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Home >> BMW >> 2024 >> M3 Base, Standard Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Mirrors >> Body Equipment -- Repair (1 Of 2) -- M3 (G80) >> 51 31 Windshield, Rear Window >> Removing windows with a "Spider" (M3 base, M3 Competition, M3 Competition M xDrive, M3 CS)

Removing windows with a "Spider" (M3 base, M3 Competition, M3 Competition M xDrive, M3 CS)

Windshield removal system "Spider" 

G14906756Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Accessories required for operation (not included): 

Cordless screwdriver/drill with at least a 10.8 V Li-ion battery or a 18 V Ni-Cd battery and variable speed

NOTE: Always use a low gear setting
NOTE: Damage as well as ergonomic and health-endangering harm are minimized with the "Spider" disassembly system
WARNING: Follow SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS . Refer to for working on vehicles with airbag systems (risk of injury)

Attention! 

Handle sharp-edged tools with care (risk of damage to the head airbag and the window glass)

Attention! 

Always keep both suction cups dry and clean to ensure optimum adhesion on the windshield

Suction cup may not be applied at the damaged point (crack in window glass)

The bearing bushes of the shaft (spindle) must always be lubricated

Always wear safety goggles and protective gloves for your own safety

NOTE: The training video schematically shows the method for removing the windshield

The training video is not a replacement for the repair instructions

The training video is not subject to the update service

The procedure for disassembly of the windshield is described below as an example

Deviations in the work procedure can be found in the vehicle-specific repair instructions

General 

A cord approx. 6.8 m long is used to cut through the adhesive bead

The cord length to be used is identified by a short red mark (A) approx. 5 cm

The part of the cord laid outside around the window glass (approx. 5 m) is identified with a long red mark (B) (approx. 18 cm)

The marks are applied so that the cord has to be pulled from the inside to the outside

G09850980Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Preparation 

G09839314Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If required, unwind cord from roller (1) up to the second red mark (approx. 5 cm long) and cut off

Make sure the cord lies below the window glass at all four corners

Check that the cord is not caught on clamps or body

Secure window glass on outside with adhesive tape against sliding

Feeding in the cord on the separation device 

G09850982Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Normally, the adhesive bead is cut through counter-clockwise seen from the passenger compartment 

Cutting out procedure 

G09850983Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Optimum cutting is guaranteed when the cord is at an acute angle to the adhesive bead. There is a risk of the cord ripping if the angle is too obtuse

The separation device must be positioned correspondingly to achieve the appropriate angle 

  1. Fix separation device (1) on window glass at bottom right
  2. Depending on accessibility, attach bit holder (2) or angle gear (3) to cordless screwdriver (4)
  3. Place cordless screwdriver (4) on separation device (1) and start winding cord, observe direction of rotation on separation device

If required, over trim panel components with plastic protection

Guide cord with plastic protection around sharp-edged positions

Cut through adhesive bead up to bottom area of A-pillar

Turn back cordless screwdriver (4) approx. 2 rotations and remove

Cutting out procedure 

G09850984Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  1. Discharge vacuum on windshield removal tool (1) by pressing the lug. Remove windshield removal tool (1) from window glass
  2. Reset removal tool (1) as illustrated and wind up cord up to the position of windshield removal tool (1)
  3. Repeat further resetting, work sequence as given at B
  4. Repeat further resetting, work sequence as given at B

Additional resetting may be required for very curved window glass

It is possible to reuse the cord. When a cord is used many times the risk of ripping increases

Dirt contamination must be avoided when a cord is reused