Windshield/Windscreen Moulding/Rubber Seal Replacement

A

AAJS

Member
 Cheshire
Hi All,

The seal around the windscreen on my Z4 E86 has completely perished and it literally crumbled off as soo as I touched it. I initially contacted windscreen replacement companies in and around Cheshire and Manchester and most said that the windscreen has to be removed in order to replace the seal - which to be honest didn't make perfect sense to me as I managed to get the old one out without too much hassle and had thought that the new one will go in the same way. There was no real sealant in evidence so it must a a push friction fit from what I can tell.

One company even said that the windscreen may crack when they remove it so I will then have to buy a new one from them! I have now tried to fit the seal in and whilst I can get the side (A pillar) sections in the section across the top is being very difficult to push in with just fingers. So I guess my plea for help is does anyone know how best I can get the seal in or if you know of a company/person who can do this in and around Cheshire/Manchester area, then please let me know and I am quite prepared to pay for this as I don't want to 1) crack the screen with my tools or amateur approach and 2) waste a lot of time attempting to install it and failing.



Thank you in advance.
 
Stupid question, but have you tried to lubricate the seal as you fit it? Some silicone spray works very well. I did this recently on my wife's e92, and it was very hard without the spray, and very easy with...
 
I tried to do this but to be sure of the correct fit I ended up getting the screen removed and refitted. They also stated there is always a risk of cracking a screen, assume its a standard clause incase it does.
 
Do you mean this?

Untitled.jpg

Not too familiar with the coupe but is it not the same part for the coupe and convertible? Part number is 51317017021 and the '07/'08 E86 3.0si is listed https://www.sytnerstevenagebmwparts.co.uk/p/Bmw__Z4/Cover--windshield/132110134/51317017021.html

I replaced this trim on my '05 convertible a week or so ago. Took about 20 minutes. The old one came away in pieces and the area required a bit of a clean. Then starting at the top corners work towards the middle. Then down each side using a trim tool to seat it properly.

If it is a different set up with the coupe then ignore me 😂
 
rich1068 said:
Do you mean this?

View attachment 300212

Not too familiar with the coupe but is it not the same part for the coupe and convertible? Part number is 51317017021 and the '07/'08 E86 3.0si is listed https://www.sytnerstevenagebmwparts.co.uk/p/Bmw__Z4/Cover--windshield/132110134/51317017021.html

I replaced this trim on my '05 convertible a week or so ago. Took about 20 minutes. The old one came away in pieces and the area required a bit of a clean. Then starting at the top corners work towards the middle. Then down each side using a trim tool to seat it properly.

If it is a different set up with the coupe then ignore me 😂
Click to expand...
You are quite right.. it is the same part and I got mine from local BMW dealership. However, the problem seems to be when trying to insert it at the corner first, the channel in the coupe seems too narrow to accept the seal if pushing by hand.. I've seen some videos on YT and for 3 series and the E85 like yours it looks very easy to do, but when I tried to mine on an E86 I certainly didn't find it easy and now I have no seal whatsoever :( on the car windscreen. I've searched on YT for a coupe tutorial but nothing is available as a reference.
 
TriggerFish said:
Stupid question, but have you tried to lubricate the seal as you fit it? Some silicone spray works very well. I did this recently on my wife's e92, and it was very hard without the spray, and very easy with...
Click to expand...
I tied by smearing a little silicone grease on to the back of the seal, but no help.. not sure if I applied too little or whether it was my technique that rendered it useless..
 
I did some searching from memory and all posts I found here and on the US forums, said E85 you can fit screen in place but E86 is screen out. And after my experience thats right!
 
Mine too. The coupe windscreen had to come out and then the seal was wrapped over the screen and the whole lot was then glued in position. The problem usually stems from over use of sealant. My second screen had been bonded in poorly so it took ages to remove the old rubber. I suspect that the new screen on it is similarly over glued.
 
My coupe has had a replacement windscreen, and the seal can be easily removed since it was replaced without removing the windscreen, so I don't see why it should be needed to fit a new seal, if the old one is out already (assuming there is space between the body and glass)
 
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