Ordinary Member
The new man who has been flooding the forums has asked another query. I’m sorry, but I’m doing everything I can to make sure my baby is okay.
I wish to get a new back window. The seal in the area has vanished, and everything is a little misty. Although there is absolutely no leak, the adhesive and bead are both missing.
Several queries
1. Can anyone recommend a good place to buy a rear window for a 2000 BMW Z3?
2. Do I need to buy a new top or is it just the zipper that needs fixing?
3. How challenging is replacing the glass? Should I install the glass myself or should I buy it and get a certified BMW tech to do it?
4. To finish this, I need a video. Anyone know of a good online DIY video?
In This Article...
Replacement Rear Window for BMW Z3
Is the rubber trim missing from your BMW Z3 rear window, or is it cracked, scraped, or discolored? Love your Z3, but are you concerned about the time and money it will take to fix it? You don’t require a new top, so don’t worry! For your benefit and that of your Z3, BMW employs rear windows with a zipper slider system, making a do-it-yourself replacement simple. The replacement window is simply zipped in after the old one has been simply unzipped and removed.
Repair for rear window stitching that is coming undone?
The upper right corner of the rear window stitching on my 1999 Z3 is coming undone. Between the canvas and the window, it looks that a wire rod is employed, and it can be seen slipping in and out. I have repeatedly pushed it in.
Anyone with advice on how to fix this? If anyone knows of any excellent repair shops in Suffolk, please let me know because I reside outside of Newmarket.
The other day, we spoke with a BMW Master Tech, who explained that this is due to the roof contracting or expanding due to moisture or dryness.
He mentioned that a roof repairer might be able to stitch in some cloth to make the window hole smaller and reduce stress on the glass, even though the BMW approved repair is to replace the roof.
He suggested a man from Ilkeston (Derbyshire), so you might want to look for someone a little closer to home.
I’ll second that. All you need is an old credit card and silicone sealant. I’d advise using one from the bathroom because it contains chemicals to prevent mold, etc.
I started by removing all of the edging from the surround with a credit card. I then put a thin bead of silicone underneath the material, slid the material back into the surround with the credit card, wiped off any excess (inside the car as well), and left it overnight. Since then, there hasn’t been a problem.
There is a detailed explanation of the procedure as part of updating the zip in window in an article on the internet; I’m not sure if it is in this topic.
Just keep in mind to leave the front roof “unhinged” by a few inches (i.e., just open) to let the hood tension out while you seal. You must leave it in this position overnight so that it can dry.
Happiness is around the corner, not around the corner. Video or Journal Garage: 1997 Porsche Boxster GTS, 2015 FFRR Black Edition, BMW S54 Z3m Roadster, ex 2001 Porsche Carrara C4S
We recently met with a BMW Master Tech, who said that this is due to the roof contracting or expanding owing to moisture or dryness.
Pingu, That’s not correct, in my opinion, because the issue goes away when a new rear window is installed. A replacement window would not fit if the hood decreased. It’s more likely that the rubber “gripper” of the rear window, which holds the fabric of the roof, has worn down over time.
I’ve definitely seen some original OEM roofs that are “slacker” than others, so if anything, roofs may “stretch” a little with time (but only a bit eg my current Z3 has a taughter roof than my first)
Richard Forbes
The bead is a component of the window assembly, therefore replacing the window and bead may still be an option if the top hasn’t “threaded” too much.
Installing a new window isn’t too tough (look up a how-to online), but having a second person there to start the window and zipper is beneficial. When applying the double-sided tape and installing the zipper lock, assistance is absolutely necessary.
How is the Z3 window changed?
You adore your Z3, but you need a replacement rear window and don’t want to break the bank. No issue!
For your benefit and that of your Z3, BMW uses windows with a zipper mechanism, making this a simple DIY project. The replacement window is simply zipped in after the old one has been simply unzipped and removed.
The top itself is not removed, replaced, or otherwise altered throughout the installation process.
How is a busted car window kept up?
One of those materials that can mend anything is duct tape. The same tale is accurate in this instance.
It’s up to you how you utilize the duct tape; go ahead and be a little inventive. Either the top of the window or the bottom, where the window meets the rubber seal, can be sealed with tape.
The fact that duct tape leaves a residue on your window is a significant drawback. Acetal alcohol (nail polish remover) and a brush can be used to remove the tape residue.
How can a cracked back windshield be repaired?
The most practical solutions for a temporary patch for a cracked car window are a plastic bag, a plastic sheet, or transparent packing tape. Plastic is the ideal material for use as a temporary, transparent, weather-resistant car window cover. When it rains, something like cardboard would start to fall apart and obstruct your eyesight, which is dangerous when you’re driving.
