51 31 200 Removing and installing/replacing rear window: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: The "INSTRUCTIONS ON WINDOW BONDING " serve as the basis for these repair instructions and must be observed without fail.
Cover front side panels with protective covers.
When reusing the rear window:
Avoid damaging lines for heated rear window/-aerial.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect the PLUG CONNECTION ON THE WAVE TRAP (left/right)
Remove ADDITIONAL BRAKE LIGHT
Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON AERIAL AMPLIFIER
Use adhesive tape to secure electrical cable to rear window
Remove TOP/SIDE RUBBER FRAME
Remove BOTTOM RUBBER FRAME

Tape off body aperture all round with fabric adhesive tape.

Attach a 24 mm U-shape blade (sourcing reference: BMW Parts Department) to tool.

Regrind blade with a grinding stone while machine is running (new blades also).

Carefully insert knife between body aperture and rear window.

Guide web of knife parallel to rear window.

Cut through adhesive bead as closely as possible to rear window.

Fig 1: Identifying Rain/Light Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Maintain the correct position and height of the adhesive bead in area (A) of the rear window (1) (reception interference on radio and, where fitted, TV).
Adhesive bead must never short circuit the heating (2) and aerial (3) conductor paths when pressed out.

Fig 2: Identifying Adhesive Bead Applying Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.