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Repair Summary
The following article gives detailed instructions on replacing the windshield moulding on most BMW vehicles. Even though we have used a 2011 E90 335i and a 2005 E63 645ci to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any BMW vehicle with the metal "C channel" and regular rubber mouldings with minor modifications.
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All BMW Models
The BMW windshield moulding is a very easily replaced part that will return your vehicle to looking factory fresh again.
There are two different types of BMW windshield moulding that we cover in this article: the aluminum "C channel" type that presses onto the edge of the windshield (commonly found on vehicles like the E60 5 series, E90 3 series, etc.) as well as the regular non "C channel" type (E63 6 series and others).
A rotting BMW windshield moulding sticks out like a sore thumb on our bimmers. For some strange reason, our eyes are drawn to a rotten windshield moulding like a fly to a rib roast. Forget about the dings and scratches all over our cars...the deteriorated windshield moulding causes us more gastric reflux than all of them put together.
Why? We are not sure if we know the answer to that. Perhaps because it is more directly in our line of sight than other repairs. The good news is a BMW windshield moulding replacement is very easy to do and will save you money by avoiding the dealership or repair shop.
A BMW windshield moulding helps keep water and debris from getting caught between your windshield and the body of your vehicle. If not replaced you could end up with a windshield leak which is a costly repair to a BMW. It also keeps air from penetrating the seal around your windshield which can also cause leaking and those irritating "whistling" sounds. If your BMW windshield moulding is starting to deteriorate, you should replace it right away to avoid more costly repairs down the line.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Section 1 - Replacing the Aluminum "C channel" BMW windshield moulding
The aluminum "C channel" type of moulding contains a metal track that slips over the edge of the windshield and has an adhesive back that seals it to the roof of the car. A common mistake made by most mechanics is that they remove the protective strip on the adhesive before installing the moulding. DO NOT remove the protective strip until after the moulding is installed; the protective strip actually helps the C channel slide into place on the windshield. It is very important that all of the old moulding's adhesive is removed to ensure a tight seal.- Use a plastic trim removal tool to pry one side of the old windshield moulding up. Grasp the moulding a pull it free from the vehicle.
- Use a plastic scraper to remove all of the old rubber stuck to the roof of the car. Also thoroughly scrape out the track and the edge of the windshield. You do not want any of the old rubber remaining in (or on) the vehicle.
- Use a vacuum to thoroughly clean the space between the windshield and the roof of the vehicle.
- Spray the old adhesive stuck to the roof of the car with 3M Adhesive Remover. Use a plastic scraper to thoroughly remove all of the remaining old rubber and adhesive.
- Soak a clean rag in 3M Adhesive Remover. Thoroughly wipe down the top of the windshield and the edge of the roof. You want every last bit of adhesive removed so the moulding seals correctly.
- As discussed above, you do not want to remove the protective strip on the moulding adhesive until after it is installed.
- Start on one side of the vehicle. Slide the metal channel onto the edge of the windshield. Continue to slide the edge of the moulding until it is tight against the side trim.
- Move to the other side of the vehicle and repeat the above step.
- Using a plastic trim tool, slowly make your way from one side of the vehicle to the other, pressing the metal channel onto the windshield.
- When the moulding is properly installed, grab one side of the adhesive's protective strip and pull it free from the moulding.
- Use your hands to firmly smooth the moulding out on the roof. The adhesive will create a tight seal once it sets up on the roof of the vehicle.
Section 2 - Replacing the non "C channel" Type of BMW Windshield Moulding
The second type of moulding used on BMW windshields does not contain an aluminum track. It is simply a piece of rubber that is pressed into the space between the windshield and the roof of the vehicle.- Use a plastic trim removal tool to extract the dry rotted windshield moulding. Use your fingers as much as possible to try and get it out in large pieces.
- Use a Wet-Vac or portable vacuum cleaner and thoroughly clean up any small pieces of dry rotted moulding that remain. You must remove all of the old moulding so new moulding seals correctly.
- ***DO NOT use any type of glue or adhesive when installing your new BMW windshield moulding. It will only cause a mess and is not needed.
- Install the new moulding starting at one of the corners of the windshield. Move slowly as you press the rubber moulding into the channel.
- Gently pounding the moulding with a closed fist helps set the moulding into the channel.
- Using a plastic trim tool like shown below will also help set the BMW windshield moulding into the channel.
Section 3 - Final Notes
The trick behind getting the moulding into the channel properly is patience. Try different techniques, whether light fist pounding or using a plastic trim tool, to get the moulding to seat against the windshield and create a nice air/water-tight seal. DO NOT use any type of adhesives or glues...they are not necessary and will only create a mess. If you have any issues or just need a word of inspiration, please don't hesitate to contact us at customersupport@bmwrepairguide.com. We will get back to you right away.
BMW Windshield Moulding Replacement FINISHED
