Windshield Cowl replacement

[ediemarie]

My 2010 x3 30i (e83) needs new cowl. Ordered from FCP part number 51713401811 along with right and left coverings. Odd cause it kinda looks like the cowl includes the cabin air filter housing attached to it... Any tutorials for the e83? Do I need to remove cabin air filter? Do the small coverings go under or over the cowl? I did order the windshield wiper puller just in case before I start. Most tutorials on this site cover other vehicles and the e83 is a bit different.

[richardodn]

I had this all apart not too long ago to replace the blower motor. I think I remember it correctly.
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=PC93-USA-03_2006_E83N_BMW_X3_30si&diagId=64_1409


Good call on the wiper arm tool. They were still a PITA to get off even with it. You've ordered part #6. It serves as the cowl cover as well as the microfilter housing cover. Three pins (#9) hold it to the filter housing (#4). #4 is not replaced. #2 & #3 are the seal and cover to access the blower motor and are likewise untouched.

From the FCP picture, it looks like those #9 pins are included in the cover. Not pictured on the back are 7 clips (PN 51718234698) for attaching the cowl to the car. If those are not included with the cowl, you'll want to pick up at least a couple of them in case you break any. I also replaced seal #5. It had shrunk in length and no longer reached where the ends were supposed to be. If yours is the same, I'd recommend ordering it since it seals off the HVAC intake from the engine compartment. It's not expensive, but mine had to come from Germany as there were none in the US. Replacement is easy and is independent of the cowl replacement.

[vinyldude]

Don't forget to get silicone windshield sealant, as you will need to attach/seal the lip of the cowl to the windshield. You'll also need to figure out something that presses the lip down against the windshield while the sealant is drying.

[richardodn]

Don't forget to get silicone windshield sealant, as you will need to attach/seal the lip of the cowl to the windshield. You'll also need to figure out something that presses the lip down against the windshield while the sealant is drying.

I've never seen that done from the factory. Why do you think it's necessary?