Has anyone drilled a drain hole in the bottom of the hatch to drain any water that might get in there? My 2004 R53 is collecting lots of water, but I am going to put on a new gasket behind the license plate lights. Probably will have to replace the micro switch too. Does water get in around the third light too?

 

Read on this it could help you,https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...elf-fixed.html

I did change the seal on the boot handle and cleaned the connectors and the problem has been fixed, the seal is about 10.00 to 20.00 I put electrical grease on the connectors after cleaning no need to drill any holes IMO

 

3rd brake light..if it leaks...leaks into the body...it is ABOVE the hatch...
the hatch/trunk SHOULD have weep holes at the bottom of the panel...2 actually (just looked at my 2005)...one at the weld seal/bottom, about half way between the latch area and the end.

 

The R53 came from the factory with drain holes in the hatch.

 

When my handle started to leak....i re-installed it...with both the old seal, and some gasket-maker...stuff looks kinda like rtv.
No issues with it...heck..i used some cleaner on the switch....dried..re-installed.
IF the rubber membrane on the switch is torn...just replace the entire handle IMO.