Rubber/weather trim around windshield.

[1SerieStud]

Folks,

One of the DIY's that I'd like to tackle one of these days is the replacement of the rubber trim around the windshield. The one on my car is not flat/flush against the roof or a-pillars (it's a little lifted), making me wonder if this is indeed the way it's supposed to sit, or if it should be nice and flush. The reason I have doubts is that it doesn't seem too worn out or hardened, like the cowl cover did before I replaced it.

Has anyone done the job and can this rubber trim be replaced with the windshield on the car? Or does it need removal?

Thanks!!

[the dink]

First page in the DIY section has thread on this very thing.

[WAMz4]

And here is the best price I've found for it -http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe..._E095124A.aspx

[1SerieStud]

Thank you folks!

[papitosabe]

Originally Posted by WAMz4

And here is the best price I've found for it -http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe..._E095124A.aspx

getbmwparts has it for $28 IIRC

edit-- it is $28

[1SerieStud]

Originally Posted by papitosabe

getbmwparts has it for $28 IIRC

edit-- it is $28

Nice…thanks!

The one on my car seems fairly new…I almost get the feeling that the prior owner replaced it but didn't install it properly. Any recommendations? Should I try to push it into the groove and see if it goes flush? I'm not sure if he used any silicone adhesive or not…not sure what to expect.

[msh441]

Thanks! Mines in tact... But scored up/gouged on one side. I've thought about replacing, but assumed it would be too expensive.

[StickMon]

There's no adhesive required.
It really doesn't do anything but cover the edge of the windshield for looks.
If it's in good shape and doesn't seem like it's going to crack, I would suggest pulling it off and making sure there's nothing lodged under it.
Clean everything up nicely and put it back on.
It hooks around the edge of the windshield and then the outer edge just pops down into the slot.

[1SerieStud]

Originally Posted by StickMon

There's no adhesive required.
It really doesn't do anything but cover the edge of the windshield for looks.
If it's in good shape and doesn't seem like it's going to crack, I would suggest pulling it off and making sure there's nothing lodged under it.
Clean everything up nicely and put it back on.
It hooks around the edge of the windshield and then the outer edge just pops down into the slot.

Got it! Trying it this weekend! Thanks.

[1SerieStud]

Could someone please snap a quick shot of the rubber trim specially on the of the glass that mates to the roofline? If possible, take a picture from the side or slightly angled from behind the trim (from the back of the car)…I'm interested to see how it's supposed to sit.

Thanks!

[StickMon]

[KLH]

I had mine replaced under warranty by my local dealer. It took them two full days to complete the repair and yes that's with the part already received! They still managed to scuff the passenger side leather door card....go figure. Of course I was told the damage was there when I brought my car in.....yeah, right. DIY is the only way to go....I wish I would've gone the route you're going.

[RecycledTeen]

Originally Posted by StickMon

It really doesn't do anything but cover the edge of the windshield for looks.

I noticed after having mine replaced (it was cracked and deteriorated in some spots) that wind noise was significantly reduced, perhaps due to the way the wind hit it. Dunno.

But also not an easy DIY - careful with that windshield!

[TCZ4]

I've noticed the center area right above the rearview mirror starting flapping and lifting with "spirited" driving." I think this was replaced 2 years ago prior to the car's purchase, but wondering if it was replaced incorrectly.

Given the cost I'm thinking about just replacing it, but if I push down hard and go along the entire roof, it seems to sit back down into the groove. But my area has been 100 degree plus, so maybe its becoming too pliable before I drive "spirited."

What makes this a hard DIY?

[StickMon]

I found that part to be easy. Getting the wiper arms off the replace the cowl was a bit of a faff.
If it's just flapping, but otherwise not falling apart, I would pull that section up and squirt some silicone caulk under it.

[TCZ4]

Would that make it very difficult to remove if it needed to be replaced? What kind of caulk would you recommend? I don't want to have it too permanent and cause more damage long term.

[StickMon]

Just general purpose clear silicone.
The cheaper the brand, the easier it will be to clean up when you replace the part.
It won't really make it hard to get off. If it starts to decompose it'll come off in chunks anyways.
You'll just have to peel the caulk off with your fingernails.
Use it sparingly.