Any Experience with this Rear Window?

**Germanik** · 03-08-2018, 03:02 PM

My rear window is in desperate need for a replacement. After browsing through some OEM parts and deciding I didn't want to spend over 300 dollars for a piece of plastic I checked ebay and came across this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Z3-M-RO...ZRhR3d&vxp=mtr

Anyone tried it? Would be nice to have a tinted window so I could finally get my other two windows tinted.

**Mark Bielick** · 03-08-2018, 07:36 PM

Looks like the E-Miata window. Very good quality if you like the glued in trim around the window. I've used both it, and the OEM, and both install the same. The E-Miata is a lot less expensive.
z3window.asp

**Vintage42** · 03-08-2018, 08:05 PM

It is the Emiata window per that link.
http://www.emiata.com/z3window.asp
Made and sold by Rothenbacher in NC, whose info is at bottom of this page:
http://www.emiata.com
Vendors buy the Emiata windows and resell them for profit on eBay.

Some prefer the Emiata with its glued canvas trim over the original which has a plastic channel trim. The Emiata is certainly less expensive, and maybe a little easier to get zipped in, but care must be used in gluing the trim.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...5#post22334895

**Germanik** · 03-08-2018, 09:24 PM

Oh wow that's so much cheaper than an OEM replacement. Thanks for the responses guys. Hopefully no more trunk leaks and some tinted windows after the window install.

**Mr Bingley** · 03-09-2018, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Vintage42

Some prefer the Emiata with its glued canvas trim over the original which has a plastic channel trim. The Emiata is certainly less expensive, and maybe a little easier to get zipped in, but care must be used in gluing the trim.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...5#post22334895

I posted that back in 2011, and my emiata window is still going strong. Since then I've installed another in another M Roadster, and it too is going strong. The key is taking your time in the install and being careful with the glue (and buying extra glue).

**pine1000** · 03-09-2018, 08:43 AM

Does the glued down trim make the window hard to replace in the future versus stock? I was thinking about trying this one: http://www.z3window.com/

**Vintage42** · 03-09-2018, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Germanik

... Hopefully no more trunk leaks... after the window install.

The rear window is not known for leaking, and if it did, the water would show up in the car more than in the trunk. Water in the trunk usually comes from the 3rd brake light or the sealing ring around the base of the soft top. Lay some newspaper in the trunk to see if the brake light leaks.

**Germanik** · 03-09-2018, 09:43 AM

I know. I already fixed the third brake light leak. The sealing around the soft top and rear window is separated and is leaking from there. I get water in the car a little too.

**Bladecatcher** · 03-09-2018, 04:19 PM

I'm getting ready to order the emiata window, but I'm leaning towards getting the tinted one. I may or may not tint the other windows, so I'm trying to figure out how odd it may look if I do not tint the rest of them. Can anyone that has purchased the tinted emiata window comment on how dark it actually is? Pics would be even better.

**Bladecatcher** · 03-21-2018, 10:11 AM

I just wanted to answer my own question here in case anyone is curious in the future.

I went ahead and ordered/received the tinted version of the emiata window. Have not installed it yet, but I am very happy with the level of tint. It's not dark at all; I'd say it's about a 20-25% tint. I think it's going to look fine with or without tinting the other windows.

Pictures will be posted once it's warm enough to install.

**Jay11** · 03-22-2018, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Germanik

My rear window is in desperate need for a replacement. After browsing through some OEM parts and deciding I didn't want to spend over 300 dollars for a piece of plastic I checked ebay and came across this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Z3-M-RO...ZRhR3d&vxp=mtr

Anyone tried it? Would be nice to have a tinted window so I could finally get my other two windows tinted.

That's pretty steep. I bought a clear type on eBay from some outfit outta Germany for 80 bux, free ship, took about 10 days. They had green, gray, blue etc tints from $120 IIRC. It was ez install - unzip old, zip in new, apply glue, done. That was last Feb 2017. Looks great, doesn't leak, can't say much else. I plan to apply 303 aerospace protectant on it. If you want the link I can post it later.

