E86 Windows - A Weird One!?!

[Sit]

So many of you will have seen I picked up a Ruby Black Z4 Coupe on New Years Day.

I have this really odd urge to change the rear quarter windows and boot glass, the car was specced from factory with sun protection glass. To my eye the likes of the car on a black colour are broken up by the dark glass and I think the classic’ness of the shape is spoilt.

That being the case how much of a job would it be to remove the sun protection glass and replace with clear? Has anyone ever done this - can it even be done?

I assume it can as if something broke the rear screen you would call Autoglass and they would fit a new one?!?

Si

 

[Mr Tidy]

It's unusual for anyone to want to remove a cost option, but obviously it's your car so your choice.

I'd start by finding out if the side glass is still available as I imagine the tailgate glass will be. A bodyshop might be able to do it for you as they often have to remove glass before paint.

 

[Sit]

I sensed this may be the case and slightly frowned upon I have found a YT video of a U.S guy removing his side windows which looks pretty straightforward, as you say worth finding out if still available I guess.

The Autoglass/Mobile Windscreen websites all want to herd you down an ‘Insurance Claim’ route which I obviously don’t want to utlilise.

Keep you posted.

 

[enuff_zed]

Or find another owner who would swap glass

 

[remo]

Hi Si, i've got an E86 with clear glass and wouldn't mind swapping out for sun glass. I'm sure it would be do-able!

 

[Sit]

Morning - ok that’s a good shout and a possible donor already @remo!

So I found a YouTube video on the side glass and actually it looked quite straightforward - not sure on the tailgate though at present?? I do know an Autoglass guy so might have a chat and see if he fancies a weekend job…..

Out of interest Remo where are you located? At least we would both have genuine BMW glass thay way.

Si

 

[remo]

Cheers Si, yeah I also saw that - agree it doesn't look too bad, and could prep removing any trim ahead of time. From the look of it the tailgate glass might be fairly similar to how you would replace a front windscreen... but great if you have an Autoglass contact to check whether he is interested in it.

I'm in Kent, a few mins from Jct 5 of the M25. Where abouts are you Si?

 

[coldel]

Im actually with you on the tinted glass option, I dont like it either as the front windows are completely clear and the rears almost black it just looks odd and ruins the lines of the car in my opinion. So go for it if you dont like it, and dont worry there are others out there that share your view!

 

[Vanne]

you cant swap out the read quater side window glass without the rubber, its one piece, meaning its fused to the window.

 

[Sit]

Cheers Si, yeah I also saw that - agree it doesn't look too bad, and could prep removing any trim ahead of time. From the look of it the tailgate glass might be fairly similar to how you would replace a front windscreen... but great if you have an Autoglass contact to check whether he is interested in it.

I'm in Kent, a few mins from Jct 5 of the M25. Where abouts are you Si?

A ‘little’ way away in Somerset! lol! Let me have a chat with my buddy and see if I can get him interested with his experience and tools…..

Si

 

[Sit]

you cant swap out the read quater side window glass without the rubber, its one piece, meaning its fused to the window.

Surely if swapping the rubber goes with it?

Si

 

[remo]

[/quote]

A ‘little’ way away in Somerset! lol! Let me have a chat with my buddy and see if I can get him interested with his experience and tools…..

Si
[/quote]

Sounds good, yeah we can see if it's feasible - and if so it would be a good excuse to get out for a decent drive in them!

 

[Vanne]

Yeah rubber goes with it. Which could be an issue if your rubbers are s**t, as mine were completely rooted.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I just saw this and thought it might help!

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148978

 

[Sit]

Top man Mr T thank you

Si