Windshield rubber surround

[Dr. Zed]

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone can give me some advice on how to replace the rubber seal around the windshield.
I did a search on the forum but nothing came back. Oddly.
Mine has started to fade and crack from the sun etc.

Is this something that can be done myself, and if so how much would it roughly cost.

Thanks!

 

[poss]

It depends where you live, and may involve expensive sacramental oils - but try googling BMW Z4 E85 windshield rubber trim replacement first - there's an American dude showing how to do it.

I am in the process - be careful pulling the old trim out - start from the top corners as it is easiest - pull slowly directly up on the side pieces 'cos if it breaks you will not find it easy to get the rest out

 

[Wrighty]

I bought a genuine one from BMW recently for less than £30. Autoglass chap fitted it whilst fitting a new windscreen. I'm pretty sure they're quite easy to install

 

[poss]

I'm pretty sure they're quite easy to install

Removal can be the problematic bit

 

[bigwinn]

Done recently on Ian’s car

Was simple enough

 

[Dr. Zed]

Thanks for the input all. Seems it might be worth doing it myself then.
@poss what do you mean by sacramental oils..?

 

[NS66]

replaced mine last year - easy to do.
heard reports that windcreen ahd to come out - local bodyshop woulndt do it - took 20 mins.
plenty of vids on you tube.

 

[1536Z4]

Is this something that can be done myself

E85 yes shouldn't be a problem but E86 is a different story as the windscreens have to be removed to get the seal in properly . Mine is being done this week hopefully .

 

[Dr. Zed]

[ref]1536Z4[/ref],
Thankfully. I have an E85 then!

 

[enuff_zed]

Is this something that can be done myself

E85 yes shouldn't be a problem but E86 is a different story as the windscreens have to be removed to get the seal in properly . Mine is being done this week hopefully .

Why?
Is there much more to it than a tin top roadster then?
Not being facetious, just assumed it would be the same?

 

[1536Z4]

Why?

I thought they would be the same also so was really pleased when I saw the seal being replaced on the E85 on you tube but it is definitely not the case . Tried to find someone changing a seal on a E86 on you tube but didn`t find anything just E85`s .

 

[Tommo61]

Lots on https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=z4+windshield+trim and only £30-40 for the part.

 

[1536Z4]

Lots on https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... hield+trim

I think that proves the point they are all being done on E85 even though one of them says E85/E86 it is shown being done on a E85 . Great for Dr Zed

 

[DashingDaryl]

It seems as if several people have easily and successfully removed and replaced their windshield gasket. I am not one of them. Unfortunately my windshield cracked when I was prying out my old gasket. It was definitely operator error.

On the plus side, when I pay the $250 to get it replaced, they technician will probably say "Hey, what a nice new windshield gasket you have"

 

[Dr. Zed]

Thanks for the help all.
I always thought this was going to be a pain but seems I might be able to do it myself.

Although I do have some cracks etc in my windshield so might buy the seal and claim the windshield through insurance. Then give the seal to the guy that comes out to replace it as someone done here.

Few options anyways. Thanks!

 

[Umfaan]

Who ever fits the windscreen will provide a new seal ...Autoglass did on mine .

 

[Dr. Zed]

Who ever fits the windscreen will provide a new seal ...Autoglass did on mine .

You'd hope they would but I never trust these things.. :?

 

[grannyknot]

Is this something that can be done myself

E85 yes shouldn't be a problem but E86 is a different story as the windscreens have to be removed to get the seal in properly . Mine is being done this week hopefully .

Why?
Is there much more to it than a tin top roadster then?
Not being facetious, just assumed it would be the same?

I think I have read every thread on both the Z4 forums and you are right, most roadsters owners don't seem to have much of a problem installing a new windshield surround, but coupes are more problematic most of the time.
I'm just about to install a new surround on my coupe so I've been looking into it.
One of the problems I think is BMW has a thin bead of sealant inside the channel that wraps around the glass, when the old surround is pulled off it is very difficult to clean the old sealant off the under side of the glass and the new sealant gets stuck on it making it difficult to push into place.

Also, the surround trim that was installed at the factory had a 1/4" double sided foam tape under the trailing edge that sticks to the roof, the new surrounds being sold don't have that foam tape anymore.
That is not going to make it harder to install but it may affect the final look.

 

[grannyknot]

Guys with Coupes, just do yourself a favour and have the windshield removed to fit the new rubber surround or at least, know when to stop before you crack the glass.
Just ordered a new windshield and rubber surround and by the time I get it in my hands it will be a $1,000.00 plus some installation costs. Luckily I found a new piece of BMW glass in Vancouver BC so that is on order now.
But I know why it cracked, the part of the surround that inserts between the glass and the roof at its smallest width is 4mm, on the right side of the car there is a 5.8mm gap, on the left there is a 2.8mm gap.

These must have been fitted at the same time the glass was installed.

 

[1536Z4]

Guys with Coupes, just do yourself a favour and have the windshield removed to fit the new rubber surround

Yes definitely the best/proper way on a coupe . I have mentioned this in previous posts and on page 1 of this post but understand why people still try to DIY especially when most of the videos and write ups are for E85`s which are a different beast .