Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

21 years old X3 meets the call for duty

Discuss anything to do with the (E83) BMW X3 here
(Older F25 discussion within will ideally to be moved to F25 Sub section below)
Post Reply
GT456!
Member
Member
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:19 pm

21 years old X3 meets the call for duty

Post by GT456! » Tue May 26, 2026 7:29 pm

Crossed six states with the 05 X3. (240k on the clock) And back. not a problem, Florida to New Mexico. 3500mile trip.
The M54 met the challenge!
Car's performance was stellar along with components.
Tell me...on long trips water, moisture, condensation drains over into the passenger foot well from below the center of the dash I know the core is located around that area...what gives? What's the explanation?

User avatar
X5Sport
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 19231
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:09 pm
Location: Planet X6......

21 years old X3 meets the call for duty

Post by X5Sport » Wed May 27, 2026 8:24 am

If you had a sun/moon roof I would suggest the drains are blocked, but those come down inside the A-pillars.

It definitely sounds like a drain though as water/condensate from the cooler usually drains into the engine bay at the back.

There’s a rubber grommet on the transmission tunnel mid-way between the vents. It’s likely to be above the bell housing or gearbox so not easy to get to from below. From above it means removing the dash and centre console.

If you can get to it from below then gently poking a bit of plastic into it might clear the obstruction.
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

GT456!
Member
Member
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:19 pm

21 years old X3 meets the call for duty

Post by GT456! » Wed May 27, 2026 9:24 am

Yeah it's not blockage from roof drain holes.
The car is always dripping from below (water) on regular/normal drives especially seeing the car is located in the south and that with the bmw a/c is best to be on constantly.
However, I've been on long drives in the past with this car and it's never drained/spilled over on to the passenger side.
Is the evaporator core over flowing?
Is a tube being misdirected?
That's a tight area you describe possible that I can get a hand, finger up there to investigate.
What is that area called? I'd like to get a view to see how I may maneuver.
I just googled it!
Here's what I googled...
"display a evaporator drain for the BMW e83"
You'll have to see for yourself to see how complete and succinct the response is.

User avatar
X5Sport
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 19231
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:09 pm
Location: Planet X6......

21 years old X3 meets the call for duty

Post by X5Sport » Wed May 27, 2026 2:24 pm

Looking at the two images attached, it looks as if it is simply a rubber grommet that fits into the top of the tunnel and the condensation drains out. There’s no more mention of it so I assume changing it means major surgery!

Which cr do you actually have (E?? And engine) just in case there’s a smal but significant difference. The images are E83 2.0i
IMG_3899.jpeg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

Post Reply