Glass rubber cover, windshield & rear window (E39)

Maybe I'm doing something completely wrong but I've been having problems with the rear cover seating properly (tried cleaning twice now) and yesterday I started on the front windshield and sure enough it was MUCH more difficult than the rear. Other than on the lower driver's side I could not get any part of the front cover to seat correctly. Does anybody have a picture of what a clean channel looks like before the cover is seated? It looks clean to me and I can see a little gap underneath the windshield that the new cover is suppose to sit into but it looks too small. Like somebody replaced the windshield before and attached the cover to the windshield and then pressed it onto the black glue/gunk stuff they use. It looks like I may need to take a razor into the crack to remove some of this crap. The wierd thing is that it looks cleanly done... no mess. I'll attach a picture of what mine looks like as soon as I can but I'm in the middle of moving so my camera is packed away.

Am I missing something? This stuff should just press right into a clean channel correct? maybe with some tough force.

I don't have a pic of the channel after it's cleaned but it should be relatively free of any of the old covering--generally when folks get around to replacing the cover, it is in such bad, rotted shape that it falls to pieces as you remove it. Using a cloth with goo-gone and a shop vac cleaned up most it. I had to get into a corner area where there was some stuff stuck deep in there, but that was it. You do have to use fairly hard pressure using the heel of your hand to really push the covering into the channel. Good luck!

If the windshield was previously replaced and they used too much adhesive, the adhesive tears off bits and pieces of the old molding. They can difficult or even impossible to remove. The new molding has to, kind of roll into place so that it actually slips in behind the edge of the windshield. If there is anything in the way it just won't go in.

Originally Posted by chiefwej

The new molding has to, kind of roll into place so that it actually slips in behind the edge of the windshield. If there is anything in the way it just won't go in.

Yea, I think that this is my problem as the space for the new molding to go in is VERY thin... maybe 1mm or less. It's like a hamburger, where the window and adhesive are the buns and theres only that 1mm or so for the burger (molding) to slip in. Bad thing is that I took the old molding off yesterday, pressure washed and washed the car today with hopes of waxing but I got sidetracked when I noticed water leaking into the interior of the car in one spot around the edge of the front windshield. This is ridiculous, whomever replaced that windshield did a shoddy job.

Anyways, could it be worth me taking a razor and cutting out the crap adhesive under it?

My turn!

The DIY for replacing the windshield covering/gasket is actually this entire thread; I don't know of a DIY for the entry gasket--you could be the first! Do it and post pics, instructions, problems, etc. I may need to do my driver's side front inside gasket sometime soon. Mine just got worn because I brush against it every time I get in and out of the car. The windshield covering is just made of really crappy material. Most folks have little trouble replacing it, as you can see by following this thread, with some exceptions, probably due to a previous owner doing a crappy job or using some kind of adhesive or sealant, which is completely unnecessary.

Yes there is a DIY for replacing the door entry gasket. It's over on bmwtips.com. Here's the link. http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/door/molding.htm

Mine has same problem. I may get the windshield replaced though. After other fixes, like the rear window regulators.

i had the same problem earlier this spring
i went to a auto glass store and had a little chat with them, they said theres a possible chance it might break the glass. but if not the whole job could be done with 70 bucks.
i took the risk. they were lucky enough not to break my windshield. so good luck.its all down to skill

I have a 98' 528i and I have the exact same thing. It's driving me nuts because whenever I wash it, dry moulding keeps coming off in big chunks. I am not happy about by any means but I am glad to see that I am not the only one. My father is my insurance agent and he added windsheild coverage to my auto policy in the hopes that when I need to replace the windshield it won't cost me an arm and a leg. And then my moulding will be repaired as well!! Has anyone had any luck with their insurance coverage covering the moulding?

The trim piece will be replaced as part of a windshield replacement. But, you can DIY in a couple hours, for about $40.

Originally Posted by chiefwej

The trim piece will be replaced as part of a windshield replacement. But, you can DIY in a couple hours, for about $40.

I've concluded that only some of us can DIY in a couple hours depending on if your windshield has been replaced before. Mine's obviously been replaced before and without going in there and cutting out room in the crap sealant job they did there is no way my new cover is going in. It sucks because I get this annoying whistle when driving down the road now without my cover.

Originally Posted by tdawg183

I've concluded that only some of us can DIY in a couple hours depending on if your windshield has been replaced before. Mine's obviously been replaced before and without going in there and cutting out room in the crap sealant job they did there is no way my new cover is going in. It sucks because I get this annoying whistle when driving down the road now without my cover.

