Windshield gasket woes

[amarino]

Anyone order an Genuine BMW / OEM windshield gasket anytime recently? I am curious if they come with the corners pre-moulded.

I bought one from WallothNesch but based on the price of around 70 Euros it was likely aftermarket. It was like 1 long piece that was joined together, no pre-moulded corners. Also when I tired fitting it on the windshield outside of the car it was a very lose fit and kept sliding off. This makes me think that maybe it's to big.

We tried installing it ourselves with the rope method but could not get it fully seated and the glass kept sliding out on one corner or another. Eventually gave up and took it back to the glass shop where I bought the windshield from and they had a hard time as well. They ended up cracking the new windshield so they're going to work on getting a replacement.

I'm debating if it's worth it to spend big for a Genuine BMW gasket, but only if it has the corners pre-moulded which would make it an easier time fitting.

[HeliosE21]

I purchased the new windshield gasket from Wallothnesh and had the glass shop install a new windshield at my home. The installer first placed and pressed the new gasket around the frame and used blue painter's to hold the gasket in place. He then placed the windshield directly over the gasket and proceeded to fit the rubber lip over the glass using a blunt plastic tool. He worked all around using a lot of water from a spray bottle. I did give him a hand at one point but it went in.

Once the windshield was installed the bottom corners where sticking out a bit. However, after I installed the new plastic mylar "chrome looking" trim around the windshield using the install tool sold by W/N the gasket fit perfectly in place.

The video below shows pretty much how my installer did the job. Check it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeUsIv0ZoRs

[amarino]

Thanks for the tips.

I first I was trying this method at home to put the gasket on the new glass then install to the car with a rope: https://youtu.be/cJvj5lHI0PQ

After we tried and failed a few times with my dad, I took it to the glass shop I bought the windshield from and they tried the method you shared, gasket in car first then drop in the windshield. They also got most of the locking trim in but when working the stubborn passenger side bottom corner that was sticking up they cracked the new glass. They said they couldn't get a replacement until next week.

They also tore the gasket on the driver side bottom, but the other corners went in mostly okay.

[amarino]

Bit of background. Finally decided to replace the windshield as it was getting too dangerous when driving into the sunrise/sunset, or at night with other car's super bright headlights these days. I'm pretty sure I had the original 40+ year old glass and it was pitted beyond hope. But at the same time had to take care of rust around the bottom. Luckily not too bad either and no rust holes.

[Thecatmilton]

I used the URO parts seal on my 1983 320i with a new fuyao windshield. The fit was not perfect, but I only spent 45 minutes installing it. When I get the car repainted I want to pull it out and mark 4 center lines (Top, Bottom, Left side, Right Side) on the car and seal so I can line it up and ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the opening. Currently I have a bit of extra seal bunching up on the bottom right corner, but it isn't leaking. I was hoping sitting in the sun would help, but it has been about a year and a half with no improvement.

I used 1973-1987 GM truck window lockstrip since it is a lot cheaper. Soaking the BMW lockstrip in hot water (120-140f) makes it a lot more pliable and easier to install.
INs.jpgcO.jpgCi.jpg

[cgifool]

Good call on the GM lockstrip!! Those BMW ones are way too expensive.

Regarding the seal bunched up on the inside corner, I had the same situation after installing, but was able to use a plastic trim tool and a very blunt metal hook tool to pull the edge of the lip out all the way around. Spraying some silicone along it and starting just before it curled under, then pulling along the edge.

[amarino]

Thanks for the insight. I caved and got an original one from FCPEuro. Dealer quoted like $350. I went with FCP because of their great lifetime replacement guarantee in case this new seal gets damaged on install. Should get here next week then we'll see how the install goes.

[HeliosE21]

Oh wow... taking one for team. Please keep us posted. I'm really interested in seeing an original uninstalled windshield gasket with whatever corners it comes shaped with.

[jaredmac11]

it was getting too dangerous when driving into the sunrise/sunset, or at night with other car's super bright headlights these days.

Man, thats the truth. The increase of availability of cheaply made, knockoff LEDs is making the road a worse place to me.

Great work on the prep though. Looks awesome.

[320iAman]

Indeed nice rust restoration. When my windshield was replaced years ago the installer had the gasket.

Randy

[amarino]

Thanks. I was so glad the rust was only on the surface and not all the way through yet.

For the gasket I wish I had better news but I wasn't in town anymore and my dad took it back to the glass shop. According to them the the new BMW Genuine gasket from FCPEuro was "too small" or "too tight" and they weren't able to get it installed without risking to break the new glass again. After fighting with it for some time they ended up installing the old gasket that we removed from the car with the old windshield, not the new WallothNesch one they broke nor new BMW Genuine one. They did use the new locking strip however. I'll check it out more when I go back to visit later this month.

At least the rust has been paused for now and we can see clearly at night. I'll keep the BMW Genuine gasket for one day when I decide to paint the whole car.

For reference the new FCPEuro gasket part number 51311831958 says "Made in Czech Republic".

bmw-windshield-gasket-label.jpg

[320iAman]

Glad you got it sorted. On another issue, years ago I bought a drivers side door gasket made by Uro, I removed the old gasket and installed the new one, I tried to close the door and the door would not close, the gasket was way to thick, I ended up returning it and bought a roll of tubular gasket material and made my own it seems that some gaskets being made in euro land are not up specifications. Prices have gone into hyper inflation or 3rd world inflation,, the windshield I got was paid by insurance I had at the time and the cost of the windshield thru the dealership was about $150-200 and the windshield gasket the installer put in was $40.

Randy

[tututurbo]

Do you have the part number of the one that you used? I found one on amazon labeled for 1973-1990 chevy blazer. C.R. LAURENCE WLS848 CRL Chrome Locking Strip for 1973-1990 Chevy/GMC Truck Windshield - 16" Roll
is this the same stuff you used? I assume its the same you just got the black one.

[Thecatmilton]

I used the WLS 848 lock strip. I put the black one on my e21 and the chrome one on the e30