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21 years old X3 meets the call for duty
Posted: Tue May 26, 2026 7:29 pm
by GT456!
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?
21 years old X3 meets the call for duty
Posted: Wed May 27, 2026 8:24 am
by X5Sport
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.
21 years old X3 meets the call for duty
Posted: Wed May 27, 2026 9:24 am
by GT456!
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.
21 years old X3 meets the call for duty
Posted: Wed May 27, 2026 2:24 pm
by X5Sport
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