mansfield
Model of Z
Z4 e85 2.5i
Hi both,

Many thanks for this. The leak is small & I've been under the carpet looking for part of the wiring loom in the last couple of weeks so I know its dry (luckily). I shall purchase a sealant & have a go.

Two specialists have advised a new roof as the only cure, but it's red & a special edition so I didn't want to do that if I could help it. Funnily enough, both companies offered replacement soft tops...:shifty:
Funny that. A new roof won't guarantee to correct the problem. Shrunk rubbers, bent basket etc could all cause leaks.
 
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Crystal Skull

Dedicated Member
American Zeds
Joined
Mar 13, 2018
Points
28
Location
West Palm Beach
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster Conv
Great advice all around. I saw the original post on Bimmerfest and I saw where one member actually took the plugs completely out of the gasket. I asked him what tool he used and how difficult they were to remove....but no reply. So does anyone have any info you can share about the the plugs? Looking forward to digging into this thing. I'd appreciate any assistance.
 
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