Has anyone else experienced this? I took my car to a self-serve car wash bay today and gave it a good wash, but when I opened the doors and the boot after rinsing, there was quite a bit of water on the door sills and on the raised edge of the boot where the latch is - there was even a bit of water in the latch that I got out with some absorbent paper towels.

So, is this normal? It's not enough water that I think any damage was done, but it's kind of alarming that water can get in my car just from the high-pressure hoses at the car wash. Maybe I'll use the lower-pressure setting next time and see how that works. I assume that most people just use a garden hose to wash their cars, but I have to go to a car wash because I live in an apartment complex.

 

Yes, it's normal. You have to wipe down all the door sills and the boot area after you wash, even if you use a garden hose. You will get water in there being out in the rain too.

 

Yep... it's normal... especially after a power wash where water gets blasted at the car at strange angles.

 

I think it's a MINI feature to help remind us that cleaning our cars is more than just washing the outside.

 

Weird! Well, good to know that I'm not alone.

I'll have to put a towel in the boot next time to soak up any water that gets in. And actually, you're kind of right about the good reminder thing. Otherwise, I'm not sure if I'd be wiping down the door sills very often.

Man, my car is so shiny, though! Nothing like a good car wash (that YOU did, and did RIGHT) to make you proud.

 

No!
I don't think he's complaining about water being in the door jamb, on the outside of the rubber seal, that of course is normal.
But water IN the boot? Like on the floor? Well, it is a common service issue, but no it should not happen! If you have an MCS pull up the carpet and see if you have any water in your battery box. I've seen people with several inches or rain water in there...if so go to your dealer and get that rear boot seal replaced.

 

There were only a few drops of water that actually got onto the stuff I had in the boot. Most of it was actually just on the very back edge of the boot - not actually on the carpet or the things I had in there. I will check, though, just to make sure that the battery compartment is still dry.