How do I Remove the Convertible Top Seal?

[s8ilver]

I've been searching for a while, and everything I find relates to the top to window seals. What I'm trying to do is safely pull back (or temporarily remove) the convertible top seal, which is the big one surrounding the windshield. Does it just pop out, or do I need to start from an end?

Basically, remove #8, so I can install #5,6,9.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_2324

With that seal out of the way I think I can pull it off without having the windshield removed, which is an alternative.

I would just start pulling, but looking at photos I see that blue bit on the end that looks important.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...l/51718410169/

[Tim95M3]

It's held in place all the way around with double-sided adhesive. I feel like it would be a real pain to try and reuse it.

[robb1887]

[s8ilver]

It's held in place all the way around with double-sided adhesive. I feel like it would be a real pain to try and reuse it.

Good to know, thanks. Funny, so many used seals on eBay. Someone must be reusing them.

In theory I can tuck the lip of the trim under each edge of the seals with them in place, but I'd only have one shot as the pieces have their own double sided adhesive. I might go the windshield removal route though. Shop's gonna stare at me funny when I ask for a quote to remove and reinstall the same windshield.

What about just removing the windshield weather stripping? Is that a press fit? Sure looks to be, but wonder what my chances are of saving it. At least it's only $100 vs the $550+ top seal.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/51318397613/

Now I'm not sure. That looks a little complicated to just press in from above. Does it get attached to the windshield before it goes in?

The reason I'm mentioning windshield removal is that would facilitate a 100% factory correct installation; there is one tab (pictured below is the front side of the driver's side) on each piece of the Chromeline trim that actually goes under the windshield near the bottom of the A pillar. They could easy be cut off and ignored with a little extra VHB applied, however.

20211015_144412.jpg

[Tim95M3]

I think your best bet is to remove the windshield. The perimeter seal is *supposed* to go on the glass before it is installed. I've seen people just shove it in there and it'll never look right.