Rear window advice
Rear window advice
So, in January I managed to put a guitar amp through my zeds back window (don't ask).
I purchased a replacement window on eBay that came from Germany, not an OEM part. After hours of toil, i managed to get it fitted but the plastic always had a ripple in it, I wasn't too happy with it but could live with it for a while. Yesterday was the first day this year (I live in Glasgow) where I managed to get the top down. On putting the top down, the zips on the window burst open
Any advice on this, has anyone else purchased an aftermarket window and got good things to say or should i just write off that £100 as a mistake and take it to BMW for an OEM (anyone any idea how much this would set me back?).
Cheers
I purchased a replacement window on eBay that came from Germany, not an OEM part. After hours of toil, i managed to get it fitted but the plastic always had a ripple in it, I wasn't too happy with it but could live with it for a while. Yesterday was the first day this year (I live in Glasgow) where I managed to get the top down. On putting the top down, the zips on the window burst open
Any advice on this, has anyone else purchased an aftermarket window and got good things to say or should i just write off that £100 as a mistake and take it to BMW for an OEM (anyone any idea how much this would set me back?).
Cheers
Re: Rear window advice
Oh dear I have just bought the same but I have not had the courage
(or the time ) to fit it yet.Hope I dont have the same problems!!
cheers Brian
(or the time ) to fit it yet.Hope I dont have the same problems!!
cheers Brian
Re: Rear window advice
Yip, that's the instructions I followed. To be honest, I think the window I bought was the problem, it came with all the fitting equipment needed and I followed the guide above but it never sat right after several attempts and lining the zipper up a few teeth in each direction each time I fitted the window.
I think I'll be calling my local BMW parts centre tomorrow for a price for the oem window. I read today on another forum that someone else exprienced the same issues as I have, trouble fitting and the zip bursting open. They thought they'd damaged the zip on the hood side and would need a new hood. They bought a BMW window, fitted it and it's been fine ever since.
I think I'll be calling my local BMW parts centre tomorrow for a price for the oem window. I read today on another forum that someone else exprienced the same issues as I have, trouble fitting and the zip bursting open. They thought they'd damaged the zip on the hood side and would need a new hood. They bought a BMW window, fitted it and it's been fine ever since.
Re: Rear window advice
Beaker wrote: lining the zipper up a few teeth in each direction each time I fitted the window.
I think that is your problem, I believe (and I think it says in one of the instructions) you only have 1 tooth leeway each way from the centre/start, anything else will cause it to be misaligned.
...........No Mods...... I like him just the way he is
Re: Rear window advice
Was it from the bloke in Munster?? I bought one and had the same issues. Never did manage to line it up and when i tried to close the roof the zip burst. I returned it and got a refund. I think there are some size issues with his, when i laid it over the original it seemed slightly smaller. If it is from him it may be worth getting in touch to see if he will accept it back as its been a while.
I got a used BMW one, had just a few months use, off ebay in the end. Fitted and working a treat so i would say stick with BMW.
Cheers
Mick
I got a used BMW one, had just a few months use, off ebay in the end. Fitted and working a treat so i would say stick with BMW.
Cheers
Mick
Re: Rear window advice
Yeah, i tried lining it up lots of different ways, tried all the recommended ways and experimented with a few as well.
Yip, was a chap in Munster I got it from. I'll drop him a mail tomorrow. Thanks for the advice, these forums are the most useful zed resource on the web
Maybe a recommended retailers section would be handy, to help prevent this sort of thing happening to muppets like me
Yip, was a chap in Munster I got it from. I'll drop him a mail tomorrow. Thanks for the advice, these forums are the most useful zed resource on the web
Maybe a recommended retailers section would be handy, to help prevent this sort of thing happening to muppets like me
Re: Rear window advice
Beaker wrote:So, in January I managed to put a guitar amp through my zeds back window
Rock 'n' roll lifestyle?
Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)
I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
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- Joined: Sat 26 Jan, 2013 17:01
- Posts: 143
Re: Rear window advice
By the sounds of it its the same as the one I bought, I fitted mine a couple of weeks back. It took several attempts and a lot of cursing to get it right, mine also burst open on the first attempt. It has to be lined up really accuratley for the zip to stay together all the way round, two things happen if not the first being the zip bursts open the second being the fabric of the hood will be uneven so it won't fit into the plastic rim correctly, we're talking mm's of accuracy here. Did it in the end, found it easier to do it from the inside and sow the ends together rather than use the metal clip provided. For a job that looks as if it should be easy it certainly isn't, one word springs to mind 'perseverance'
Andy
Andy
Andy
1999 Z3 2.8 RED, back with me
1999 Z3 2.8 RED, back with me
Re: Rear window advice
Thanks Andy, i've emailed the ebay seller but haven't had any response, looks like i'll need to open an ebay case
Contacted my local BMW garage today, £225 for an OEM window. That seems steep compared to what others are saying?
Contacted my local BMW garage today, £225 for an OEM window. That seems steep compared to what others are saying?
