Buying a 2011 G37s sedan, What to lookout for
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Apologies if this is too late, but as a recent buyer of one of these cars. I would recommend that you check all the common water intrusion points for molestation (sun-roof drains, wiring harness grommet near the battery, lower windshield trim). If it looks like parts have been removed multiple times or are messed with and not aligned it could be a red flag. My car didn't have any of these signs and short of asking the owner if he'd leave it in the rain for a week and intermittently drive it a few times then sit it then drive it and then park on a hill and then park it flat and then.... you get the idea. I don't know how I would've known...
Sorry, rant over. This to me is the weirdest problem with these cars...
Sorry, rant over. This to me is the weirdest problem with these cars...
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Joined: Apr 2015
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The water infiltration only happens when the drains get clogged. If you park outdoors, clean the drains once a year when you condition your doors seals and lubricate the hinges and tracks.
Smart move getting the PPI. You're probably in good shape
Smart move getting the PPI. You're probably in good shape
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Research says otherwise. It seems that it is entirely possible to have cabin leaks even if drains are flowing. I was not aware of this until a couple of hours ago. Now I think it might be the reason for the dank smell in the car I'm looking at.
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The musty smell is most likely because the previous owner never shampooed the carpets or changed the air filter.
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Well, yes, if the drains are flowing into the cabin due to broken hardware instead of out through the firewall. Should be easy enough to check. Just pull the carpet back by the firewall and look for signs of moisture.
The musty smell is most likely because the previous owner never shampooed the carpets or changed the air filter.
The musty smell is most likely because the previous owner never shampooed the carpets or changed the air filter.
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If I had possession of the car I'd do that. Was not aware of this issue until after I returned it to the dealer following a PPI. I did check the sunroof drains and they appeared to all be flowing since I saw puddles near all 4 tires. I'm hoping the cause of the smell is what you describe.
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From: PDX
Not remotely true. There's a little gasket on the connector that links the drain tube to the firewall. It degrades and leaks there. Clogs/dirt/etc have nothing to do with it. Do some searching on this site for dashboard leaks and you'll see pics of the worse design in the history of automotive engineering (I may be biased, but it does suck).
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Joined: Jul 2017
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Not remotely true. There's a little gasket on the connector that links the drain tube to the firewall. It degrades and leaks there. Clogs/dirt/etc have nothing to do with it. Do some searching on this site for dashboard leaks and you'll see pics of the worse design in the history of automotive engineering (I may be biased, but it does suck).
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Joined: Jan 2017
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From: PDX
If there is any moisture down along the floor it is worthwhile to pull the carpet and have a look. It's pretty easy to do and there is basically a reservoir in the floor along the door with the way the floorpan is shaped. My passenger side easily had a gallon of water sitting there when I first noticed the leak.
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I think I'm going to pass on this particular car after all. I am pretty certain it leaks. And judging by the smell it must have been leaking for a while. No telling what is under the carpet. Just wish I'd known about this issue before I dropped $120 on a PPI.
