2000 BMW Z3 rear window replacement

[Xcution]

Hello,

Here is another question from the new guy who has been spamming the forums. I do apologize but I am trying to get my baby to as best as possible

I want to replace my rear window. It is a bit hazy and the seal around is gone. There is no leak at all but it does not have the bead and the glue is pretty much gone.

Few questions:

1. Does anyone know where to buy a good rear window for a 2000 BMW Z3?

2. Is this just the zipper or do I have to replace the entire top?

3. How difficult is it to replace the glass? Should I donit myseld or buy the glass and have a cert BMW tech to put it on.

4. I need a video to get this done. Anyone know of a good DIY video out there?

Thank you again for all the knowledge and help.

Ron

 

[Eddie Zedder]

View: https://youtu.be/yGMi8XneLhM

 

[Xcution]

View: https://youtu.be/yGMi8XneLhM

Awesome. I saw this but was not sure if it was the same for my Zed.

Question any recomendations on which window to buy? I found this:

http://www.z3window.com/store/products/category/z3-window/

Anything same quality and cheaper would be awesome. Also any other recommendationa. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[hard top]

Question any recomendations on which window to buy?

I don't know what a new soft top would cost you over there, but in the UK, a new one is only a couple of $ more than mucking about with a new rear window.

 

[Xcution]

I don't know what a new soft top would cost you over there, but in the UK, a new one is only a couple of $ more than mucking about with a new rear window.

Wow did not know that for an extra $300 bucks you can get an entire new top. I thought it would be like 1-2k. That is good to know.

How hard is it to install a new top?

 

[Xcution]

I don't know what a new soft top would cost you over there, but in the UK, a new one is only a couple of $ more than mucking about with a new rear window.

Just saw a video of a guy replacing it and it is WAY more involved then just replacing the window lol

 

[hard top]

How hard is it to install a new top?

@FRANKIE has done it himself but I would get a pro to do it, you can get one done in the UK for around 300 pounds.

 

[Xcution]

@FRANKIE has done it himself but I would get a pro to do it, you can get one done in the UK for around 300 pounds.

Yea think j will stick to the window replacement lol. Thanks!!!

Edit: Any recommendations on which rear window to buy. Anyone assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[FRANKIE]

Yea think j will stick to the window replacement lol. Thanks!!!

Edit: Any recommendations on which rear window to buy. Anyone assistance is greatly appreciated.

I have a '96 1.9L. Mine had a plastic window that zipped in. I had bought a replacement clear plastic window. After I received it in the mail, I waited for several months before attempting to replace it as I had other things that had to be done first. When I finally got to it, as I was starting to remove the original plastic window, I soon realized the poor condition, especially the stitching, of the half of the zipper that is sewn into the top. It started to fall apart as I was trying to remove the old window. A long hard look at the rest of the top, particularly the stitching, made me realize I was wasting time and money with just replacing the window. I bought a top and put it in myself. It turned out not to be the exact top for the car but after I installed it, wasn't really happy and had a professional look at it. He said that for not ever doing it before, I did a great job but showed me where some small mistakes were. I just didn't feel right about it and had him refit it.
You can do it yourself but if you can afford it, shop around for a good price and have it done.
I would first have someone look at it to make sure you really NEED to get a top or just replace the window. Frankie.

 

[Xcution]

Wanted to give this a bump and ask for some recommendations for rear window.

Thanks

 

[FRANKIE]

Wanted to give this a bump and ask for some recommendations for rear window.

Thanks

I did order one before I realized that I actually needed a new top. I just went on the internet and found a good price while looking at the quality. When I started to replace the window, I had to remove a few pins that held the zipper in place. This was not easy. Just locating the zipper end which was at the bottom center of the window and removing the pins was tedious. I was doing it myself but I recommend another person on the other side of the window. Can't give you much advice after that since I stopped un-zippering the window rather quickly when I saw how rotted the stitching was that held the part of the zipper that was attached to the top (as opposed to the window). I could see that there was not much material remaining to even try to stitch the zipper to the roof. Perhaps it might be in your best interest to try to remove the old window first to see if it's possible to zip in a new window. If you can cover the car to protect it while the new window is ordered and shipped or if the car is in a garage, you're OK. Of course, if you order the window first, just you make sure you begin to work on the old window right away before the time you have to return it if you decide you don't need it expires. I waited too long and ended up giving it to a member of the forum in the UK. ..........................Frankie
PS. Let me know what you decide to do.

 

[Xcution]

I did order one before I realized that I actually needed a new top. I just went on the internet and found a good price while looking at the quality. When I started to replace the window, I had to remove a few pins that held the zipper in place. This was not easy. Just locating the zipper end which was at the bottom center of the window and removing the pins was tedious. I was doing it myself but I recommend another person on the other side of the window. Can't give you much advice after that since I stopped un-zippering the window rather quickly when I saw how rotted the stitching was that held the part of the zipper that was attached to the top (as opposed to the window). I could see that there was not much material remaining to even try to stitch the zipper to the roof. Perhaps it might be in your best interest to try to remove the old window first to see if it's possible to zip in a new window. If you can cover the car to protect it while the new window is ordered and shipped or if the car is in a garage, you're OK. Of course, if you order the window first, just you make sure you begin to work on the old window right away before the time you have to return it if you decide you don't need it expires. I waited too long and ended up giving it to a member of the forum in the UK. ..........................Frankie
PS. Let me know what you decide to do.

Awesome! Thanks for the advice. Will do!

 

[stevie_a]

I replaced the rear window at the end of last summer, very fiddly job defiantly two people job ( i had three )

start the zip then sew the zip together then zip it round then sew the end.

I got a green tint ( tint is so faint it is hardly tinted

got it from here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Convertib...PVC-Wopavin-/141719395887?hash=item20ff225e2f

 

[oldcarman]

I bought one from ADM in Germany for the same reasons as @FRANKIE and had it shipped to the UK. Found my stitching was way beyond repair so I gave it to @BMBabe for her birthday last year. Don't know if she installed it or not but some members have had problems with them from that company. I'' not sure if the wrong product was sent out but it was too small apparently. They bought an original from BMW at the premium price but are very happy! JIM