OEM Windshields Now Available Through BMW

[JohnH]

Without wishing to rude, that dosent show you in a particularly good light

[HayekFan]

I originally had a shop do the install on my windshield because I figured it was best to let the pros handle it. They used the rope method and ended up breaking it (a true heartbreaker since I had gone to great lengths to source OEM glass from Schmiedmann in Denmark). To cut a long story very short, I wound up doing the install myself using the tedious non-rope method. I considered roping it in but was wary based on the failure of the first install. Plus it seemed like it had the potential to snag the headliner along the upper edge and get it bunched up under the gasket. So I opted to do it the other way where you install the gasket first and then finagle the glass into the gasket with a bone tool. I practiced it once by installing the old original windshield (which the shop had been able to remove intact) to make sure I had the procedure down. Then a few weeks later when the new BMW glass arrived, I repeated the install. Both times it was a PITA in the upper corners but do-able with some effort. I do think it would have been easier with a cooperative gasket (i.e. the original). I will add that before I did the install I spoke with three different "old school" glass guys around town to get any tips they might have, and all three recommended the non-rope method.

[gwb72tii]

would you mind posting a step by step non-rope procedure you followed for those of us that have never attempted it before?

[HayekFan]

It's been four years and I can't remember all the details, but here's a video that I found helpful. It shows the whole process in time lapse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWx2FH7hWUw

I would suggest using a spray bottle with slightly soapy water to help lubricate things. Use the soapy water liberally. It really helps the glass slide against the gasket.

You'll also want to use 3M non-hardening sealer in the gasket. There seems to be some debate over where exactly to put it. I put a thick bead in the bottom groove where the glass fits in before installing the glass. Then with the glass in place I squeezed some under the gasket down the sides. I didn't put any along the top or between the gasket and the body, only between the gasket and the glass, and I've had no leaks (that I'm aware of). When I did my practice installation I didn't use any sealer and it did leak.

The main thing is to go slow and don't force anything. There's definitely some technique involved but you just have to do it and get a feel for it. By the time you're done you'll be good at it.

Some people recommend pre-installing the metal trim strip along the base of the windshield before installing the glass. That's probably good advice. I didn't do it that way but it was definitely fiddly to install it afterwards.

[JohnH]

Heres the official method from the blue book;




Straightforward, simple and fast. No strain is put on the glass.

You have to ask yourself, how did they do it on the production line. It had to be quick with no breakages.

The offical method is probably for two people doing it, which does make it really easy.

The last two times I did it, I was by my self and it wasnt that bad. The only harder bit is lifting the glass and laying it in the bodywork opening. Now sitting in the car, press the glass gently with a foot long piece of wood to spread the load along the side edge, and pull the string with your other hand. follow the procedure I outlined above. You may need to place some spacers at the bottom of the screen to stop it sliding down.

These are the only tools I used during the whole process;





The next step is to use sealant.



Take the tube of sealant and cut a small bit off the end of the nozzle. You only need a small hole for step one, which is to squeeze the sealant between the glass and the seal, next, step two, cut a little bit more off the end to make a slightly larger hole and squeeze it all around between the seal and bodywork. Be very generous on the top corners and across the bottom.

The final step is to fit the locking strip, make sure that you force the strip into the top corners as you insert the strip.

[gwb72tii]

Thanks for taking the time to post.

[willyv124]

Heres the official method from the blue book;




Straightforward, simple and fast. No strain is put on the glass.

You have to ask yourself, how did they do it on the production line. It had to be quick with no breakages.

The offical method is probably for two people doing it, which does make it really easy.

The last two times I did it, I was by my self and it wasnt that bad. The only harder bit is lifting the glass and laying it in the bodywork opening. Now sitting in the car, press the glass gently with a foot long piece of wood to spread the load along the side edge, and pull the string with your other hand. follow the procedure I outlined above. You may need to place some spacers at the bottom of the screen to stop it sliding down.

These are the only tools I used during the whole process;





The next step is to use sealant.



Take the tube of sealant and cut a small bit off the end of the nozzle. You only need a small hole for step one, which is to squeeze the sealant between the glass and the seal, next, step two, cut a little bit more off the end to make a slightly larger hole and squeeze it all around between the seal and bodywork. Be very generous on the top corners and across the bottom.

The final step is to fit the locking strip, make sure that you force the strip into the top corners as you insert the strip.

About to embark on this myself. What are y’all using to clean old sealant?

Thanks for posting this. About to embark on this myself. What do you use to clean old sealant off? 3m adhesive remover?

[JohnH]

"What do you use to clean old sealant off? 3m adhesive remover?"

To be honest, I cant remember, but I would have been IPA or White Spirit as I have a lot of that knocking about. I did use the white "tool" shown in the picture above to pick away at it. It can take some time to do and I can understand an old professional preferring to use a new gasket, rather than spend the time as it would have been cheaper overall.

You are also going to use it to clean off the excess new sealant. Test it on a hidden bit of paint work to make sure it dosent attack the paint/clear coat.

The good thing about spending a bit of time cleaning the old seal, is that you exercise it a bit which helps to soften it up.

Edit: I did use more than half a tube of sealant, so there is a bit of excess to clean off.

[HayekFan]

I used 3M adhesive remover to clean off excess sealant.

Speaking of sealant, the 3M 08509 Glazing and Bedding Compound is coming up as unavailable on Amazon and out of stock at NAPA and Autozone. Looks like it might trickier to source than it used to be.

[garageboy]

I believe the kids refer to this as... the shit! Of course there are less costly sources than this...
https://www.wurthusa.com/Chemical-Prod ... p/08909381

I highly recommend it. It is precisely what you want to clean the paint without the possibility of damaging it. I am not a Wurth salesman nor do I benefit financially from this recommendation...

[willyv124]

I believe the kids refer to this as... the shit! Of course there are less costly sources than this...
https://www.wurthusa.com/Chemical-Prod ... p/08909381

I highly recommend it. It is precisely what you want to clean the paint without the possibility of damaging it. I am not a Wurth salesman nor do I benefit financially from this recommendation...

I used 3M adhesive remover to clean off excess sealant.

Speaking of sealant, the 3M 08509 Glazing and Bedding Compound is coming up as unavailable on Amazon and out of stock at NAPA and Autozone. Looks like it might trickier to source than it used to be.

Some googling lead me to some muscle car forums and found people had success with this https://www.amazon.com/C-R-Laurence-CRL ... B000KZWKE4. The description reads as the same purpose. Non curing. I ordered it with some 3m auto adhesive remover as well. Ordered a Fuyao windshield locally too

[HayekFan]

That does look like the right kind of stuff. Good to know it's available.

[glowell222]

I believe the kids refer to this as... the shit! Of course there are less costly sources than this...

Nobody says that anymore. The kids refer to it as...sick. Or SICK! if it's really good.