DIY - Windshield Cowl Replacement (Sedan)

[m3f_das borgen]

See my post above. Those are prices from Tischer as of this month. You can do the entire thing for just over $30.

it s about the same price to do so for a coupe too..I replaced mine with a brand new one and it was so rewarding

[m3f_SS3/4/5]

And, if you're on the west coast, I'd recommend pelicanparts.com.

That's good knowledge!!! I just placed my first ever order from getbmwparts and shipping took like a week... during the holidays, but still.

[m3f_propchef]

Yep, about $30. And, if you're on the west coast, I'd recommend pelicanparts.com.

FYI: Pelican is $21 per side, Tischer is $15.46. I find, generally speaking, that Tischer usually has the better price on OEM parts. Of course, there are exceptions. The center caps for my DSIIs were cheaper @ Bimmerzone.



I've had good luck with both, and either ship promptly. It rarely takes more than 4 business days to get anything from Tischer even though I'm in NorCal.



As for the wavy edge I had as described above, a little heat from a hair dryer, a little pressure, and it now sits perfectly.



This DIY is so easy, even *I* can do it. lol

[m3f_jjscarf]

Thanks. nice clear guide

[m3f_sarends]

My daughter just did this "step by step" to her 97 M3 Sedan and it went without a hitch. I would only add that you should be sure to keep the little clips that hold the cowl pieces in as the parts from Pelican did not include enough clips to 100% replace them.



Great and easy update! Our cowl was brittle and breaking.

[m3f_matty.]

I just did this as its one of the easy low hanging fruit repairs that also makes a big impact. One thing I noticed is the cowl I ordered from ECS was MUCH better than the one I installed on my last sedan. I don't recall who I bought that cowl from as it was over 4 years ago but it had the wavy edge that pissed me off. I knew a heat gun would smooth it out but still. I now know all cowls are not created equal as this more recent OE one did not require any smoothing or heat gun..

[m3f_M3 Pete]

Part numbers for the sedan (at least for my 1997)



51711960843 Covering left

51711960844 Covering right



51718108613 Clamp (white clips on the back of the cowl)

51138124389 Grommet (black things the clips fit into)



51718151432 Lock - dark grey (round thing with the screwdriver hole in it)

51718151431 Lock - light grey (round thing with the screwdriver hole in it)

[m3f_usedunderwear]

I was trying to look up part #'s on Realoem (couldn't find it on there) but I came across this, very helpful. Going to order my windshield cowl replacements in a bit. Thank you!!