51 31 021 Removing And Installing / Replacing Rubber Frame For Windscreen (Top)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW Alpina and 2007 BMW Alpina. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove both trim strips on roof frame . See 51 13 280 REMOVING AND INSTALLING TRIM STRIP ON ROOF FRAME AT LEFT OR RIGHT .

IMPORTANT: Rubber frame (1) features an aluminum section inlay (2).
If necessary, detach adhesive tape (8) between rubber frame (1) and roof outer skin.
Remove the 4 fitted spacer buffers (7).
Carefully wind out rubber frame (1) (windscreen breakage).

NOTE: Tear-off lip (5) may be stuck to adhesive (4).
When rubber frame (1) is removed, tear-off lip (5) can tear off and remain in vehicle.

Fig 1: Identifying Frame And Spacer Buffers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

3 Windscreen

6 Bridge

Installation:

If necessary, remove adhesive residue from roof outer skin.

After installing rubber frame, fit 4 new spacer buffers (1)*:

Shape B** in mm, square 12.7 x 10 x 3.8h
150 mm and 450 mm on left/right from center

* Sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service

** Repair kit for windscreens

Fig 2: Identifying Spacer Buffers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation of rubber frame without removed windscreen:

There is no tear-off lip (3) in area (A) on left/right.

Detach tear-off lip (3) from rubber frame (1).

If adhesive leaks over tear-off lip (3), this area must be cut out partially.

To facilitate installation, coat rubber frame (1) and body cutout with water.

Install rubber frame (1).

If necessary, pull liner* off adhesive tape (5) and press rubber frame (1) down firmly on roof outer skin.

2 Aluminum strip

4 Butylene tape

* Liner is the protective film on adhesive tape (5).

Fig 3: Identifying Rubber Frame, Aluminum Strip And Adhesive Tape

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation of rubber frame with removed or new windscreen:

There is no tear-off lip (3) in area (A) on left/right.

Fit rubber frame (1) with tear-off lip (3).

After installing windscreen: If necessary, pull liner* off adhesive tape (5) and press rubber frame (1) down firmly on roof outer skin.

2 Aluminum strip

4 Butylene tape

Fig 4: Identifying Rubber Frame, Aluminum Strip And Adhesive Tape

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

* Liner is the protective film on adhesive tape (5).