At What Water Level Will a BMW Get Damaged?
2 Answers
BMWs will start having problems if the water level rises above the tires. Introduction to Flood-Damaged Vehicles: After a vehicle has been submerged in water, it is difficult to dry out the water inside the seats and floorboards. When the vehicle is exposed to sunlight, the high temperature can turn the interior into a steamer-like environment, causing large amounts of moisture to corrode electronic components through the floor and other areas. Hazards of Flood-Damaged Vehicles: Areas that have been submerged in water are prone to short circuits and may even lead to severe damage to the car. The various negative effects on the car's components are most directly reflected in the engine and electronic devices. Shortly after being submerged, the vehicle may appear to function without issues, but after two or three months, unexplained faults may start to appear one after another.
The critical water depth for BMW lies in the component positions. As someone who frequently works on and repairs cars, I know that when water reaches the center height of the wheel hub (around 30 cm), the air filter and chassis wiring harness start to suffer, potentially causing electronic system short circuits and headlight failures. If the water rises to the height of the front grille (approximately 45-50 cm), the risk of the engine ingesting water becomes severe—not only can the engine stall instantly, but cylinder damage may occur, making repairs uneconomical. Complete submersion up to the door height ruins the interior, corrodes wiring, and leads to insurance claim rejections, effectively totaling the car. I've encountered many owners who regretted attempting to drive through floods. My advice: stop immediately in flood conditions and never proceed. After flooding, the car must be towed to a dealership for disassembly and seal inspection. While installing a snorkel can offer some protection, don’t rely on it entirely to avoid greater losses.