Rusty storage compartment

[Dessie]

Hi, I have just discovered the bottom of my drivers side storage compartment in the boot has rusted out completely!!!!!!

I can now see daylight and exhaust!!!!!!!!!!

Has anyone else had this problem?

Car is 54 E53.

Thanks

[X5Sport]

Probably due to a leaking rear light cluster.....but never heard of one in that bad a state. 

[Dessie]

Only noticed it when the exhaust heat shield came loose and I went under the car to see about re attaching it. I then I wondered what the blue thing was and I realised it the rubber gloves that I keep in case of punctures etc.
I little bit of gentle prodding with my finger and lo and behold I had no bottom left.

I have patched it up as best I can but disappointed would be an understatement.  >:( 

[TheHerd]

Have you worked out where it is leaking from? Confirmed water coming in through rear tail light cluster?

I noticed that area of my boot was rather damp the other day too and was wondering where the water is getting in, also suspected light cluster but can't confirm because ironically there hasn't been much rain recently.  )

I'm about to install a subwoofer box in there so better get it sorted.

[Dessie]

Not sure where the water is getting in. I may have to try a hose on the back end. The bits and bobs that I had in there did not seem damp though. I half wondered if mud and crud was getting trapped between the exhaust heat shield and the bottom of the storage bin and rotting it out.

The car did come from Aberdeen where their roads are similar to the Bonneville Salt Flats. 

[Scorpion8]

Hi, I discovered the exact same issue with my X5 a few weeks ago. The corrosion is definately caused by mud trapped between the heat shields and the mounting bolts attached to the well bases and corroding from outside inwards. A huge design error and I'm surprised it's not more well known.
I found out when jump leads etc were hanging out underneath!
All welded now and binned the heat shields so it can't happen again.

[mr angry]

Just checked mine on the nearside and it is the same

[Le Mans]

Just had a look at mine it's an 06 plate Le Mans and mine is the same >:(

[Scorpion8]

There will be many owners with well maintained X5's with bodywork in otherwise good condition who will likely find this issue at some point.
The access isn't too bad with bumper off although I didn't drop the exhausts but would do if I welded the same area again.
The passenger side is more tricky as its got the electronics packed in there and a mounting frame dividing it up so access is only from outside and not an area you want to have glowing metal and sparks.
It's a well hidden mud trap area that can't be seen or cleaned with the bumper and exhausts in position which allows the rust to do its damage well before being discovered. Glad I found it before the mot inspector next winter.