Sadly, I've heard of folks finding that a previous owner had done the cover replacement using silicone sealant or something, including glass companies, which obviously unnecessary. In these cases, it would indeed be much more difficult to do this replacement again. When you do get it replaced, inform the installer to NOT use any kind of sealant for the window trim moulding so that you don't have this issue next time...or the next owner.

Hey peeps! Thanks for the continued motivation over the years on this simple yet unfortunate task. I've been in need of a replacement for months, if not a year, and finally today decided it was time to step up and take care of it.

One thing I did notice is everyone is using a shopvac to clean out the channels... where's the fun in that? pulled the pieces that were left out, and drove to my local speedway (aka. Interstate) for a quick 100mph run. (60 did the trick, but 100 was more exciting ) That seemed like a better way to clean out my channels!

After that, back home, cleaned everything up, and BAM, in went the new one.

Kevin

P.S. Picked up the new ///M wallet at my local stealer too. Made in China, but it sure does look cool!

i notice yesterday the same things is happening to my 325i 2006. i called BMW so i was lucky still under warranty so they will replace it.

i also recommed everyone to call BMW customer service and report this problem. i called them and they will investivate further i also told them lots of people are having this problem
start calling: 1-800- 578-500 ask for customer relations
good luck..and anything we do!!!

my car has no molding what so ever it doesnt leak but it looks ugly

Originally Posted by smjuan2002

start calling: 1-800- 578-500 ask for customer relations

From California, I tried to complain about the windshield molding and door seals ... but this is what I got trying that number ...

800-578-5000
-> Welcome to BMW Financial Services ... Please enter your account number or your social security number to access your records .....

800-578-5001
-> bee booo beeeeep ... We're sorry, you have reached a number that is disconnected or no longer in service ...

800-578-5002
-> beep beep beep beep beep beep beep ...

800-578-5003
-> Hello, you've reached the answering service for ..... Dvorik ... please hold while I try to connect you ...

800-578-5004
-> Thanks for calling Vonage ... a better way to phone for less ...

800-578-5005
-> bee booo beeeeep ... We're sorry, you have reached a number that is disconnected or no longer in service ...

800-578-5006
-> -> bee booo beeeeep ... We're sorry, you have reached a number that is disconnected or no longer in service ...

800-578-5007
-> Hello ... ah ... you've reached ah wellesley associates office of direct military mail order catalog ...

800-578-5008
-> For the country's favorite live talk, call 1-800-475-TALK ...

800-578-5009
-> Thank you for calling the reward center ... the reward center is a hotline full of money saving offers specially selected to make your money last longer in these tough economic times ... when you hear an offer that appeals to you, press the number for your special promotion ... Are you the victim of automotive malpractice or manufacturing fraud ... press 1 (para espanol, press dos).

I can't even get my front molding to come close to fitting back in... AND it whistles like a dead man dying when I drive more than 15mph. Terrible at interstate speeds but it does go away when I open the sunroof or crack a window. Oh... and I can't drive in the rain now because it leaks into the car.

Originally Posted by tdawg183

Oh... and I can't drive in the rain now because it leaks into the car.

From what I understand (and I may be wrong), the windshield cover that often crumbles is for looks (go figure) and aerodynamics ... but not for weatherproofing ... so if your windshield leaks, it's not because the windshield cover is deteriorated.

Donna you are correct. BMW even calls it a "cover". If you have water leaking in past the windsheild then you have other problems.

I have same front windsheild cover problem.I thought it was the hot Arizona sun.Was looking to order part and replace my self.Will try to register complaint with BMW also.Thanx Ken

Originally Posted by bluebee

From what I understand (and I may be wrong), the windshield cover that often crumbles is for looks (go figure) and aerodynamics ... but not for weatherproofing ... so if your windshield leaks, it's not because the windshield cover is deteriorated.

Yea but it didn't do this before I pulled the "cover" out from around the edge of the windshield. To me it looks as though the window was replaced at some point and the person who replaced it put the cover around the window before they set it on the car. So with the way it was, the cover was acting as my window seal at points.

Hmmmm.....I see what you're saying. I think your going to have to have the glass removed and resealed with new adhesive, then put the "cover" back on. It shouldn't cost much to have done. Most of those companies will even come to your home or office.

Originally Posted by det42phx

Will try to register complaint with BMW also.Thanx Ken

What number are you going to call?
I couldn't get the number from the posts above (I tried all 10 combinations).