My dad dad's E39 the black rubber seal around the windshield is just flaking off. All the bits missing are starting to cause nasty wind noise. Should he take it to a windshield place to get it fixed or what?

Lauren, I'd say have your dad take it back to the dealer. Something like this should be covered under warranty.

- Jonathan

Our e39 is doing the same thing, its a 97, how old is yours? I havent noticed extra wind noise yet but definetly need to get it fixed.

its a 2000. Dealership won't cover it because its *cough* trim and he's into the CPO warrantee now.

My E34 has the same problem.

+1...
E36 M3

i dont know if this helps or not, when i replaced my windshield i got a new "trim" piece, check www.pelicanparts.com and/or www.realoem.com for the piece

i dont know if this helps or not, when i replaced my windshield i got a new "trim" piece, check www.pelicanparts.com (http://www.pelicanparts.com) and/or www.realoem.com (http://www.realoem.com) for the piece

You did help...THNX I just ordered set from pelican parts,
If anybody else needs it part is called front or rear winshield molding and its seperate for top, bottom and sides
:devillook

You did help...THNX I just ordered set from pelican parts,
If anybody else needs it part is called front or rear winshield molding and its seperate for top, bottom and sides
:devillook
oh, cool, your welcome.. www.autohausaz.com could have the parts as well as the others

+1...
E36 M3

05-06-2004, 04:03 PM

nice rebirth

05-06-2004, 04:03 PM

nice rebirth
haha, wow, oh well, you got the answer, even though its over 2 years old

haha, wow, oh well, you got the answer, even though its over 2 years old
he still has the same seal on too :buttrock

he still has the same seal on too :buttrock
:lol , well i hope he atleast save enough money over the time..:D

:lol , well i hope he atleast save enough money over the time..:D
he's probably spent it 100 times by now. He still complains about it from time to time, but he's a big boy. If he wants to get it fixed he will.

Same thing is happening with my E36 but at least it's a 1994 car.

Anyways, I showed it to the guys who replaced my windshield and they told me it's the sun that does it (means that you can only park in closed places and only drive the car during the night :stickoutt).

i just posted in another post about this but...

In my last e39, i had the same problem. I took it to a few places and its not as simple as just replacing the weather stripping around the windshield. First, you must remove the windshield. That is almost impossible without breaking the glass. That means you will be buying a new windshield to go along with your new weather stripping. I really dont understand why you would have to remove the windshield if you put the stripping on after you install the new one but thats what everyone was telling me (maybe just to get more money?) The best quote i got was 320 bucks for a guy to come to my work and replace it all with an OEM weather stripping and your choice of windshield. I think OEM bmw windshields have pretty soft glass.

holy thread reactivation!

part is called front or rear winshield molding and its seperate for top, bottom and sides
:devillook


the part is called windshield GLAZING trim, and for e39 consists of one piece (top and side all together)


In my last e39, i had the same problem. I took it to a few places and its not as simple as just replacing the weather stripping around the windshield. First, you must remove the windshield. That is almost impossible without breaking the glass. That means you will be buying a new windshield to go along with your new weather stripping. I really dont understand why you would have to remove the windshield if you put the stripping on after you install the new one but thats what everyone was telling me (maybe just to get more money?) The best quote i got was 320 bucks for a guy to come to my work and replace it all with an OEM weather stripping and your choice of windshield. I think OEM bmw windshields have pretty soft glass.

the glazing is from the dealers only. as far as install, it is a DIY job if you know what you're doing. many members here (including myself) have installed it by ourselves.

agreed, i did mine in 30mins (perfectly I will add!) and there is NO reason or need to remove the windshield. part costs $37.00 from the dealer..

holy thread reactivation!




the part is called windshield GLAZING trim, and for e39 consists of one piece (top and side all together)




the glazing is from the dealers only. as far as install, it is a DIY job if you know what you're doing. many members here (including myself) have installed it by ourselves.

What's involved in removing and replacing the windshield seal? Is there a DIY somewhere or is it just a "remove carefully with screwdriver, etc." I just need some advice how to remove and install. I assume you'll need some kind of adhesive like "Wurth Black Weatherstrip Adhesive" when reinstalling with a new seal?

thanks in advance.

no need for adhesives, maybe just some spray on lube. no screwdrivers needed either, just some common sense

hehe- I guess I should have read this before sending PM.

Someone whos done it sucessfully post the details on the job, mine is got more cracks than george carlin.

Someone whos done it sucessfully post the details on the job, mine is got more cracks than george carlin.

I'd like DIY info and part numbers also.

thanks.

Me too. I'm clueless about how this is supposed to be done. To me it looks like the rubber piece sits between the metal and glass and the glass should have to come out to replace it but I'm really new at this. DIY tips muchly appreciated.

So does anyone have a write up for a DIY rubber trim removal and installation without removing the windshield? I went to a glass company and they told me they need to remove the windshield and it will break upon removal.

