21 years old X3 meets the call for duty

GT456! · 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?

X5Sport · 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.

GT456! · 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.

X5Sport · 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

GT456! · Post by **GT456!** » Wed May 27, 2026 10:25 pm

E83 is accurate.
M54 B 30
Year 2005
Tell me...what subject/area did you find this so that I can read and investigate.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu May 28, 2026 8:48 am

You can buy copies of the BMW TIS on auction sites. They can be a bit behind the current version.

GT456! · Post by **GT456!** » Thu May 28, 2026 9:08 am

Looks like I'll simply jack the car and go hunting... some wheres between the engine and the trans.
I'll check YouTube as wall.
There should be two drain tubes I'm understanding

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu May 28, 2026 2:27 pm

Diagrams for the 30i are the same as above.

I can’t find any other reference to the grommet or drains (which is frustrating!).

GT456! · Post by **GT456!** » Thu May 28, 2026 2:46 pm

X5Sport wrote: Thu May 28, 2026 2:27 pm Diagrams for the 30i are the same as above.

I can’t find any other reference to the grommet or drains (which is frustrating!).

No majors, I'll go out to investigate now.
From what I have read the end flap may be crusted over and closed or there may be a bend in the tube.
Once lifted I should have a better grasp of the situation.
I'll keep you all posted thanks for your help!

GT456! · Post by **GT456!** » Thu May 28, 2026 5:02 pm

I'm at a complete loss so far I see nothing that resembles a drain tube. I see no water trails. And in the past after a drive, I consistently see a dribble of water or puddle under the car. Everything tidy and unmolested...dry!

GT456! · Post by **GT456!** » Thu May 28, 2026 6:54 pm

Well this search comes to a sour end.
There is no drain tubes ,pipes or lines!
There is simply a rubber drain...short and molded to one direction... flattens it out.
This limits or retards the amount of water to pass through effectively especially in the case of a great amount of condensation when produced! Like on long drives!
Short drives fine! The water doesn't have time to accumulate.
But on long drives the water has time to accumulate and therefore over flow on the feet/legs of your passenger!
One can't normally or reasonably reach the rubber "drain". A very non noticable and obscure item...
Called an Evaporator outlet

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