Cowl windshield weatherstripping cracking

bimmertt · 02-10-2019, 08:52 PM

Hi all, the rubber weatherstripping on the cowl is starting to crack on my e85 z4. I wanted to replace it, but quickly changed my mind when I saw a replacement cowl is over $200. I found this part on Ebay and am wondering if any other z4 owners have used it with success: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-...edirect=mobile

I'm also wondering if this is truly designed for the z4 or if it is just generic weatherstripping that's marked up. I also came across weatherstripping for around $10 on ebay.

StickMon · 02-11-2019, 12:13 AM

That's just to hide the edge where it's all cracked up, not the full cowl.
Another forumite did a similar fix with generic edging, and seemed happy with it.
I've been thinking about doing something similar, or jut cutting off the cracked bit and saying the heck with it.

abelgonzaleZ4 · 02-11-2019, 12:58 AM

I had the cracking happen. I was about to buy a new cowl part, but saved money with just a razor and cutting off the 1/2 in off all long the edge.

It's just a cosmetic piece

bimmertt · 02-11-2019, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abelgonzaleZ4

I had the cracking happen. I was about to buy a new cowl part, but saved money with just a razor and cutting off the 1/2 in off all long the edge.

It's just a cosmetic piece

Did you have to take the cowl off to do this?

abelgonzaleZ4 · 02-11-2019, 10:06 PM

Did not take off the Cowl. Just grabbed a razor blade and sliced off the cracked edge.
I don't know if this is what your cowl looks like, but here's what I did.

bimmertt · 02-12-2019, 02:56 PM

Thanks for the pics. I'm going to give it a try this weekend.

jdoublehcubed · 02-13-2019, 01:15 AM

i replaced mine, it was irritating to spend the money but it makes a big difference when its done.

my wife's mini needs it done to, and that one has gotten a lot worse. having seen both approaches now, i would recommend doing it before it completely disintegrates.

abelgonzaleZ4 · 02-13-2019, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmertt

Thanks for the pics. I'm going to give it a try this weekend.

I'm also going to add this windshield rubber strip to cover the edge. $5 on EBay.

Seems pointless to replace it with a new one, this is cheaper and easier..

It's not like my car is going to run any better if this were replaced.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F273469808477

SD ///M4 · 02-14-2019, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abelgonzaleZ4

I'm also going to add this windshield rubber strip to cover the edge. $5 on EBay.

Seems pointless to replace it with a new one, this is cheaper and easier..

It's not like my car is going to run any better if this were replaced.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F273469808477

Pics after you've installed it please!

Yapakanichi · 02-17-2019, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abelgonzaleZ4

I'm also going to add this windshield rubber strip to cover the edge. $5 on EBay.

Seems pointless to replace it with a new one, this is cheaper and easier..

It's not like my car is going to run any better if this were replaced.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F273469808477

The window replacement guy did that on my car. Been holding up for over a year now.

HankDKrank · 02-17-2019, 11:21 AM

I replaced mine but that fix looks like it may work. Even better that the original possibly. I use 303 on mine now and try to keep car covered but next time I will seriously consider this fix - thanks for posting.

carlsson01 · 02-17-2019, 12:30 PM

That’s what I did to my z4...just be very carefull if the cowl is brittle. A bit difficult to install near the wiper arms. Added a bit of silicone adhesive too just for my peace of mind.

abelgonzaleZ4 · 03-16-2019, 02:05 PM

Windshield rubber trim arrived yesterday and now installed.

Took me about 15-20 min.

Some areas were tough with warping so I used a plastic spatula to lift it and pull and push the trim down for a snug fit.

Cleaned up nicely at the end.

abelgonzaleZ4 · 03-16-2019, 02:06 PM

Installed.

bimmertt · 03-16-2019, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abelgonzaleZ4

Windshield rubber trim arrived yesterday and now installed.

Took me about 15-20 min.

Some areas were tough with warping so I used a plastic spatula to lift it and pull and push the trim down for a snug fit.

Cleaned up nicely at the end.

Looks good! I purchased the same thing and did the install last weekend. I had to cut about half an inch of the existing rubber stripping all the way across to level out the areas that cracked off. I also ended up taking off the cowl to install. I was having a hard time raising the cowl enough to slip the rubber piece on. It looks way better than the cracked mess before.

