Inside of my car got soaked....

[epj3]

So, it was about 100 degrees out when I got to work yesterday, so I decided to let the windows cracked open (about 1") and sunroof popped up.... well, we had a VERY strong storm - 50 to 60 mph wind gusts, 1.25" size hail, and rain that was going sideways. I heard the thunder over the very loud press, so I left to go shut my windows. It was about 6:15, and PITCH BLACK out, lightning striking within 200 feet of the building...so I decided there wasn't a chance in hell I was running out to shut my windows...

So, EVERYTHING got wet - dash, windshield, back window, seats, carpet, etc. The OBC started going schitzo, but works fine now. Seats, dash, etc. are all dry, but I'm concerned about the carpet... I have the windows open right now so that it starts to dry out, but is there anything I should be concerned about? Or should I just let it dry on its own? I probably have nothing to worry about, but I don't want a stinky car.


And, next time... I'll be listening to the NWS on my way to work

 

[DRWWE]

Sorry to hear about that. Very unfortunate.

I'd get some fans blowing on the carpet and under the seats. Make it as dry as possible fast. You don't want mold.

Hope everything works out.

 

[epj3]

Thanks drwwe, I was thinking the same thing.

But now I have a bigger problem.... seems as if 3 small spots of the drivers seat completely dried out?! The seats are all soft plush leather, but on the front 3 'cushions' of the seat on the right side (nearest the shifter), there are three 2"x4" rectangular spots that aren't soft anymore...they feel 'tough' and have the same texture as the vinyl seats (fake leather) that normal e30's, e36's, etc. have.

Any idea's? I'll try to get some pics tomorrow Guess it's more motivation to get some vaders, but I though I'd be able to sell my near-perfect front seats for a good price... now they aren't! I went out and tried cleaning with a microfiber towel + woolite/water, and then used lexol conditioner on it... still there

 

[tool fan]

As for the carpet, go to a car wash and use one of their high powered vacuums, that will suck up ALOT of excess moister then leave your doors open so that any cross wind will act as a blow dryer.

Mcquires makes an awsome leather softener/cleaner that I use on the Mustang. I have a few "spots" like you and a small dabble of leather dye fixed the discoloration.

Good luck and sorry about that stuff, I pride my cars like you and that would make me sad.

 

[andreyiv]

I just remembered, there is one small thing that might come up because of this. The e36 chasis has a junction box underneath the driver's seat (under the carpet). That junction connect the needed wire for your door locks. Mine rusted because of moisture in the carpet and my locks would act up. Its very easy to fix if it does rust, you just have to get to it and connect all the wires in there together.

Hope everything will be fine and the leather goes back to normal.

 

[epj3]

I just remembered, there is one small thing that might come up because of this. The e36 chasis has a junction box underneath the driver's seat (under the carpet). That junction connect the needed wire for your door locks. Mine rusted because of moisture in the carpet and my locks would act up. Its very easy to fix if it does rust, you just have to get to it and connect all the wires in there together.

Hope everything will be fine and the leather goes back to normal.

Yea my carpets didn't get soaked or anything, just damp. I pulled it up and the bottom of the carpets were dry. Stupid global warming and the storms

 

[Kirby]

If the base of the carpet wasn't wet, then I don't think it's too much to worry about. Just leave the windows cracked or open (close them if it's going to rain LOL!) to let the moisture escape instead of becoming a bimmer steam bath.

On the leather, that's what water will do. If it is not discolored, it just needs rejuvenating. Try the Lexol. FWIW, I just bought a Leatherique Cleaning/Conditioning kit to use on the 325 seats. Hope to try it soon, everything I read about Leatherique makes it sound like the magic elixir for leather.