I recognized today when I got in my R53 that there was water on just the backing of the back seats. I found that the water was dripping from just above the seats (where the raised part of the headliner is) and that was the only part of the headliner that was wet. I know that the hatch leaking is an issue with these cars but I'm not completely sure that's what mine is. It's only in the headliner area that is raised right above the rear. I know this type of thread has been posted time and time again but I wanted to get some opinions on what this might be

 

Sounds like it could be the antenna, third brake light or the hatch.

I'd start by butyl taping the weather stripping of the rear hatch.

Next step is to pull the headliner back and have someone pressure wash the outside of the car while you're inside it and see where the water is coming from.

Grem....

 

+1 on Gremothra. Check the seal on the antenna base. Also, check the drain tubes at the rear hatch and make sure they aren't clogged.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...g-antenna.html

Seal doesn't come separate so you'll need a new base. Can try to find a used one, if the antenna is the culprit. What year R53 do you have?

 

Interesting I'll check those out. I have an 05

 

If it is the base seal let me know, as there are 2 antenna bases that your vehicle could have. I can confirm for you which one it is if you give me the last 7 of your vin, but if you have nav it'll be this one HERE and the one without nav/phone prep/blue tooth is HERE. Let us know what you find!