Hush Paranoia · 03-31-2019, 10:19 PM

I really want to do this now mine is cracked and fugly.

rsutoratosu · 04-02-2019, 08:20 PM

Thanks.. im probably going to do the cheap way.. mine is crack like crazy

SCHMOUPE · 05-06-2019, 10:39 AM

Another happy customer with the 10 dollar fix! Took a sharp blade and shaved off the top 1/2" of the old cowl that was brittle and chipped. New rubber took some time to put it on but with some persistence I got it on. Used some Mother's "back to black" and it looks factory now. Kudos to whoever came up with the fix. This had been bothering me for 2 years but not enough to warrant a 250+ fix to get a new cowl

JAS1169 · 05-18-2019, 07:30 PM

Ebay 8.99 shipped. I did the 2mm one that was offered.

I trimmed the old cowl so everything was even. I started the new trim on passenger side and slowly worked my way over to drivers side.

Tips: Use Lot's of Windex on the new and old cowl as a lubricant. (Try it dry first & you'll see how much the Windex help's when you start applying it)

use the plastic handle end of a screwdriver to push the new rubber into the old cowl on the curve area's of both the passenger & drivers side of windshield

Go to Home Depot and get a small wooden block (free sample) of hardwood or Pergo flooring. Use this block on the straight part of the windshield to push the new rubber into the cowl.

It actually looks good. There is a slight unevenness right in front of the passengers center post of the windshield wiper. However, it appears that everyone is having a issue in that same area.

Expect a little over an hour to do this right.

Black911S · 06-30-2019, 10:32 PM

yes...thanks to whomever came up with this. did this this weekend and after trimming the cowl back with a razor blade the rubber strip went on fairly easily (windex helped). the key is to trim it back all the way across first. so the strip can slide on easier.

thanks

rsutoratosu · 08-12-2020, 02:24 PM

Any other ebay seller ? that original one is not listed anymore..

This one has the adhesive strip in the back

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rain-Water-R...d/283935248985

3GFX · 08-13-2020, 08:15 AM

I've replaced the cowl, and now I try to be aware and keep it protected with plastic product treatment.

This will a part that will become more expensive as they become more rare and harder to find. To those out there who can afford the 200 - 300$ I would suggest to get the part now before it will be twice the price.

02-10-2019, 08:52 PM	#1
bimmertt Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,794 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	Hi all, the rubber weatherstripping on the cowl is starting to crack on my e85 z4. I wanted to replace it, but quickly changed my mind when I saw a replacement cowl is over $200. I found this part on Ebay and am wondering if any other z4 owners have used it with success: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-...edirect=mobile I'm also wondering if this is truly designed for the z4 or if it is just generic weatherstripping that's marked up. I also came across weatherstripping for around $10 on ebay.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-11-2019, 12:13 AM	#2
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	That's just to hide the edge where it's all cracked up, not the full cowl. Another forumite did a similar fix with generic edging, and seemed happy with it. I've been thinking about doing something similar, or jut cutting off the cracked bit and saying the heck with it. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
	Appreciate 1 abelgonzaleZ461.00 Quote

02-11-2019, 12:58 AM	#3
abelgonzaleZ4 Private First Class 61 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4 SilvrConvert 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bakersfield iTrader: (0)	I had the cracking happen. I was about to buy a new cowl part, but saved money with just a razor and cutting off the 1/2 in off all long the edge. It's just a cosmetic piece
	Appreciate 1 StickMon636.00 Quote

02-11-2019, 10:06 PM	#5
abelgonzaleZ4 Private First Class 61 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4 SilvrConvert 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bakersfield iTrader: (0)	Did not take off the Cowl. Just grabbed a razor blade and sliced off the cracked edge. I don't know if this is what your cowl looks like, but here's what I did. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2019, 02:56 PM	#6
bimmertt Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,794 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	Thanks for the pics. I'm going to give it a try this weekend.
	Appreciate 1 abelgonzaleZ461.00 Quote

