Unclogged my drain outlets on my roadster

NYZ4Jack · 12-18-2011, 07:43 PM

Just purchased the car recently and using a flashlight, I was able to see a pool of water on both sides. (Motor/top worked fine though).

I followed one of the guides I found on this forum and was able to shop-vac all the water and and lots of debris out from both sides. I tested the drains after by carefully pouring water and both sides quickly expelled all the water.

I now realize the plug design is a very poor design. (and don't really know why the rubber ends are folded to an X shape). I'm thinking it would flow better if I didn't out the plastic / rubber ends back into the drainage holes.

Thoughts? Why are the plugs even there in the first place?

Anyone ever consider drilling another hole next to the factory one to help with drainage? Thoughts?

We get some pretty bad rain storms at times in NY and I do park my car outside 50% of the time. Assuming the holes aren't clogged, will one single hole on each side be enough to drain an all night downpour?

Thanks. this forum has helped me a lot so far!

Stromtech · 12-19-2011, 10:23 AM

I suspect the design of the rubber cap is meant to keep road crap and dirt from getting tossed up into the drain tube...after all the drains are located in the wheel well area. In my humble opinion, I would not leave the rubber caps off, instead I will make it an annual maintenance item to clean and inspect the drains.

12-18-2011, 07:43 PM	#1
NYZ4Jack Private 18 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2005 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: New York, NY iTrader: (0)	Unclogged my drain outlets on my roadster - should I put the plugs back? Just purchased the car recently and using a flashlight, I was able to see a pool of water on both sides. (Motor/top worked fine though). I followed one of the guides I found on this forum and was able to shop-vac all the water and and lots of debris out from both sides. I tested the drains after by carefully pouring water and both sides quickly expelled all the water. I now realize the plug design is a very poor design. (and don't really know why the rubber ends are folded to an X shape). I'm thinking it would flow better if I didn't out the plastic / rubber ends back into the drainage holes. Thoughts? Why are the plugs even there in the first place? Anyone ever consider drilling another hole next to the factory one to help with drainage? Thoughts? We get some pretty bad rain storms at times in NY and I do park my car outside 50% of the time. Assuming the holes aren't clogged, will one single hole on each side be enough to drain an all night downpour? Thanks. this forum has helped me a lot so far!
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12-19-2011, 10:23 AM	#2
Stromtech Private 0 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0i 6-speed Sport Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Victoria BC iTrader: (0)	I suspect the design of the rubber cap is meant to keep road crap and dirt from getting tossed up into the drain tube...after all the drains are located in the wheel well area. In my humble opinion, I would not leave the rubber caps off, instead I will make it an annual maintenance item to clean and inspect the drains.
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