Technical product information
Topic

Water Ingress - Rear Quarter Area and Rear Passenger Footwell | Continental GT

Market area

Bentley: worldwide (2WBE),China 796 VW Import Comp. Ltd (Vico), Beijing (6796)

Brand

Bentley

Transaction No. 2081117/1
Level

EH

Status

Released for publishing

Release date

March 6 2026

New customer code

Object of complaint

Complaint type Position

body fixtures and fittings -> trim, covers, floor cover

joining

body fixtures and fittings -> trim, protective strips, brightware, dirt deflector leaks
body fixtures and fittings -> doors

leaks

Vehicle data
Continental GT
Sales types

Type MY

Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code

3S3* 2018 E

*

*

*

3S3* 2019 E

*

*

*

3S3* 2020 E

*

*

*

3S3* 2021 E

*

*

*

3S3* 2022 E

*

*

*

3S3* 2023 E

*

*

*

3S3* 2024 E

*

*

*

Z23* 2025 E

*

*

*

Z23* 2026 E

*

*

*

Documents
Document name
master.xml

Technical product information

Transaction No.: 2081117

/1

Water Ingress - Rear Quarter Area and Rear Passenger Footwell | Continental
GT

Customer statement / workshop findings
Customer Statement
Customers may report water ingress into the rear quarter inner trim area, with dampness present in the rear
side cavity, luggage compartment side panel, rear seat area, or rear footwell. Additional symptoms may
include window condensation and a noticeable damp odour.
Workshop Findings
Customer findings verified in the workshop, also identifying the following upon further investigation: Visible
moisture or drip marks inside the rear quarter inner structure, particularly around, the rear water shedder
interface, bonded seams structural adhesive regions.
Further investigation of the rear quarter inner structure may identify the following:
•

Evidence that the rear water shedder or butyl interface is insufficient or not sealing against the
adjacent structure correctly.

•

Excess structural adhesive interfering with correct shedder fitment and foam seating.

•

No other external leak source detected (boot lid seal, spoiler drains, scuttle drains etc. ruled out).

DTCs may also be present related to moisture affected components, or sporadic electrical behaviour in
modules fitted near the rear quarter.

Technical background
Water ingress into the rear quarter cavity has been traced to insufficient sealing at the rear water shedder
/deflector, where a retrofit Nitto foam strip must be added to the shedder’s ‘B’ surface to create a continuous
interface with the existing butyl seal.

Ensure the shedder diverts water correctly and prevents tracking into the cabin. Refer to the ‘Measure
section’ for required rework instructions.

Production change
A revised adhesive application process has been introduced into series production. Implemented from
vehicle SCBCP2ZG9TC029040, effective 20/02/2026.

Measure
WARNING
Be aware of pyrotechnic device locations (airbags) within the quarter panel - disconnect 12 V supply as
per ElsaPro workshop instructions. Refer to Air bag fuse - To remove and fit.

CAUTION
Use only approved trim removal tools when accessing the rear quarter to avoid damage to leather,
veneers, or airbags. Wear gloves when handling structural adhesive.

Vehicle Preparation
1. Disconnect the 12v battery.

Refer to ElsaPro ‘Battery - To disconnect and connect’

2. Remove the airbag fuse and install the Dummy Fuse -WT 10033-.

Refer to ElsaPro ‘Air bag fuse - To remove and fit’

3. Remove affected rear interior side trim as per workshop manual.

Refer to ElsaPro repair group 70
•

Rear quarter trim - To remove and fit

Diagnostic Confirmation
4. Conduct a controlled water test from the roof → quarter glass → upper arch area.
Water by a hose 45 mins to the affected area.

5. Identify water tracing patterns coming through the sealing elements of the water shedder and grommets in
the local area shown below.

Figure 1. Location of potential leakage

6. Confirm shedder sealing fault (gaps, misalignment, crushed foam, adhesive interference).
If shedder sealing fault is confirmed, refer to the onwards instructions.

7. Inspect all surrounding components and body structures within the rear quarter cavity. This includes:
•

Sheetmetal surfaces (looking for early corrosion, staining, or water tracks)

•

Bonded seams and flange areas

•

Wiring harnesses, connectors, grounding points, sensors and control modules routed through the cavity

•

Sound insulation material for saturation, degradation, or mould.

•

Local grommets for sign of leakage.

NOTICE
Any detected corrosion must be neutralised and treated per standard workshop procedure, and any water
damaged wiring or components must be repaired or replaced as necessary.