What is the price of repairing a convertible back window?
Cost. In terms of parts alone, a new convertible rear window can run you anywhere from $100 to $400, and labor costs can range from $50 to $150, depending on local labor rates. The brand, material, and finish of a replacement item affect its cost.
How is a vinyl window frame repaired?
- First, sanitize the vicinity of the crack.
- Step 2: Don a fresh pair of gloves and delicately apply vinyl adhesive inside and on top of the crack.
- Step 3: Give it 24 hours to dry.
- Step 4: Carefully scrape any extra adhesive off with a razor blade.
With a broken back window, can you still drive?
The legislation of Kentucky has a lot to say regarding driving safety. There are several rules governing both the cars themselves and the numerous laws governing how they are driven.
For instance, Kentucky law declares: “Vehicle equipment must not be a nuisance or a danger. Every vehicle operating on a roadway must be outfitted to cause the least amount of noise, smoke, or other annoyance, safeguard the rights of other motorists, and advance public safety.”
This regulation aims to prevent the car from endangering its occupants or other road users.
You need to have functioning steering, brakes, headlamps, and brake lights, as well as a horn that can be heard 200 feet away, a left outside and center/right inside mirror, in order to be able to drive legally (and safely) on the road.
The following are items that Kentucky law mandates in relation to your windshield:
- Safety glass must be used for your windows and windshield. (Safety glass is more durable and less pointy than the glass used in your home’s windows. This ensures that if there is a collision, you won’t be hit by sharp glass fragments.)
- The wipers on your windshield need to be in good functioning order. (Windshield wipers are undoubtedly crucial to keeping your visibility in poor weather.)
- Visibility through your windows and windshield is necessary. This means that they cannot be constructed from, covered in, or treated with any substance or item that alters the color or transparency of the window, lessens light transmission through the window, or makes the window more reflective. Window tints and sunscreening materials fall under this category. (Some tints and sunscreening materials are exempt under extremely specific conditions, although they must still adhere to certain requirements.)
In other words, you cannot drive if a window is broken, whether it is present or not, or if a waste bag has been taped to the window frame as a temporary fix. If you keep your shattered window in your car for a long time, you can get a ticket. (Not only in Kentucky, but also in Ohio and other neighboring states, this is true.)
Can a convertible top’s glass be replaced separately?
If you’re wondering why we’ve been talking about convertible top windows so much lately, it’s because they’re a perennially hot topic and frequently asked about. In order for you to drive again in your convertible with confidence, we wish to provide you with the knowledge you need to address your questions.
Recently, we discussed whether or not you can reuse your convertible top window when you replace your top. While there were some circumstances in which you could, you could not in the majority of them. Therefore, we will discuss the opposite of that scenario today. What if the material of your convertible top is still in excellent condition and has years remaining in it but your glass requires repair? Could you just swap out the window? This issue may arise from window damage or from the window delaminating (also known as separating) from the convertible topping material around it.
The majority of the time, the answer to the question “Can I replace my convertible top window?” will be “no,” however if your top is two pieces, you may be able to buy a replacement for the window curtain section. A top section (which covers the roof area) and a separate window section are both included on two-piece convertible tops. You can buy the window section just, the top section only, or a new two-piece top on all of the product pages for two-piece tops on TopsOnline.com (both the window and the top portion). Through the late 1990s, two-piece tops were common for American cars. Other manufacturers, like Toyota and SAAB, also offered two-piece tops.
Anyone who has a single-piece convertible top is unable to replace just the glass. There is no practical method to replace the window alone and save the rest of your top if your window bond is failing (separating from your material) or if your window is broken, scratched, or otherwise damaged. It is practically difficult to connect your new window to your old top in a way that will establish a waterproof and long-lasting seal, which is why you cannot replace your window alone. No additional, post-manufacturing procedure has been demonstrated to offer a reliable seal that will meet the demands of a convertible top.
Window bonds are so crucial, even throughout production, that several convertible top manufacturers have used them as a means of standing out from the competitors. All of the manufacturers that TopsOnline has chosen to collaborate with have top-notch window bonding technology that results from years of industry experience and investments made in the process in order to provide a better bond that endures. As a result, TopsOnline is able to offer a window bond warranty on its products, supporting our faith in them.
While you choose a replacement top and wait for its installation, solutions like taping or gluing your window in place should only be considered as very short-term repairs.
So, if you are having window problems, we hope that this news has not come as a huge blow. The good news is that replacement convertible top options can be relatively reasonably priced, and TopsOnline sells numerous brands of tops in a variety of fabrics, giving you lots of options. We would be pleased to assist you in selecting a new top that is ideal for you, so start browsing or contact our Customer Support staff.