Side Finisher Rubber Replacement and Rear Side Window Trim Replacement

[PSUEng]

I sent Matt an email. Tbd...

Here is one out of the wrap comparing to my original. The parts you seem to have might actually have a nicer finish than my Gen. parts (I had to polish them up to remove the mold marks); I'd pull that adhesive, clean them up and if they look good, run them. I have two sets of quarter glass seals (1 spare) from Matt and they were very good quality.

[Keith_MN]

I have the Genuine parts new in box (wrapper) and they don't have the tape on the outer surface.

I sent Matt an email. Tbd...

[sasha]

Subscribed!

[PSUEng]

Either I'm being dense or these are wrong. Can someone confirm? I couldn't find any other pics of these or issues with them.

Ordered these last year and prepping for install now. The tops of both of these weatherstrips have double sided tape on them. It's not just a protection film, it's double sided tape. From top to bottom on the pic: bottom of passenger side with 2 strips of tape (correct), top of driver side with one strip of tape (is this a QC error?), top of OEM driver side.

I have the Genuine parts new in box (wrapper) and they don't have the tape on the outer surface.

[Keith_MN]

Either I'm being dense or these are wrong. Can someone confirm? I couldn't find any other pics of these or issues with them.

Ordered these last year and prepping for install now. The tops of both of these weatherstrips have double sided tape on them. It's not just a protection film, it's double sided tape. From top to bottom on the pic: bottom of passenger side with 2 strips of tape (correct), top of driver side with one strip of tape (is this a QC error?), top of OEM driver side.

[Bebop]

Update for those looking for decently priced matte rear window gaskets. Bimmerworld has both sides in stock.

Part # 51368194741 for $83.40

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Body-Aero/Stock-Trim-Accessories/Rear-Vent-Window-Gasket-Left-E46-Coupe-BMW-51368194741.html

Part # 51368194742 for $75.35
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Body-Aer...368194742.html

I just bought the right side from FCP.
Left side is NLA.
If someone has a link for one in stock somewhere or has a spare they want to parts with... please let me know.

[kenster]

you're missing the bottom trim which acts as sort of a guide to proper placement. just look at the passenger side and you'll know what I'm talking about. but yes, you should hand tighten the two bolts. best to have someone help hold so you can adjust properly.

Thanks for the help! I removed the bottom trim with intentions to replace it during this project. Hmm, I've tried installing it with the lower strip and without the strip and it doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of how the rear window shuts (both methods seem to fold the trim inwards). When I initially had the bottom trim in place, the window wouldn't shut well enough to seal and I could see light shining though from the cabin, however without the strip it seems to close a bit more, but I can hear the motor struggling to get it sealed lol, so there seems to continue to be clearance issues, I'm just not sure where else to shave down the rubber or the bracket.

All the help is appreciated.

[I M Legend]

Seeking guidance: I tried tackling this earlier today and I decided to go the route of drilling out the rivet, however when I reinstalled everything, the rear window doesn't seal completely and it folds the rubber inwards by the curve at the rear. People mentioned they were able to keep the 2 bolts of the rear window loose while holding it forwards (towards the front of the car), before tightening, while this did help a bit, I was still having the same issue. Any tips would be appreciated.

you're missing the bottom trim which acts as sort of a guide to proper placement. just look at the passenger side and you'll know what I'm talking about. but yes, you should hand tighten the two bolts. best to have someone help hold so you can adjust properly.

[kenster]

Seeking guidance: I tried tackling this earlier today and I decided to go the route of drilling out the rivet, however when I reinstalled everything, the rear window doesn't seal completely and it folds the rubber inwards by the curve at the rear. People mentioned they were able to keep the 2 bolts of the rear window loose while holding it forwards (towards the front of the car), before tightening, while this did help a bit, I was still having the same issue. Any tips would be appreciated.

[bimmerfan08]

But did you 303 it after every wash?

Nope! Washed and sent it.

[bimmerfan08]

New seals arrived today. Look good upon initial inspection. Took 2 days to arrive from ECS.

[Tbonem3]

But did you 303 it after every wash?

[bimmerfan08]

For those cars that are not seeing the miles and are not being parked outside, I would expect those seals to last a good 20 years. Not really worth keeping a bunch of extras around. Some parts will start to disintegrate in their original packaging lol

My M3's original window seals started deteriorating ~1 year ago. BD of 11/2001. Car has been garaged the entire time I've owned it (08/2010 purchase).

[0-60motorsports]

Sometimes a little piece of fucking rubber saves you hundreds of thousands of $

Exactly! LOL

[Maxima SE]

Sometimes a little piece of fucking rubber saves you hundreds of thousands of $

lmfao !