I Hear Water Sloshing

[pemco]

This is the hardest rain we have had here in Los Angeles that I can remember. When I step on the brake I can hear water sloshing around. I checked the doors, nothing. I checked the roof and where the roof stores but I can not see any water. Trunk is dry. Limber holes are clean. Where else should I look?

[BlackSapphireZ]

gas tank? LoL

[xg3]

I have this problem before too.

The problem is in the side skirt... Look under each side of your car and you will see two plastic piece for the jack... Push it or Pull it toward you... you should see water dripping out.

The water somehow gets trapped in that area...

[pemco]

You were 100% correct!! I could not get all the water out by moving the jack points around, so I took it to my local shop. they took the plastic rocker panel off. We could then see where the water was accummulating. We drilled a hole in the jack point pads. Hopefully this mod will allow the water to get out next time. I would like to know how the water gets in though.

[biglet2002]

I've noticed water sloshing, too! Just noticed over the last year following a heavy rain.. Just had a heavy rain last night and we lack a garage, so the car's are exposed to the elements 24/7.. I'm going to bring our z ('03 2.5i) to the dealer and point out this rocker panel mentioned here. Thanks for the heads-up!


Lisa

[biglet2002]

Originally Posted by pemco

You were 100% correct!! I could not get all the water out by moving the jack points around, so I took it to my local shop. they took the plastic rocker panel off. We could then see where the water was accummulating. We drilled a hole in the jack point pads. Hopefully this mod will allow the water to get out next time. I would like to know how the water gets in though.

Any chance you could post a pic of this area for reference? That could solve my mystery sloshing! Thanks!

Lisa

[xg3]

just push or pull the plastic jack point.. it should let water out if that is the problem.

[biglet2002]

Bingo! For me it was the rocker panels! Thanks XG3! I took the car to the dealer, had the tech drive it around the lot with me and did some stop/starts and sharp turns and he heard the water. He drove it inside and removed the jack pad from the right side rocker panel and water gushed out! A little more poured from the left side. I was thrilled! He told me that the top absorbs water as it's raining. The water collects in drainage collection areas at the base then is channeled into the rocker panels then drains out. As this car doesn't have the benefit of a garage or even a carport, it's exposed to the elements, including debris from the trees in our yard. Will be shopping for a carport very shortly, and will also look at all areas where debris collects to prevent future cloggage.. (if that's a word..) I also enjoyed the fact that my car actually "peed"!

[condor]

glad I went online and found this forum/thread. I've got a 2003 Z4 and just a few days ago started hearing the water sloshing beneath drivers side door. I'll check the jacking point plugs and hopefully drain water out there.

[esqu1re]

Originally Posted by biglet2002

He told me that the top absorbs water as it's raining. The water collects in drainage collection areas at the base then is channeled into the rocker panels then drains out.

I assume this is only a problem with the roadsters? I haven't heard water, but am wondering if I will ever have to perform this little "mod."

[condor]

I reached under, just slightly moved the jack points, and the gusher began. Surely there must be a clogged outlet somewhere in the base of the rocker panel. Need to get care on a lift for easier inspection though..... At least I don't hear that damn sloshing sound!

[newnovice]

can this happen in a non-z - e46 sedan as well? anyone?

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by newnovice

can this happen in a non-z - e46 sedan as well? anyone?

I am not familiar with that car but if it is designed in a similar way, then its possible.