E86 Coupe rear side windows replaced

[trialsmm]

I just replaced my two rear side windows on my 2007 Z4 Coupe. I've had the replacement window for about 6 months, so today I decided to tackle them.
I purchased several long trimming blades and a hock-bill carpet knife and windshield glue. The whole job took me about 2 hours. It took me about 45 minutes to remove the first window (learning curve),
the second one less time. Overall it wasn't that bad. The replacements fit perfect and the new windows with the new mounding look great.

[hood525]

Can you summarize how you did it?

[trialsmm]

Open the rear hatch,
Remove inside rear post trim.
Pull weather door strip away from front of rear side windows. You will have to use a razor blade to free up weather strip attached to front of window.
Cut away all exterior rubber trim to expose the window.
Start cutting between top of glass and body with a sharp utility knife. I also used a hook bill carpet knife.
Keep cutting along the top all the way to the rear of the glass.
Start cutting at the front, working top to bottom.
I gently inserted a screw driver and gently pried the window out while cutting.
I then used a one inch putty knife and lightly hammered it into the glue to finish cutting thru the glass adhesive and pulled down the window from the top to expose the bottom glue and was able to cut the window glue from the inside to free the glass. Repeat on the other side, it will be easier.
Use a razor blade to remove as much of the left over glue from the body window opening.
I cleaned the area very good.
Test fit the new window.
I used 3M auto glass adhesive from parts store.
I applied to body and also window.
Used blue tape to hold window in place for several hours.
Reinstalled weather stripping and inner post cover.
Beautiful!
Good luck.

[hood525]

One more question: why did they need replacing?

[trialsmm]

the rubber weather stripping was melting,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[markyoung]

That's great you have done this at very short time span. Do you have pics for these or captured any video while doing this?

[andrewgray]

That's great!! Where you have learnt this and did you face any difficulty while doing the changes?

[kevinclark1]

Great. I really want to see how did you do, so we can also follow the same process.

[chickdr]

the rubber weather stripping was melting,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Out of curiosity, could you not have just replaced the gaskets which were falling apart? I know the windshield has issues with the surround over time and it can be replaced on its own.

[jetrep]

The gaskets are not available separately. They're attached/glued to the glass.

My glass is fine but the gaskets are gummy and nasty. I was about to order new side windows on black friday but then realized I'd be paying $450 US plus any potential labor just to get rid of nasty gaskets. I've pretty much decided to live with it. Do better BMW!