Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: Windshield Cowl Question - Z4 Coupe

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    N/A
    Posts
    432
    My Cars
    1999

    Windshield Cowl Question - Z4 Coupe

    .
    Last edited by stuffedgus; 06-18-2023 at 10:10 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    2,869
    My Cars
    2004 Z4R 06&12 Cooper S
    Hello,

    Each can be replaced separately.
    Your cowl looks deteriorated where it meets the window.
    The rubber trim you list seals the underside of the hood to the cowl itself.
    FYI, I removed the trim on mine to improve the removal of under hood heat.
    04R 3l 6 sp VF SC, custom ducting, alphaN, 2.62 pulley, multiport WMI,Severn Tuning(Pokeybritches), Tial BPV,Ceramic header, magnaflow section 1, SS race muffler/y-pipe, megan mounts,42 design catch can, CDV delete ,custom strut bar,3.91 LSD, H&R bars, Hotchkis links.Eibach Pro Kit,Koni Yellows.Megan camber arms. Carbon interior,SSK,UUC lines.CF aero. Poly bushings.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    N/A
    Posts
    432
    My Cars
    1999
    .
    Last edited by stuffedgus; 06-18-2023 at 10:10 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Beverly Hills, FLA
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    2008 BMW Z4 rdstr
    I just went thru this exercise this past week. I replaced the whole plastic cowling which looked just like yours, leaving the rubber underneath undisturbed. Not a hard job at all other than getting the d#mn wiper blades off their shafts. Go on youtube for some videos of different methods. I tried them all including buying the puller (which didn't work). Finally used the tapping on the nut partially replaced on the shaft to avoid damage to the threads method. It worked. The rest of the job took about 15 minutes. If you damage or lose some of the plastic retainers, just use the plain old American push in retainers available at all parts stores. They work better than the German ones and much easier to install. Improves the looks a lot.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    N/A
    Posts
    432
    My Cars
    1999
    .
    Last edited by stuffedgus; 06-18-2023 at 10:10 PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Beverly Hills, FLA
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    2008 BMW Z4 rdstr
    Good luck. You'll be happy with the results as it really cleans up the area which 'just didn't look right'.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Long Island, New York
    Posts
    45
    My Cars
    2003 Z4 Roadster
    Time to replace the rotted cowl on my 2003 Z4. Did you need to replace the windshield Cowl Gasket? I'm not sure where that is, but I'm thinking I probably need it as my cowl is beyond corroded.

    Here's a link to the part: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/51717016192/

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    165
    My Cars
    2003 Z4 2.5
    I replaced the whole part. I wasn't aware that you could just replace the flexible trim. A couple of hundred dollars a few years ago. I bought a windshield arm puller that works ok. My so bought me a cowling for a newer Z4 that is the wrong one for mine. They want more to ship it back to the dealer than he paid for it. I still have it. I might put it up for local sale.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Rutland, Vermont
    Posts
    4,397
    My Cars
    E30 E38 E46 E85 F150 GTI
    Quote Originally Posted by jeff11214 View Post
    Time to replace the rotted cowl on my 2003 Z4. Did you need to replace the windshield Cowl Gasket? I'm not sure where that is, but I'm thinking I probably need it as my cowl is beyond corroded.

    Here's a link to the part: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/51717016192/
    I replaced my cowl this spring, ordered part 51717017022 from FCP. It should be all you need. The gasket you linked is the one under the hood is and probably in decent shape.
    2000 740i Sport | 2004 330xi | 1988 325i Vert | 2003 Z4 2.5 | 1995 Ford F150 | 2018 GTI

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Long Island, New York
    Posts
    45
    My Cars
    2003 Z4 Roadster
    I just replaced the cowl. Is there a special tool to screw in the 4 plastic rivets? Philips screwdriver doesn't quite work as the rivets are flimsy and strip easily.
    Last edited by jeff11214; 08-29-2022 at 11:43 AM.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    165
    My Cars
    2003 Z4 2.5
    When I replaced my complete cowl, I applied a generous amount of protectant on the plastic, hopefully, to slow down the weathering on it even though my 03 stays in a garage.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Rutland, Vermont
    Posts
    4,397
    My Cars
    E30 E38 E46 E85 F150 GTI
    Quote Originally Posted by jeff11214 View Post
    I just replaced the cowl. Is there a special tool to screw in the 4 plastic rivets? Philips screwdriver doesn't quite work as the rivets are flimsy and strip easily.
    I just use a phillips head screwdriver as a punch and punch them down with my palm. Gotta be careful to not bend them over. Not sure if that's the right way or not but it has served me well enough.
    2000 740i Sport | 2004 330xi | 1988 325i Vert | 2003 Z4 2.5 | 1995 Ford F150 | 2018 GTI

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Long Island, New York
    Posts
    45
    My Cars
    2003 Z4 Roadster
    Quote Originally Posted by clarkitect View Post
    I just use a phillips head screwdriver as a punch and punch them down with my palm. Gotta be careful to not bend them over. Not sure if that's the right way or not but it has served me well enough.
    It has a threaded screw so I don't think a punch will work for these.. I will try and find a phillips screwdriver that will fit.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    2,869
    My Cars
    2004 Z4R 06&12 Cooper S
    From my experience with those fasteners, the threaded pin is for easy removal. Insertion is by pressure.
    04R 3l 6 sp VF SC, custom ducting, alphaN, 2.62 pulley, multiport WMI,Severn Tuning(Pokeybritches), Tial BPV,Ceramic header, magnaflow section 1, SS race muffler/y-pipe, megan mounts,42 design catch can, CDV delete ,custom strut bar,3.91 LSD, H&R bars, Hotchkis links.Eibach Pro Kit,Koni Yellows.Megan camber arms. Carbon interior,SSK,UUC lines.CF aero. Poly bushings.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Rutland, Vermont
    Posts
    4,397
    My Cars
    E30 E38 E46 E85 F150 GTI
    Quote Originally Posted by jeff11214 View Post
    It has a threaded screw so I don't think a punch will work for these.. I will try and find a phillips screwdriver that will fit.
    It worked for me on these.

    Quote Originally Posted by dbarton62 View Post
    From my experience with those fasteners, the threaded pin is for easy removal. Insertion is by pressure.
    ^^This.
    2000 740i Sport | 2004 330xi | 1988 325i Vert | 2003 Z4 2.5 | 1995 Ford F150 | 2018 GTI

Similar Threads

  1. Windshield cowl question
    By matlock328 in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 06-19-2015, 08:18 AM
  2. Replies: 15
    Last Post: 03-30-2010, 01:09 AM
  3. WTB: Plastic Windshield Cowl E36 M3 Coupe
    By Ben7117 in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 05-13-2009, 12:15 PM
  4. FS: e36 Coupe windshield cowl
    By Stück in forum Exterior Lighting & Body Parts
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 03-06-2007, 03:06 PM
  5. Replies: 12
    Last Post: 01-24-2006, 11:22 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
  •