Frozen doors

[Muzzer79]

I have a 2017 G31 5 series.

I'm sure this car was tested in the frozen Arctic before they put it on sale but one thing that drives me nuts is the fact that the doors freeze shut when there's a frost.

I took some snaps of the problem - which seems to be the felt 'seal' at the top of the door being soaked with water, which then freezes and seals the door.





Is there a way of stopping this?

The dealer basically shrugged their shoulders and said they'd need the car in when it's cold to replicate the problem. Given it's a 3 week lead time to get in there, it's impossible to predict a date when it's going to be frosty

[MOBB]

gummi pflege is the usual answer to these issues :-)

Though its usually the rubber that needs treating, might still be worth a punt?

[Pica-Pica]

I, too, am sure that the car would have been tested in extreme cold. However, testing can not replicate every condition, some of which do not happen at extremes. As you say, it has got soaking wet, then met with sub zero temperatures. My guess is that it may have been a late addition - added to reduce wind noise. Can it not be removed, and add in warmer weather?

[Muzzer79]

MOBB said:

gummi pflege is the usual answer to these issues :-)

Though its usually the rubber that needs treating, might still be worth a punt?

I have gummi pflege'd the actual rubber seals.

However, this is a felt-like material that's only at the top of the door.

I've tried gummi pflege'ing this felt-like material, but it just soaks it all up without seemingly doing much


Flippin' annoying.

[d_a_n1979]

Muzzer79 said:

I have gummi pflege'd the actual rubber seals.

However, this is a felt-like material that's only at the top of the door.

I've tried gummi pflege'ing this felt-like material, but it just soaks it all up without seemingly doing much


Flippin' annoying.

The Gummi stuff works really well, but that’s usually on rubber.

On my previous 7 series, neat Fairy Liquid worked best. Smear it on, work it in until it’s absorbed and then add a touch more. Doors never froze then, or stuck

[4rephill]

Yes BMW carry out Arctic testing, but the Arctic area tends to be below freezing at all times during these tests, both day and night - Any ice on the car stays as ice.

Here in the UK, the weather fluctuates between freezing at night, and above freezing in the daytime, allowing any water on the car to collect around doors and boot lids, and then freeze at night, where it causes doors and boots to freeze up.

[Rbenny123]

I recently bought a G31 5 series and I’m also experiencing this exact same issue on the rear doors only. They’re soaking wet and freeze against the bodywork making them basically impossible to open.

I looked at gummi Pfledge but it’s a rubber sealant (bit like ShinEtsu grease back in my Honda days). Does the fairy liquid route work? Anyone tried it recently?

Thanks

[Huff]

I've had similar issues on my e39.

Periodically (say 2-3x a year) I just use a silicone spray (Halfords) on the door seals (and mating painted metal surfaces) in place of gummiwhatsit - easy with care via the spray tube, or spray onto a folded kitchen towel and wipe-on (which is what I use for the painted car door reveals where the seals bear. It also de-squeaks the sunroof rear seal nicely...

I'd suggest you give it a try - silicone is not water soluble, so if its in a felt material, it'll resist being washed-out/ not admit water that subsequently freezes.


[But DO keep it off glass you look through = smeary mess that is very, very hard to clear away.]