I had thw same issue... after I had gotten a new top. Took it back, he pulled thw top and sealed it almost from drain to drain. This 100% fixed thw issue.
Easy solution -- never leave the Z outside during wet weather! Oh, I guess that is not practical if you are using your Z as a daily driver. Chuckle, chuckle. 😂 My Z stays parked in the driveway and has one or two covers on it, which helps keep running water off the car body. In other business --- when you were under the trunk, there was some kind of rubber fitting / plug at the rear of the battery well??? My Z does not have that rubber fitting. Is that a bumper for the old spare tire when it is mounted underneath, or is it something else. A couple years ago I found water beneath my battery, so I cleaned it up and drilled a small hole beneath, at the rear of where the battery sits. I do need to check again to see what the status is of my trunk area. I have always suspected the tail light seals. Thanks, Mark. Well done. Sorry that you do have an active leak beneath the softtop, which does not surprise me. But then that will probably mean removing the softtop to get to the body area below the softtop fitting area. NO FUN!
Mark, thanks for the informative video! Your video lead me to this thought: If anyone is ever in the market for a used Z3 looking underneath the battery (besides looking at trunk welds) is a good place to start. Signs of standing water and rust would certainly be of concern not knowing the entry point or how long it's been there is the real question...
I replaced the third brake light gasket but I have another option. Extra large dog pee pad fits the trunk. Lol. 😂 Helps keep water out while searching for a fix.
Watching. Let us know when you fix this. Have a similar issue with mine but need to replace my top next year which is where I think mine is coming from. But interesting about the seal.
I hope you figure it out. Mine has the exact same problem so I've just been praying it doesn't start raining while I'm at work. And unlike you I don't have a car cover!!
Hey Mark, what suspension do you have in your car, and what version is it? Love the fit, it's still high enough to get through most places but the fitment looks so good in the front and back! I have a pre 1.9 with the same wheels and kinda unhappy with my fitment with the stock suspension. Couldn't fit the M-tech as it's not available new, and it's hard to find them second hand... Cheers!
If I said you have junk in your trunk I may get a chuckle. However when I tell my wife she has junk in her trunk she's not amused and sometimes that's how the argument started... Personally I think all convertibles leak with the exception being hard top convertibles...
Hey Mark! Do you happen to know a part number or location where I can buy that rear seal for the top that you mentioned could be the problem? I am looking on realoem and cannot find the exact part. Thanks buddy! Cheers from VA Beach!
No. The guy who installed the replacement top did the repair. He said he reapplied some silicone. Dry ever since. I'm not sure if he even charged me. And it was more than 4 years since he did the install.
It's Sunday evening and you won't let us wait for a new Clip. Thanks for this!
Had computer issues that delayed me an hour- was thinking about that for my international folks- thanks for watching!
Good troubleshooting. I’ll be here for the solution. 🏎️ 💨
Appreciate that! Thanks!
I had thw same issue... after I had gotten a new top. Took it back, he pulled thw top and sealed it almost from drain to drain. This 100% fixed thw issue.
Thanks. I appreciate your input!
We hope to fix it soon Mark! We love your content and your car !!! You are irreplaceable in the Zed community.
Thank you so much! I'm here to stay!
Im having this exact issue. Can't wait to see the fix!
Easy solution -- never leave the Z outside during wet weather! Oh, I guess that is not practical if you are using your Z as a daily driver. Chuckle, chuckle. 😂 My Z stays parked in the driveway and has one or two covers on it, which helps keep running water off the car body. In other business --- when you were under the trunk, there was some kind of rubber fitting / plug at the rear of the battery well??? My Z does not have that rubber fitting. Is that a bumper for the old spare tire when it is mounted underneath, or is it something else. A couple years ago I found water beneath my battery, so I cleaned it up and drilled a small hole beneath, at the rear of where the battery sits. I do need to check again to see what the status is of my trunk area. I have always suspected the tail light seals. Thanks, Mark. Well done. Sorry that you do have an active leak beneath the softtop, which does not surprise me. But then that will probably mean removing the softtop to get to the body area below the softtop fitting area. NO FUN!
Yeah, there are two plastic plugs in the bottom of the battery well, but they are painted shut. Don't know why. Top removal scares me!
I have the same problem as well. I’m going to try JB Weld plastic bond and hopefully fill the cracks. Fingers crossed!
Good luck!
I have the same problem. Thanks your videos. Greetings from Chile
Thanks for watching!
Got the same issue with my car so can‘t wait to see how you‘ll fix this. Greetings from Germany
I'm sorry to hear that. Apparently, this is very common.
Mark, thanks for the informative video!
Your video lead me to this thought: If anyone is ever in the market for a used Z3 looking underneath the battery (besides looking at trunk welds) is a good place to start. Signs of standing water and rust would certainly be of concern not knowing the entry point or how long it's been there is the real question...
Excellent point! Have to admit the guy I bought mine from thought I was crazy thorough in my inspection, but I didn't look there.
Fantastic video, thank you. I’ve got the same issue
Thank you! Hopefully, I'll find the solution.
I replaced the third brake light gasket but I have another option. Extra large dog pee pad fits the trunk. Lol. 😂 Helps keep water out while searching for a fix.
Fair enough!
Watching. Let us know when you fix this. Have a similar issue with mine but need to replace my top next year which is where I think mine is coming from. But interesting about the seal.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
I hope you figure it out. Mine has the exact same problem so I've just been praying it doesn't start raining while I'm at work. And unlike you I don't have a car cover!!
I love mine! Check it out when you get a chance.
Hey Mark, what suspension do you have in your car, and what version is it? Love the fit, it's still high enough to get through most places but the fitment looks so good in the front and back! I have a pre 1.9 with the same wheels and kinda unhappy with my fitment with the stock suspension. Couldn't fit the M-tech as it's not available new, and it's hard to find them second hand... Cheers!
I'm bone stock other than the koni sport shocks I installed the other day. I'd lower the car but it's hard enough for me to get in and out already 😄
If I said you have junk in your trunk I may get a chuckle. However when I tell my wife she has junk in her trunk she's not amused and sometimes that's how the argument started...
Personally I think all convertibles leak with the exception being hard top convertibles...
Was thinking about all that when I came up with the title! I feel you're right about verts. Toyota probably not, because Toyota.
Hey Mark! Do you happen to know a part number or location where I can buy that rear seal for the top that you mentioned could be the problem? I am looking on realoem and cannot find the exact part. Thanks buddy! Cheers from VA Beach!
That we'll be my first order of business in the new year. I'll start researching soon. Happy holidays!
You as well sir thank you!@@MomentofZed
Do smoke test
The leak is coming from the sealing frame which is broken there is really no way to fix it unless you buy a hardtop
You're dead on correct, and they have discontinued the part😔
The silicone seal of my top installation leaked
I know it might be impossible now. Did you get any pics of that?
No. The guy who installed the replacement top did the repair. He said he reapplied some silicone. Dry ever since. I'm not sure if he even charged me. And it was more than 4 years since he did the install.