02-13-2019, 01:15 AM	#7
jdoublehcubed Mechanical Engineer 96 Rep 1,025 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4MR, Imola Red Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (1)	i replaced mine, it was irritating to spend the money but it makes a big difference when its done. my wife's mini needs it done to, and that one has gotten a lot worse. having seen both approaches now, i would recommend doing it before it completely disintegrates.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-17-2019, 11:21 AM	#11
HankDKrank Seasoned Novice 9 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 08 Z4 Roadster Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I replaced mine but that fix looks like it may work. Even better that the original possibly. I use 303 on mine now and try to keep car covered but next time I will seriously consider this fix - thanks for posting. __________________ >>>>>>>>>> .HanK.D.KranK. <<<<<<<<<<
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-17-2019, 12:30 PM	#12
carlsson01 Enlisted Member 6 Rep 30 Posts Drives: E85 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	That’s what I did to my z4...just be very carefull if the cowl is brittle. A bit difficult to install near the wiper arms. Added a bit of silicone adhesive too just for my peace of mind.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2019, 02:05 PM	#13
abelgonzaleZ4 Private First Class 61 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4 SilvrConvert 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bakersfield iTrader: (0)	Windshield rubber trim arrived yesterday and now installed. Took me about 15-20 min. Some areas were tough with warping so I used a plastic spatula to lift it and pull and push the trim down for a snug fit. Cleaned up nicely at the end.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2019, 02:06 PM	#14
abelgonzaleZ4 Private First Class 61 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4 SilvrConvert 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bakersfield iTrader: (0)	Installed. Attached Images
	Appreciate 4 StickMon636.00 Finnegan701.00 SD ///M42992.00 wdb4716.50 Quote

03-31-2019, 10:19 PM	#16
Hush Paranoia New Member 6 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	I really want to do this now mine is cracked and fugly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2019, 08:20 PM	#17
rsutoratosu Captain 114 Rep 779 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Thanks.. im probably going to do the cheap way.. mine is crack like crazy __________________ -Roranji
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-06-2019, 10:39 AM	#18
SCHMOUPE Lieutenant Colonel 127 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 Z4M Coupe [0.00]	Another happy customer with the 10 dollar fix! Took a sharp blade and shaved off the top 1/2" of the old cowl that was brittle and chipped. New rubber took some time to put it on but with some persistence I got it on. Used some Mother's "back to black" and it looks factory now. Kudos to whoever came up with the fix. This had been bothering me for 2 years but not enough to warrant a 250+ fix to get a new cowl __________________ Gruppe M CAI / Euro Headers / Rogue Engineering X-pipe / RE Diablo Exhaust
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-18-2019, 07:30 PM	#19
JAS1169 Private First Class 50 Rep 156 Posts Drives: BMW 2003 Z4 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Mechanicsburg, PA iTrader: (0)	Ebay 8.99 shipped. I did the 2mm one that was offered. I trimmed the old cowl so everything was even. I started the new trim on passenger side and slowly worked my way over to drivers side. Tips: Use Lot's of Windex on the new and old cowl as a lubricant. (Try it dry first & you'll see how much the Windex help's when you start applying it) use the plastic handle end of a screwdriver to push the new rubber into the old cowl on the curve area's of both the passenger & drivers side of windshield Go to Home Depot and get a small wooden block (free sample) of hardwood or Pergo flooring. Use this block on the straight part of the windshield to push the new rubber into the cowl. It actually looks good. There is a slight unevenness right in front of the passengers center post of the windshield wiper. However, it appears that everyone is having a issue in that same area. Expect a little over an hour to do this right.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2019, 10:32 PM	#20
Black911S Private First Class 55 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4M Coupe - Imola Red Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	yes...thanks to whomever came up with this. did this this weekend and after trimming the cowl back with a razor blade the rubber strip went on fairly easily (windex helped). the key is to trim it back all the way across first. so the strip can slide on easier. thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-12-2020, 02:24 PM	#21
rsutoratosu Captain 114 Rep 779 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Any other ebay seller ? that original one is not listed anymore.. This one has the adhesive strip in the back http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rain-Water-R...d/283935248985 __________________ -Roranji
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-13-2020, 08:15 AM	#22
3GFX Captain 723 Rep 912 Posts Drives: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I've replaced the cowl, and now I try to be aware and keep it protected with plastic product treatment. This will a part that will become more expensive as they become more rare and harder to find. To those out there who can afford the 200 - 300$ I would suggest to get the part now before it will be twice the price.
	Appreciate 1 kaybat125.50 Quote