Structural Adhesive Rework (If required)

Only applicable where adhesive bleed is obstructing shedder positioning

8. Remove the water shedder/deflector.

•

Rotate the fixings 90° anti-clockwise and pull outwards to disengage.

•

Use a suitable trim tool to prise the inner door closing panel from the panel.

9. Inspect the water shedder deflector butyl seal for any signs of deformation or structural adhesive
disruption, as illustrated in the visual below.

Figure 2. Water shedder with signs of deformation

10. If any damage is identified, replace the water shedder and refer to Step 11 for the procedure to remove
the structural adhesive.

Figure 3. Sealing grommet with signs of leakage

11. If local grommets shown show signs of leakage, replace the grommets.

12. Carefully remove excess ONLY structural adhesive in local area where there is deformation of the butyl
strip on the shedder as shown as in the visual below.

Figure 4. Excess structural adhesive

Rework Procedure - Nitto Foam Application (If required)
13. Clean the mounting surface on the water shedder / deflector as shown below. (“B surface”).

Figure 5. Required Nitto foam placement location

14. Apply Nitto foam tape exactly in the illustrated position in figure 5.
Foam must:
•

Butt against the butyl seal

•

Not overlap butyl

•

Not cover clip points

Verify even surface contact along the entire length. See Figure 6 for required tape dimensions (mm).

Figure 6. Required Nitto foam tape dimensions (mm)

Refit & Water Test
15. Reinstall the water shedder ensuring correct compression of foam (light contact only).
Installation is the reverse of removal procedure, noting the following.

Ensure the inner closing panel clips into locating holes and sits flush with the panel before securing the
fixings -3- .

Figure 7. Water shedder/deflector fixings

•

Locate the inner closing panel -4- in position and partially press in the fixings -3- .

•

Rotate the fixings 90° clockwise ensuring that the lug -2- aligns with the arrow -1- .

16. Conduct another controlled water ingress test to confirm repair for 45 minutes.

NOTICE
If faults persist after performing the required rework or diagnosis reveals any other water ingress points,
please raise a full technical DISS query and escalate it to second-level review by the Body & Trim TM for
further guidance.

Include the following in the full technical DISS query:
•

VIN, model, MY

•

Customer Statement: “2081117 Support”

•

Symptom description.

17. If the fault is resolved. Refit all interior components.

Refer to ElsaPro repair group 70
•

Rear quarter trim - To remove and fit

18. Remove the Dummy Fuse -WT 10033- and reinstall the airbag fuse.
Refer to ElsaPro ‘Air bag fuse - To remove and fit’

19. Reconnect the 12v battery.

Refer to ElsaPro ‘Battery - To disconnect and connect’

20. Clear all DTCs and confirm no faults return following completion of the repair.

Warranty accounting instructions
NOTICE
DTCs must be documented if moisture caused module effects. Warranty only applicable where symptoms
align with Customer Statement and Workshop Findings in this TPI. Repairs must include before/after
photos, particularly of Nitto foam placement, Adhesive after correction.
Warranty type: 110 or 910
Damage service number: 53 55
Damage code: 00 50
Labour
Battery to disconnect and connect
Labour operation code: 97 85 19 00
Time: 20 TU
Air Bag Fuse removal and installation
Labour operation code: 97 92 19 00
Time: 10 TU
Rear quarter trim removal & installation
Labour operation code: 70 75 19 00
Time: 100 TU
Rear Water shedder/deflector removal & Installation
Labour operation code: 53 55 19 50 (Live on 26.03.2026, use 53 55 19 99 prior to this date)
Time: 10 TU
Water ingress diagnosis / Test
Labour operation code: 53 02 01 50 (Live on 26.03.2026, use 53 02 01 99 prior to this date)
Time: 150 TU
Rear water shedder Nitto foam rework

Labour operation code: 53 55 49 50 (Live on 26.03.2026, use 53 55 49 99 prior to this date)
Time: 20 TU
Adhesive correction (if applicable)
Labour operation code: 53 55 51 98 (Live on 26.03.2026, use 53 55 51 99 prior to this date)
Time: 10 TU
GFF guided functions
Labour operation code 01 50 00 00
Time 10 TU

Parts information

Part Number

Part

Qty

3SD.863.197

Nitto Foam Tape

As required

SEE ETKA

Grommet

As required

SEE ETKA

Water Shedder / Deflector

As required

Always refer to ETKA parts catalogue