It's an easy job. All you need to do is to start pulling the sides and they will come out. The top section has metal reinforcement in the rubber, so you will need to get a good grip with some pliers and pull slowly. Clean out the areas good and use silicone spray generously on the new trim and slide it in. All in all, it'll take you 15 minutes or so.

I saw a similar thread on M5board - they said you have to remove the windshield too. But it is possible to replace that cracking without removing the windshield? I have some wind noise - it's annoying and I might as well try it myself for $37 first. What all is involved in the procedure of removing and replacing the weatherstripping? I'm sure I'm not the only one who could benefit from a DIY project like this.

First of all, the molding gets put onto the windwhield (on E39 AND E34) BEFORE the windshield is installed. And on E39 it actually grabs onto backside of the glass about 2mm, that's why it's so difficult to remove, especially if your windshield has been replaced already. (Double especially if the installer was a hack and got ANY windshield glue on the backside of the molding). On E34's, there are clips that grab onto the windshield and the molding snaps into place - provided you don't break any of those clips in the process of removing the old molding.

I just did my wife's 528. It took about an hour to clean channel and install. I lubed the new trim piece and the windshield channel with CarbaFlo. It was easy and it looks awesome.

agreed, you really cannot make a mistake. just spend the $37 and 1 hour in the morning. this is a nice easy job that really makes the car look 'restored'.

slim flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers got all the old seal out, as it is really a metal frame encased in rubber. once you get a grip, it just pulls out. clean all the dirt from the channels and spray windex on the new seal so it presses in easily. once in, just work it in the corners to ensure it is seated. that is it.

agreed, you really cannot make a mistake. just spend the $37 and 1 hour in the morning. this is a nice easy job that really makes the car look 'restored'.

slim flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers got all the old seal out, as it is really a metal frame encased in rubber. once you get a grip, it just pulls out. clean all the dirt from the channels and spray windex on the new seal so it presses in easily. once in, just work it in the corners to ensure it is seated. that is it.

Can someone do a DIY? Pictures, part numbers, tools, etc.. I'm sure everyone would greatly appreciate it.

that is a DIY.. just because it doesnt have 153485 steps doesn't mean it isn't a DIY. Remove the old strip, put in the new strip. There isn't anything else to it. If you try it and you're having difficulty, then come back. But once you try it you'll get it! Just give it a shot, you won't be disappointed!

I'm not sure what part I need exactly for 2000 540i. is it just the molding part #1 or do I need anything else. what is the rubber buffer #2. There are also two seperate part numbers for part #1. Which to get?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DN53&mospid=47588&btnr=51_2249&hg=51&fg=05

I'm probably going to order from BMA.

How funny (ironic) is this? I just washed my car this morning and noticed all this rubber on the windshield; I was like what the heck is this??? Then I glance up and notice the trim around my windshield has completely disintegrated, seems like overnight. I come into check BF.C and this post was on the front page after originally starting in 2004.
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Each day I am questioning my E39 540 purchase, window trim, radiator problems, water in back floorboards, power windows going , pixel issues (I have had them all….) This car is really getting tiring. Might be time for a Lexus.

How funny (ironic) is this? I just washed my car this morning and noticed all this rubber on the windshield; I was like what the heck is this??? Then I glance up and notice the trim around my windshield has completely disintegrated, seems like overnight. I come into check BF.C and this post was on the front page after originally starting in 2004.
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Each day I am questioning my E39 540 purchase, window trim, radiator problems, water in back floorboards, power windows going , pixel issues (I have had them all….) This car is really getting tiring. Might be time for a Lexus.

I'll totally trade you my 1997 528i 5spd for your 2002 540i 6spd if you want.

My top windshield trim is cracked and what not, but it doesn't seem to be causing any issues other than looking crappy.

My top windshield trim is cracked and what not, but it doesn't seem to be causing any issues other than looking crappy.

I stopped by a windshield repair shop today and they said the trim is purely for looks, it can keep cracking and not cause a leak. They where pretty adamant about needing to remove the windshield to replace the molding.

I stopped by a windshield repair shop today and they said the trim for purely for looks, it can keep cracking and not cause a leak.

That's pretty much what the guy who works on my cars said as well.

That's pretty much what the guy who works on my cars said as well.

well, they are both wrong!

i went to the dealer to get the seal and asked the same question. they said absolutely no reason to remove the windshield. then after doing this myself, i found out first hand that this is a 30 minute job with zero issues!

stop by my house, give me $400 and i will do this job for you in 30 mins!!!! :D

go to the dealer, buy the part for $37, and JUST DO IT! changing the oil is more difficult.

changing the oil is more difficult.


Right, right.... where's my oil pan located again?

i went to the dealer to get the seal and asked the same question. they said absolutely no reason to remove the windshield. then after doing this myself, i found out first hand that this is a 30 minute job with zero issues!



