Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: M3 Coupe Vent Window Seal Replacement Question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    1,433
    My Cars
    1999 BMW M3 Coupe

    M3 Coupe Vent Window Seal Replacement Question

    I recently ordered new corner/top vent window strips for my M3 since the originals are rotted out and leaking. These are the specific items:

    Part # 51368119961
    Part # 51368119962

    Item #8 in the diagram here:

    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_2060

    I didn't get the bottom covering to go along with it because that part is actually in decent shape. It's just the corner/top part that's toast.

    Anyways, I noticed that these don't have any sort of adhesive backing on them. I assume I need to obtain some of the 3M tape to use to attach it? I've looked at various DIY's, but they're not entirely clear. Has anyone else done these on their M3?

    Thanks.
    Last edited by TostitoBandito; 02-22-2017 at 09:37 AM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    8,167
    My Cars
    97 M3 & 13 Rav4
    Sub'd, looking to do this soon too.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    TX
    Posts
    3,423
    My Cars
    97 M3/4/5, MCS
    Some reason the links aren't working for me.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    1,433
    My Cars
    1999 BMW M3 Coupe
    Quote Originally Posted by MarketMaster View Post
    Some reason the links aren't working for me.
    Fixed. Included part numbers and realoem link. I ordered the parts themselves from ECS, but they are the genuine BMW parts with he same part numbers as realoem.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    2,538
    My Cars
    e28, Spec3, M3, M3, ZHP
    Mine are in rough shape as well...if you pull together some kind of DIY, that'd be great to see...or at least some comments on some issues you might have run into or any tricks.

    Good luck! I've got to do those and my door handle seals.
    Andrew Elmore

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    TX
    Posts
    3,423
    My Cars
    97 M3/4/5, MCS
    I actually got these same parts by mistake. They seem to be a gasket when I was looking for the outside trim...ouch.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Colorado Springs, Co
    Posts
    135
    My Cars
    '95 M3 / '03 X3
    I probably need to do this...hope it isn't too much of a pain.


    1995 BMW M3/2/5 - Alpine White - Vaders - Stage II Maxsil Pistons, Chipped, 24# Injectors, MagnaFlow Exhaust, and heated door locks!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    1,433
    My Cars
    1999 BMW M3 Coupe
    I've read that in theory you can do the top covering without removing the window. I think you can get the old out and new in with just the window popped open. The bottom covering requires the window to be removed which requires removing the top of the seatbelt on that side as well as the entire vent open/close mechanism.

    I may go take a closer look this weekend and try to figure it out.

  9. #9
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    Central Pacific
    Posts
    10,809
    My Cars
    88M3 99M3 04M3 ITBx16
    Video and stills with audio commentary would be appreciated. :-)
    04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
    99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd

    88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS


    WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Oakhurst, CA
    Posts
    6,668
    My Cars
    96 M3 97 M3 98 M3 99 M3
    Quote Originally Posted by TostitoBandito View Post

    Anyways, I noticed that these don't have any sort of adhesive backing on them. I assume I need to obtain some of the 3M tape to use to attach it? I've looked at various DIY's, but they're not entirely clear. Has anyone else done these on their M3?

    Thanks.
    You do NOT use any form of adhesive on these, Properly installed they fit into a channel. I've done these many times and will be doing another pair on a friends E36 in the next few weeks. I also use them to repair the E46 Coupe trim that rots in the same place... they require modification though.

    The glass must be removed to do this right. The half square edge tucks up into the roof ledge trim. Make sure you slot it all the way forward (towards the door glass) so the rounded tail end slots up nicely with the lower rubber trim piece you said was fine. Remember this is there to help channel water so the way it is installed should have some logic to it. Pay attention to that when you're slotting it in and the exposed flap is meeting up with the window seal (the large seal with rubber on one side and felt on the other).

    Take note of how the originals are installed before pulling them, or as you pull them.
    Last edited by Braymond141; 02-22-2017 at 01:30 PM.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    DFW
    Posts
    854
    My Cars
    '08 Acura TL Type S
    Quote Originally Posted by Braymond141 View Post
    You do NOT use any form of adhesive on these, Properly installed they fit into a channel. I've done these many times and will be doing another pair on a friends E36 in the next few weeks. I also use them to repair the E46 Coupe trim that rots in the same place... they require modification though.

    The glass must be removed to do this right. The half square edge tucks up into the roof ledge trim. Make sure you slot it all the way forward (towards the door glass) so the rounded tail end slots up nicely with the lower rubber trim piece you said was fine. Remember this is there to help channel water so the way it is installed should have some logic to it. Pay attention to that when you're slotting it in and the exposed flap is meeting up with the window seal (the large seal with rubber on one side and felt on the other).

    Take note of how the originals are installed before pulling them, or as you pull them.
    Thank you, very helpful!

    Related - the companion lower trim pieces:
    Part # 51368119963
    Part # 51368119964

    Item #9 in the same diagram:

    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_2060

    on my coupe are very firmly fixed down with what appears to be a hardcore 3M sticky foam tape. Already broke one plastic scraper trying to get it off.

    Any good strategies for those?
    Eat, drink, and be merry - for tomorrow we drive.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    8,167
    My Cars
    97 M3 & 13 Rav4
    For getting the old tape off? Heat gun.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Oakhurst, CA
    Posts
    6,668
    My Cars
    96 M3 97 M3 98 M3 99 M3
    Quote Originally Posted by LockDots View Post
    For getting the old tape off? Heat gun.
    And clean up with Tarminator.

    JEC, the lower strips will come with adhesive.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    DFW
    Posts
    854
    My Cars
    '08 Acura TL Type S
    Thanks guys!
    Eat, drink, and be merry - for tomorrow we drive.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2005 BMW M3 Coupe
    Quote Originally Posted by Braymond141 View Post
    I also use them to repair the E46 Coupe trim that rots in the same place... they require modification though.
    Sorry to drag this up from the past, but @Braymond141 was hoping you might be able to expound on this a bit more?

    Are you saying that the E36 piece can be made to fit an E46? If so, do you recall approximately what's involved? I'm looking for a better option than the Metro Moulded DIY.

    Thanks very much,

    Matt

Similar Threads

  1. E39 Rear Window Seal Replacement Questions
    By z3panda in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-26-2016, 10:36 PM
  2. Is there a DIY for coupe side quarter window seal replacement
    By smithk3933 in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-01-2011, 07:17 PM
  3. Is there a DIY for coupe side quarter window seal replacement
    By smithk3933 in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-01-2011, 03:55 PM
  4. WTB E36 Coupe door seals, vent window seals, black
    By roybotnik in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-21-2007, 12:06 AM
  5. WTB Coupe Door/Window seals, interior parts, M3 ducts
    By roybotnik in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-25-2007, 11:56 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •