How replace door seals?

[fv9]

So, the driver's door seal on my 2001 540i needs to be replced. Are they just glued in? I have replced the door seals on my old Alfa, but they just pop on and off. Any one know if this is easy to do on the 540?

Thanks,
Quinn

[MontanaRob]

Yeah just pop the door panel off. The seal has a bead of adhesive seal around the edges. Sticky and peels off. Easy job.

[fv9]

Thanks, MR. Sorry, I meant it is on the car side of the door, not on the door itself. Same procedure, thought?

[MontanaRob]

Oh you mean the seal attached to the door jamb on the car frame? That I'm not sure about. Never replaced.

[fv9]

Thats the one. Anyone else?

Thanks, again MR.

[PENER]

they POP out too. only part that needs to be removed is plastic cover at the bottom (slide it off). under that cover is the place where ends of the seal meet together.

[matteni]

Probably obvious to you - but what made you replace it? Interior rattle? Wind noise at speed? Actually damaged?

Thanks and report back when you finish the job with tips!

[fv9]

THanks, Pener.

Matteni, the previous owner was about 6'6" an rubbed it everytime he got in and out so it is worn through.

[z0lt3c]

Those seals break down frequently. I've replaced them on both my 528 and 540. They just pop off after removing the sill plate but getting the new ones back into the correct position takes some time. Their not meant to be cut so if you are left with slack when you are done you didn't do it right.

I was actually getting a draft through the seal from the outside and when it gets cold thats becomes bothersome. Also had some squeaks...

[utgrad]

I've never put one on an E39, but did a few E46s and I would always start at a corner and fold and jam the seal in tight, then work around the circumference and dont just push it onto the seal runner but also press the seal back towards the part previously installed (this will help fit the seal and prevent any slack). I would also get a rubber hammer and get the seal on tight...

[fv9]

Are they formed for the door jam or just straight?

Thanks to everyone for tips.

[utgrad]

I'm just going by how they are on the E46 and X3...so...keeping that in mind and since most BMW models are done in the same way, I'm guessing it will be formed and one continous piece with no breaks...shouldnt be hard at all if you follow the tips...if you get it wrong you just pull it back off and try again. Never used any adhesive of any kind on the models mentioned so probably wont need it on the E39, it will just press fit on.

[c13tay]

Just done mine - Its not formed and it does have a break in it.

As previously said just need to remove sill cover.

It also has a removeable bead that you pull off after installation to pull the inside edge over the trim (if you know what I mean)

One point of interest was that in the box was a small printed note from BMW stating the revised position for placing the join. Obviously there was some issue with where the join was originally sighted.

[Lufetarg]

Great info! What is easiest way to remove the sill cover without damaging it? Thank you.

[BimmerBreaker]

Just use one of those plastic trim removal tools and leverage it up. Its just pressure fitted into place.

[DHoang]

Typically, if only a partial 1ft or more of door opening gasket mat'l gets damaged from driver's back rubbing against it when entering/exiting car, you can just cut out that damaged section w/ a box cutter, and then glue in a fresh new piece (that you cut to per required length ) of Weather-Resistant EPDM Foam, Tube, 5/8" OD, 7/16" ID. When done, you will have your air turbulence noise lessened dramatically, or elimated all together, just like that of a new replacement, assuming that the rest of the gasket is still sealing properly.

A 6' length can be bought from mcmaster-carr for $9.00. Part# 4339T4. That's what I did on mine this time around vs. buying a new $60 gasket, and I forego the work needed to peel off the old and manhandling the new one back into the edge seam.

[ViolinARC]

To avoid squeaking and ease installation, pre-treat the seal with Gummy Phlege. Just adding a few cents...