I wonder if it is a model year issue? Trust me I would love to be into this project for $37.00 and some time. I will hit the dearler parts dept. this weekend and ask the question to them.

Thanks.

well, they are both wrong!

i went to the dealer to get the seal and asked the same question. they said absolutely no reason to remove the windshield. then after doing this myself, i found out first hand that this is a 30 minute job with zero issues!

stop by my house, give me $400 and i will do this job for you in 30 mins!!!! :D

go to the dealer, buy the part for $37, and JUST DO IT! changing the oil is more difficult.

I was referring to the part about it being cosmetic and not functional, not the part about it being hard to remove and replace.

I was referring to the part about it being cosmetic and not functional, not the part about it being hard to remove and replace.

it is both, when mine was severly rotted and cracked, it did leak in the corner upon a harsh rain storm and water was coming in the car.

I'd like to know too. I have the part in hand, just would like a DIY write up or something because I don't want to break the windshield or anything...

2004, then 2006, now 2007. This must be the Frankenstein thread.

Click here (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147492) for a DIY courtesy of the 'fest.

Back again from the thread grave.

it is both, when mine was severly rotted and cracked, it did leak in the corner upon a harsh rain storm and water was coming in the car.

Bah. Mine is a 97 and the thing has got chunks missing and it doesn't leak. I defy the elements with my cracked windshield seal!

That Bimmerfest link has the most info you'll ever need on this problem. It really seems that the outer moulding does nothing to seal the windshield, so if you have leaking then you most likely need the windshield replaced/resealed as replacing the "cover" as they call it will not help all that much. Lots of people over there have replaced this themselves with no issues.

I did this relatively easy job with the help of member Ottakringer; he wrote; Well go ahead and pickup the part from the dealership. They'll tell you over and over that it can't be done and that you'll have to remove the windshield but you don't because what actually makes the windshield waterproof is the glue between the glass and where it mounts. This piece is basically for decoration.

Someone made a write up for doing it yourself which you can find here:
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/207762/

Also a trick that he might not have mentioned in that thing, when you go to put the new rubber piece in, spray it up with WD40 or something like that. It makes it slide into place a lot easier. Good Luck. PM with any more questions you might have.

OK, thanks to the board I finished this DIY job and it looks OK. I got the gasket from Pelican Parts. Now I would like to replace the two triangular pieces at the base of the windshield on either side as they are equally dry--does anyone know if these are available as well?

If anyone needs the part for this, shoot me an email. I bought the part, but when I went through insurance to get a new windshield, the place ended up ordering it also so I now have an extra.

I just noticed that on mine last week. It pissed me off, but oh well, that's the sun for ya.

i just posted in another post about this but...

In my last e39, i had the same problem. I took it to a few places and its not as simple as just replacing the weather stripping around the windshield. First, you must remove the windshield. That is almost impossible without breaking the glass. That means you will be buying a new windshield to go along with your new weather stripping. I really dont understand why you would have to remove the windshield if you put the stripping on after you install the new one but thats what everyone was telling me (maybe just to get more money?) The best quote i got was 320 bucks for a guy to come to my work and replace it all with an OEM weather stripping and your choice of windshield. I think OEM bmw windshields have pretty soft glass.

Unless your windshield needed replacing due to road pitting you do not need to replace the windshield to replace the molding. I did so in about 30 mins with the part ordered for about $30 from Tischer BMW. There is a DIY somewhere. Search for it.

I have a question re: whether or not the windshield gasket eliminated unwanted wind noise...did it ?

I've been told by a BMW service tech that most of the wind noise comes through the sunroof seal, and that the leakage from the sunroof redirects forward into the top corner of the windshield, giving a false indicator that the glass windshield is the culprit.

I have a question re: whether or not the windshield gasket eliminated unwanted wind noise...did it ?

I've been told by a BMW service tech that most of the wind noise comes through the sunroof seal, and that the leakage from the sunroof redirects forward into the top corner of the windshield, giving a false indicator that the glass windshield is the culprit.

Never noticed wind noise from the windshield but definitely noise from the sunroof. When I close the sunroof liner, I can barely hear it.

90% of all wind noise complaints are caused by missing jack pads. People say they have noise at the top corner of the windshield, but it is caused by the jack pad missing under the car. The air travels right up through the A pillar. Any time you hear wind noise, check all the jack pads, and replace any that are missing.

90% of all wind noise complaints are caused by missing jack pads. People say they have noise at the top corner of the windshield, but it is caused by the jack pad missing under the car. The air travels right up through the A pillar. Any time you hear wind noise, check all the jack pads, and replace any that are missing.


I've gotta laugh when I actually fix these things with these suggestions.
Who would think jack pads cause, wind noise in the windshield or when you have an ignition switch problem, flip open the passenger side vanity mirror. IT works though, I can vouch for it! :eyecrazy