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- Joined: Fri 14 Aug, 2009 10:24
- Posts: 907
- Location: Houghton-Le-Spring
Re: Rear window advice
Might seem like a lot more money but you know that it will fit properly
Re: Rear window advice
Couldn't agree more but being Scottish, i've got a stereotype of being tight with money to uphold
Re: Rear window advice
Try Cotswold BMW, we got a genuine one for approx £150 delivered.
Re: Rear window advice
I know this isn't much help up there in the north but I've had my rear window replaced for under £200 all inclusive - fantastic job done at a reputable company in Exeter...I'm sure there must be somewhere similar up north?
Re: Rear window advice
Thanks everyone, I'm now sorted out with a replacement OEM window.
Another win for the forums
Another win for the forums
Re: Rear window advice
Where did you end up going, because I'm just starting out in my search for a replacement?
Re: Rear window advice
I got one from a guy on here, I posted a wanted ad. It's an OEM one, don't get anything but BMW.
The ebay guy art-design-munster isn't answering any of my ebay messages and therefore I don't think he wants to offer a refund.
Avoid all non OEM windows imho
The ebay guy art-design-munster isn't answering any of my ebay messages and therefore I don't think he wants to offer a refund.
Avoid all non OEM windows imho
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- Joined: Sun 28 Apr, 2013 18:06
- Posts: 683
Re: Rear window advice
I need one of these too as mine has a split in it, decided to have a go at alternative replacement - got a plastic roller door at work (the fast up, down type) nice clear plastic/rubber type, it hasn't worked for years. so Wednesday decided while no one was around to lower door manually and removed a rear window shaped piece out of it, then wound the door back up. yesterday (Thursday) an electrician arrived unannounced to apparently fix the roller door so we can use it ooops, luckily we had a power cut at the time but its now only a matter of time till he's back
now my issue is how to fix this real nice new window in. do I (a) cut out old window leaving a small edge behind then attach new window to this with a flexible clear glue or sealer, or (B) use a narrow rubber window seal (like the type used to put in windows into caravans but a thinner one) and attach this to the small piece left after cutting, this way I don't have to touch the zipper.
my other issue is trying to deny all knowledge of the window shaped hole in the roller door
now my issue is how to fix this real nice new window in. do I (a) cut out old window leaving a small edge behind then attach new window to this with a flexible clear glue or sealer, or (B) use a narrow rubber window seal (like the type used to put in windows into caravans but a thinner one) and attach this to the small piece left after cutting, this way I don't have to touch the zipper.
my other issue is trying to deny all knowledge of the window shaped hole in the roller door
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: Rear window advice
I'm not really sure there is going to be any really satisfactory way to attach it that won't just keep coming apart and probably leak when it rains. If it was that easy, there would be kits like this for temporary repairs.littlefeller wrote: now my issue is how to fix this real nice new window in. do I (a) cut out old window leaving a small edge behind then attach new window to this with a flexible clear glue or sealer, or (B) use a narrow rubber window seal (like the type used to put in windows into caravans but a thinner one) and attach this to the small piece left after cutting, this way I don't have to touch the zipper.
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6436
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Rear window advice
Perhaps a good time to put it back, and test a few different adhesives... You can always cut out a matching piece once you have run all your tests for the best glue....
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- Joined: Sun 28 Apr, 2013 18:06
- Posts: 683
Re: Rear window advice
im going to try as my window is split anyhow, will keep folk posted in a new thread
Re: Rear window advice
If you're interested, I could sell you the window I got on eBay that I can't return.
It wasnt a great fit on my car but you may have better luck.
It wasnt a great fit on my car but you may have better luck.
Re: Rear window advice
As my rear window is a little cloudy, slightly yellowed and has a permanent horizontal greyness where it folds in half I'd like to change it.
I've had a go with various of the recommended rubbing compounds without much success so a replacement would be the next thought.
However, I not sure what's going on here. These replacement all seem to be zipped into place, but I'm pretty sure my existing window is sewn in? So how is the change over accomplished?
I came across these lot on E-Bay and they seem to be saying the window is zipped in, but I've just had a quick look in the garage and I didn't see a zip around my window?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-ORIGIN ... 1e71e9d027
I've had a go with various of the recommended rubbing compounds without much success so a replacement would be the next thought.
However, I not sure what's going on here. These replacement all seem to be zipped into place, but I'm pretty sure my existing window is sewn in? So how is the change over accomplished?
I came across these lot on E-Bay and they seem to be saying the window is zipped in, but I've just had a quick look in the garage and I didn't see a zip around my window?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-ORIGIN ... 1e71e9d027
John Walker
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
Re: Rear window advice
John,John1950 wrote:.............. These replacement all seem to be zipped into place, but I'm pretty sure my existing window is sewn in? So how is the change over accomplished?
An `expert' will probably be along soon to correct but I had the same problem trying to find the ******** zip which everybody was talking about when I first got my zed. The answer - there wasn't one as it was a replacement mohair top. I think the original OEM' tops were zipped in but aftermarket replacements are mainly sewn in.
Re: Rear window advice
Sounds right. Oem is zipped in place and a flange, which is on the hood is glued in place to seal from rain.
