[rfinprc]

Couldn't find anything specific in a forum search for this one. It's raining hard here, and my MCS w/ sunroof has a small leak (at about 1800 miles). The water is dripping from the plastic cover over what I assume are mounting screws for the driver's side visor -- just right to drip onto the steering wheel. The sunroof seal looks okay. I noticed that there are small drain holes at the front of the gutter, right over the A pillar.

Any hints, anyone?

[here2help]

This could be a fault some of us are aware of....The sunroof drains at the front are not connected...just an idea?
Ive had it before and i know others also have experianced this fault,Try and open the roof and pour some water slowly(not much)down the front sunroof drains and see if it enters the cabin.

[sjbartnik]

My money would also have to be on a problem with the drain tubes. The sunroof seal is not watertight and it's not meant to be. Some water will invariably get past and that's what the drain tubes are for. If the drain tubes are not clear the water can back up and enter the cabin.

[rfinprc]

Where are the drain tubes? Are they visible with the sunroof open? I'll poke around, but would appreciate any info.

You've reminded me that I had the same problem with my Saab 900 -- the clogged drain tubes led to a leaky sunroof.

[sjbartnik]

The drain tubes should be visible with the sunroof open. I haven't looked specifically for them on the MINI, but generally you will find one at each corner of the sunroof opening.

[here2help]

sjbartnik is correct,there in both front corners clearly visible when the roof is in its open position(not tilt)

[rfinprc]

The opening for the drain tube is visible, but there's no way to see if the tube is connected (without -- I assume -- removing the head liner). I'll do a simple "pour" test and report back.

[sjbartnik]

Yeah you won't be able to see the actual tube, it usually runs down through the body somewhere (probably through the a-pillar) and should dump out under the car on the ground.

Pour test is the way to go.

[lmwjerry]

Friends,
I had far bigger trouble! I went out one evening to see all my dash lights and GPS screen lit up like I had turned the key to the on position, but the key wasn't anywhere near the car. Plus, the car refused to start after I inserted the key! The only way I could get the lights to go off was to disconnect the battery. After trying to systematically figure out what the problem was, I gave up and called the dealer. After describing the problem, the tech asked me if I owned a sunroof car, I responded yes! Next he asked me if my left had footwell was dry? When I pulled the plastic side side covering off (run parallel to the rocker panel) and pulled back the carpets, WOW, was I surprised! I found 1/2" of water laying under the padding and carpet. The tech pointed out that the 42 pin connector under the padding gets corroded and causes unusual problem like I was expirencing.
Here's my problems:
!) I need to find the leak (probably from the sunroof drains)
2) I need to throughly dry out the padding and carpet (Some mold already)
3) I need to find a way to completely clean the corroded connectors (42 pin and others including the grounds)
4) How do I prevent rust in the footwells since they've been soaking in water?

I'm not the only one out there, with this problem, has Mini helped anyone with this type of problem.
Your Friend in Minis,
Jerry

[john12345]

Hey,i have 2003 mini,,water leaks down rear view mirror post and get headliner wet
in that area,holes are clear,,,I poured water in rim and it drain out to ground fast.i stuck a wire in there ,did i disconnect a tube of some sort,,,help.

[Fishtail]

Quote: Originally Posted by john12345 (original)

Hey,i have 2003 mini,,water leaks down rear view mirror post and get headliner wet
in that area,holes are clear,,,I poured water in rim and it drain out to ground fast.i stuck a wire in there ,did i disconnect a tube of some sort,,,help.

I too have the exact same thing at the moment. Any help? Is it the sunroof seal or indeed blocked tubes?