Yet another Water in Trunk/Electrical issue

[flynavy2011]

We've all seen the terrible threads about water in the trunks of Z4s. Many of those are often people looking for the source of the water. I, however, know the source: I was an idiot and let a cooler full of ice melt in the trunk (kicking myself HARD). So, I noticed my radio making weird noises, then completely failing (displays: "DISABLED" in the message window), then power windows went out, followed by power top, turn signals don't indicate that they are "on" on the dash indicator (although the outside ones work fine).

All of this happened over the course of a 30 minute drive home. As I got home, I started smelling that plastic/electrical burning smell. I disconnected the battery, pulled it out, sopped up the water, let the trunk dry out, and then noticed the amp (so I think, it that black thing roughly 1'x8"x3"???) with a bunch of wires coming out of it with melted plastic and exposed copper wires.

So, I took it to a repair shop today where I explained the situation, had the trunk open and ready for inspection, trying to get some idea of an estimate, only for some secretary to tell me that the mechanic would have to diagnose the issue, find the source of the leak, which may take "about 3 hours" (at $80 an hour)...meanwhile I told the lady I know EXACTLY how it happened, she maintained that the mechanic would not even glance into my trunk to tell me what APPEARS to be wrong (would take 5 seconds to see the melted wires) for less than $80 an hour.

I don't mind paying for the service and that is probably what it will come down to but if anyone could give me an idea of what you think is wrong/how much I might expect to pay I would appreciate it. Thanks. Guess I'll just have to ride my motorcycle more

[Beedub]

damnnn sorry bro...... this sounds expensive :-(

[gcochard]

Lots of shops will estimate a fix like that for free, find a more reputable indy shop.

[MinneapolisJeff]

you can fit a cooler in the trunk?

[HpDellNestle]

Told them that you can replicate the problem in one of their car.

[ANUSTART]

This is a total shot in the dark, but they recommend putting a cell phone in rice if it gets wet. Would be a lot of rice and a huge mess, but... Wonder if the are any reports of something like that working.

[gcochard]

Originally Posted by hogzilla

This is a total shot in the dark, but they recommend putting a cell phone in rice if it gets wet. Would be a lot of rice and a huge mess, but... Wonder if the are any reports of something like that working.

The damage is already done. Rice only prevents damage if the phone is off and you remove the battery immediately.