On oem tops, the zip is visible from the inside, though there is no zipper, it's supplied with the replacement window.
On oem tops, the zip is visible from the inside, though there is no zipper, it's supplied with the replacement window.
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- Joined: Sun 28 Apr, 2013 18:06
- Posts: 683
Re: Rear window advice
how muchBeaker wrote:If you're interested, I could sell you the window I got on eBay that I can't return.
It wasnt a great fit on my car but you may have better luck.
Re: Rear window advice
It was £106, PM me an offer
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- Joined: Sun 28 Apr, 2013 18:06
- Posts: 683
Re: Rear window advice
is it complete, where did it come from?
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- Joined: Sun 28 Apr, 2013 18:06
- Posts: 683
Re: Rear window advice
oh yeh, no need to answer that, just read the whole post. ummm might be interested. this has got me thinking there must be a better alternative I can come up with and hey make a few quid I already have an idea im toying with
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: Rear window advice
Glass window, with a hinge in it?littlefeller wrote:oh yeh, no need to answer that, just read the whole post. ummm might be interested. this has got me thinking there must be a better alternative I can come up with and hey make a few quid I already have an idea im toying with
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- Joined: Sat 26 Jan, 2013 17:01
- Posts: 143
Re: Rear window advice
John1950 wrote:As my rear window is a little cloudy, slightly yellowed and has a permanent horizontal greyness where it folds in half I'd like to change it.
I've had a go with various of the recommended rubbing compounds without much success
Have you tried Brasso the liquid variety, I've cleaned a few windows using it, it's quite effective. Did the rear window on the Z, it was great and then I went and split it. Did the window on my other car about three years back still nice and clear.
Andy
Andy
1999 Z3 2.8 RED, back with me
1999 Z3 2.8 RED, back with me
Re: Rear window advice
No, I haven't tried that, but must do so. Brasso's so much cheaper than those rubbing compounds. I might even have a go at it with my rotary polisher - I'm not too keen on hard manual labour!gas guzzler wrote:John1950 wrote:As my rear window is a little cloudy, slightly yellowed and has a permanent horizontal greyness where it folds in half I'd like to change it.
I've had a go with various of the recommended rubbing compounds without much success
Have you tried Brasso the liquid variety, I've cleaned a few windows using it, it's quite effective. Did the rear window on the Z, it was great and then I went and split it. Did the window on my other car about three years back still nice and clear.
Andy
John Walker
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
Re: Rear window advice
Might be worth checking that whilst Brasso may clean your window you want it to remain supple and I can't help thinking (after cleaning mounds of brassware in a previous life ) that it might make your window brittle. It's pretty harsh stuff it used to burn my skin if I didn't wear gloves.
Just worth checking that's all....
Just worth checking that's all....
...........No Mods...... I like him just the way he is
Re: Rear window advice
Well,after having my munster replacement rear window in the garage for
a couple of months, I finally plucked up the courage to have a go and fit it.
After reading the problems a few people on here had trying to fix it i was
very dubious about the outcome!
However,I was pleased and suprised to say that after about 90mins job done!!!!!!
It was little bit fiddley getting the zipper onto both zips but even on my own I
somehow manged it.First attempt the starting zippers came undone and had a
little ripple along the bottom edge. Second attempt PRESTO !!!! fit fine, sewed
up the ends taped up and seam back into the window edge .....brilliant!!
I must say the info on this site helped a great deal and gave me the confidence
to have a go myself
cheers Brian
a couple of months, I finally plucked up the courage to have a go and fit it.
After reading the problems a few people on here had trying to fix it i was
very dubious about the outcome!
However,I was pleased and suprised to say that after about 90mins job done!!!!!!
It was little bit fiddley getting the zipper onto both zips but even on my own I
somehow manged it.First attempt the starting zippers came undone and had a
little ripple along the bottom edge. Second attempt PRESTO !!!! fit fine, sewed
up the ends taped up and seam back into the window edge .....brilliant!!
I must say the info on this site helped a great deal and gave me the confidence
to have a go myself
cheers Brian
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- Joined: Sun 28 Apr, 2013 18:06
- Posts: 683
Re: Rear window advice
its not as bad as some folk make out, maybe its abit of pot luck too. I must have tried around 20 zippers but none would work so I had to buy the zipper off ebay, first time it went in and stayed in, you do have to keep a close eye on the job in hand and backtrack slightly if the zip tries to miss a tooth or two. the window I now have isn't quite the same as the original, the rubber seal around the edge for sealing the window isn't as flexible as the original and leaves a small crease in the edging with the roof down, when first fitted it didn't look as though it was a good fit on my z either, but under full tension (roof up) and left out in a sunny spot it changed, now fits fine. if I do another one I would recommend oem as the seal around the edges is better (more like rubber than plastic). anyone looking for a replacement for there sown in window - oem window around £150, so if you have a look around you can find replacement mohair tops for about £350, some even fitted. so for an extra £200 you get to pic your colour for a new top not too bad if you look at it that way.