Re: Soggy 2000 323i

["Frank Natoli" <frankn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Regrettably, no, I wouldn't buy a BMW again. In addition to the list of
repeat problems, I have a home dealer who kept insisting none of these
things, including the new door leak problem, is a general fleet problem.
But a BMW dealer near a customer of mine in the DC vicinity acknowledged
fleet wide electrical connector corrosion problems, to the extent that
all dealers have a special kit to clean the damned contacts. Now BMW
Digest contributors suggest a fleet wide door seal problem. Ugh.
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Day Chapin" <chapin@domain.elided>
To: "'Frank Natoli'" <frankn@domain.elided>
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2001 7:52 PM
Subject: RE: Soggy 2000 323i


Would you buy this car again, or any suggestions for someone considering
a
325i type vehicle?

- - Day Chapin
Email: chapin@domain.elided <mailto:chapin@domain.elided>
<mailto:chapin@domain.elided>


- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-bmw@domain.elided [mailto:owner-bmw@domain.elided]On Behalf Of
Frank Natoli
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2001 3:11 PM
To: John Firestone
Cc: BMW Digest
Subject: Re: Soggy 2000 323i


I believe you are correct -- the leakage is from the [front] door seals.
After the events of last weekend, I thoroughly dried the carpets.
Yesterday
[Friday], we had some torrential thunderstorms, and the car sat,
undriven,
on my driveway for the duration. Windows, doors and moonroof were
absolutely
securely sealed. Today, I checked the carpets and found the rear carpets
wet, right rear very wet, front rear door seals with obvious evidence of
leakage. Note, driveway is inclined and rear of car was downhill. Took
vehicle to dealer and showed service the evidence before it evaporated.
So,
it appears, you are correct, BMW has a major door seal problem.

With this 2000 323i, I went through five iterations of airbag warning
lamp.
One dealer acknowledged a general wiring corrosion problem. I've had the
window up/down limit sensors replaced. I've had the electronic throttle
replaced. I love driving the car, but, honestly, this is the worst
reliability I've seen in 30 years of driving.
- ----- Original Message -----
From: John Firestone <john.firestone@domain.elided>
To: Frank Natoli <frankn@domain.elided>
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2001 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: Soggy 2000 323i


Hi Frank,

> I looked at the weather stripping on all four doors and on the body
mating
> with the doors. Everything looked perfect. I did notice, however, at
the
> time of the rain, that there appeared to be condensation and/or water
IN
THE
> DOOR. Lower/raise the window, see water on the window.

*Very* interesting.  Did you notice the water only on or in one door or
were
the others also that way?

I will ask my friend about his passenger side window, as he should now
have
lots of experience with his internal vapor barrier problem.  The problem
and
cause was pretty obvious when his dealer removed the door upholstery. (I
hope that's right. I keep thinking of the German wording which is "door
clothing". :)

Good luck and let me know how things turned out!

With regards from John.
'96 318is

- --
john.firestone@domain.elided


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