**Germanik** · 03-23-2018, 05:01 PM

I finally got my car back from the body shop to fix the front bumper after I destroyed a raccoon on the road. I have the emiata window sitting in my house ready to install. So just unzip, zip in the new, and where do we glue? It didn't come with instructions. Also, any glue will do?

**Mr Bingley** · 03-23-2018, 09:25 PM

You'd better do your research--it's not a simple task and can go very very wrong very very quickly. If the window didn't come with glue, instructions, zippers, and a little plastic thingy, there's something wrong. The glue is a sort of concentrated rubber cement.

**dreamrider01** · 03-23-2018, 09:59 PM

The emiata window I got a couple of years ago I think came with a tube rubber cement. Maybe these days you get your own tube?

Also, somebody asked about the glue part making the window more difficult to come off. Not really. Factually, at least in y case, I have to re-apply glue every couple of years here and there, particularly after Winter, when evrything shrinks a tad.

**Mark Bielick** · 03-23-2018, 10:48 PM

You should have received instructions, and a baggy containing Contact cement, a zipper pull, thread, and a needle. Attached is what should have been included. For anyone interested, I am donating an eMiata window for the auction at Z-Fest. I bought one, and changed my mind and went with the OEM window. Might be a low cost way for someone to replace their rear window. All you gotta do is go to Z-Fest and bid.

EMiata_Instr1.jpg EMiata_Instr2.jpg EMiata_Instr3.jpg

**Mr Bingley** · 03-24-2018, 08:34 AM

Read through this thread before starting https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ned&p=22334895

**Germanik** · 03-25-2018, 01:54 PM

Got my window installed last night, was really difficult with two people but once I grabbed a third it was done in no time. Unfortunately, I have the diagonals in my window and the instructions state that if this results something wasn't lined up properly. The window looks way way better but I was hoping I could fix those diagonals. The instructions say you have to align the window properly so that this won't happen but as far as I could tell everything lined up fine. Anyone know what I am talking about? I can post a pic if needed.

Thanks for all the help so far on the window though, you guys are always a big help here.

**Mark Bielick** · 03-25-2018, 06:50 PM

If you have diagonals, you did not start the zipper at the same location as the original. You would need to unzip the window, and restart zipping but offsetting the starting tooth one notch over. Only way to remove the diagonals.

**Mr Bingley** · 03-26-2018, 07:38 AM

Yup, it's a tooth or two off and must be unzipped and rezipped until it comes out right.

**Germanik** · 03-26-2018, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Mr Bingley

Yup, it's a tooth or two off and must be unzipped and rezipped until it comes out right.

Are you referring to the teeth on the zipper?

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**tistan** · 03-26-2018, 11:48 AM

Before you removed your old window, you should have marked exactly which tooth it started on.

**Germanik** · 03-26-2018, 01:43 PM

I think the reason I didn't was because my dad put the first replaced window in back in 04 and it was already not perfect. Any ways to adjust it other than trial and error?

**Randy Forbes** · 03-26-2018, 09:09 PM

With the OE window, I start both the window and the top on the 1st tooth, and it always lays smooth.

I also ring both the window and the top with the zipper before trying to mate them together; it helps make the teeth stand proud.

Plus, I use two (2) zippers, one a little ways behind the other so it doesn't pull away at the corners before you get it all the way fastened.

**Germanik** · 03-27-2018, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Forbes

With the OE window, I start both the window and the top on the 1st tooth, and it always lays smooth.

I also ring both the window and the top with the zipper before trying to mate them together; it helps make the teeth stand proud.

Plus, I use two (2) zippers, one a little ways behind the other so it doesn't pull away at the corners before you get it all the way fastened.

How do you mean- ring the window and the top?

The emiata kit also came with twk zippers and both were installed. Just a semi hard to see diagonak in the middle.

Thanks

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**Randy Forbes** · 03-27-2018, 01:50 AM

Originally Posted by Germanik

How do you mean- ring the window and the top?

The emiata kit also came with twk zippers and both were installed. Just a semi hard to see diagonak in the middle.

Thanks

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Before you try to connect them, pass the zipper around each half of the track__it lifts/straightens the teeth.

Avoid over-handling the leading edge, as it tends to fray too easily. Promotes getting it right on the first try.