Removal of window glass

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW Z4, 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW Z4, and 2009 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: As of E63 and E87 it will only be possible to remove the rear window with the "ROLL OUT 2000 ".

Cover side walls, roof-mounted aerial and if necessary interior equipment with protective covers.

Tape off body with fabric adhesive tape (e.g. Tesa) in those areas where the oscillating blade could damage the window glass or the paint.

When using the cutting wire, pull the cutting wire ends through special tool 51 3 270, bend and tape off with fabric adhesive tape (e.g. Tesa) (risk of injury and damage).

When removing the window glass:

Wear safety goggles and protective gloves.

Cut through adhesive bead of window glass:

With "ROLL OUT 2000 " * (wire cutting system); no paint is damaged here in the case of narrow gaps
with special cutter* and oscillating knife*

*Sourcing reference: BMW Workshop Equipment and Planning Documentation

Prior to each use, regrind the knife with a grindstone while the machine is running (new knives also).

Avoid paintwork damage on body aperture.

Guide knife carefully between body and window glass.

Run blade of knife parallel to window glass.

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

To remove residual adhesive bead in body aperture (and on window glass if reusing):

Use a scalpel for heavy-duty applications
Cut off adhesive residue to a thickness of approx. 0.5 mm
Remove residual adhesive bead only briefly before bonding