Water leak in boot

[Disco_jo]

Hi guys,

Here for some help. Searched around but nothing has seemed to work so far.

I have a 2011 Audi a3 2.0 sportback s-line with the panoramic sunroof (if this is the possible issue).

The other day I went into the boot and could smell damp, lifted the carpet to the spare location and beholds, I have a nice pool in the boot. I have searched on the forums on possible locations and have not had any luck.

So far I have removed, checked the tail light seals, fuel cap location, rear washer, boot seal, removed rear bumper and checked the one way flaps that let air out when closing doors. <- BTW these flaps had a huge puddle behind each one, yet they seem fine, very tight fit and funtion the way they should and show no sign of water leaking through there.

Back seats, carpet, ceiling, pillars are all bone dry.

Is it possible a sunroof drain could be at fault? Anybody else have this issue before?

Thank you in advance for your feedback

[Crasher]

The words “panoramic sunroof” and “water ingress” have been known to make a grown mechanic cry.

[Disco_jo]

yep, I bet.... Been searching with no luck. Im close to ripping the headliner out at this point

[herby0001]

I had a wet boot and found it to be a degraded seal around the top brake light, only spotted after I removed all plastic trim and sat in the boot whilst a hose was run over the back of the car.

[Disco_jo]

Thank you for your feedback, i'll have another check. Will probably strip the rear out and run water over it like you did

[Disco_jo]

Hello all, finally found the culprit....
The old owner thought it would be a great idea to run a reverse camera video cable behind the boot seal. He has bent the seal all over the place and ripped it in one spot. I didnt see any of this before as from the back of the car it all seemed ok. When tugging the boot seal, thats when s**t hit the fan.

I am going to order a new seal. Could somebody be able to confirm that this is the part number needed for my vehicle please? Want to make sure its the right one Part Number: 8P4827705E