Side Finisher Rubber Replacement and Rear Side Window Trim Replacement

[mugm3]

Just tackled the rear side window finishers today. Took about 4 hours total. What a pain in the arse. I used a heat gun and lots of adhesive remover along with a plastic scraper. Next up is tackling the side finishers.

[///Mac]

What have you guys found works best for removing the adhesive? Goo Gone does not seem to be cutting it.

Coincidentally I did the finisher seal repairs and horizontal seals last weekend without seeing this DIY. Wish I read this first as it would have eliminated some guesswork.

To remove the adhesive left by the horizontal trim I tried bug&tar remover, alcohol, Goof Off, and finally Wax & Grease Remover. The wax & grease remover was by far the most effective, but it still took several applications and passes with a plastic scraper to get it off. I also used a heat gun and that helped soften it up.

[mugm3]

Finished the side finisher pieces today. I am usually one to just go for the go fast goodies but going a different route with this car. I love how bmw has made it like legos and that you can rebuild the whole dang thing. The adhesive tape on these wasn't as bad to take off as the rear side window trim. I used a heat gun again and peeled off with my thumbs.

[Albino09]

Regarding the adhesive for the side trim: this came up in the previous version of this DIY on m3f.net. Someone in there suggested 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover and some plastic razor blades. The key is to begin scraping while the old adhesive is still wet with the remover. Within a couple seconds of soaking, it comes right up. Make sure you clean the area after you're finished in the case any remover may still remain on your paint.

[DiscoWagon]

Big thanks to this thread as well as the video references mentioned. Just tackled this last week, plastic razor blades definitely make the job so much easier. I used Adam's TAR to remove the adhesive which worked like a charm: https://adamspolishes.com/products/adams-tar

[Dafoe]

YES, I am JUST in the middle of planning this fix on my drivers side window. Thanks OP.

This should be added to the DIY thread, if not already.

Cheers everybody!

[andyitslit]

Did my driver side this past weekend with the Metro weatherstripping. I got a big kink but I'll go back in and stick some vacuum line in there.

I did this a long time ago on my old E46 and it turned out much better but no way I remember which weatherstripping I used. The metro one seemed too soft.

[SGM330]

Did my driver side this past weekend with the Metro weatherstripping. I got a big kink but I'll go back in and stick some vacuum line in there.

I did this a long time ago on my old E46 and it turned out much better but no way I remember which weatherstripping I used. The metro one seemed too soft.

I'm having the exact same issue with the Metro weatherstripping. Vacuum line didn't help. Any other weatherstripping that is recommended that can be ordered online?

[Inizes]

I used the 3M, bought it off eBay. See post 1 to see everything I’ve seen people say they have used.

[Cubieman]

Is buying the double sided sticky tape required for reassembly? I see the 3M product has is it and it is not used per the 1st video, but do you need it for the other OE piece to go back on correctly?

[Inizes]

Is buying the double sided sticky tape required for reassembly? I see the 3M product has is it and it is not used per the 1st video, but do you need it for the other OE piece to go back on correctly?

Not required to attach the frame to the body, screws do a great job already at that. I haven’t heard any kind of rattling or air noise for not running the tape between the frame and the body.

[Bostonbruck]

Is buying the double sided sticky tape required for reassembly? I see the 3M product has is it and it is not used per the 1st video, but do you need it for the other OE piece to go back on correctly?

I’m not using double sided tape. Not needed. I have the passenger side done, working on drivers now.

[mrgizmo04]

Is buying the double sided sticky tape required for reassembly? I see the 3M product has is it and it is not used per the 1st video, but do you need it for the other OE piece to go back on correctly?

Have you listened to the man in the YouTube video? He mentions double sided sticky tape like 50 times, so prob pretty important. Lol. Just kidding.

[Cubieman]

Have you listened to the man in the YouTube video? He mentions double sided sticky tape like 50 times, so prob pretty important. Lol. Just kidding.

I know, an hour after I watched it I keep thinking of........DOUBLE SIDED STICKY TAPE!!!

[911Fiddler]

Did the fix on the rear window...
Extra advice:
-put foam pipe insulation on the gutter strip after removal, so you don’t scratch it, it whips around all over the place as youre working on it
-use a heat gun to remove old adhesive tape, much faster
-figure out beforehand what pipe (~10mm) to put into the new tubing to stop it kinking and test this off line (needs to be soft and flexible)
-my rear window fixings broke upon disassembly, had to put in a temp fixing

Rant: when done, curse the designers for a poor quality, short life span part and wonder why the hell they think they can rob your wallet for the sake of 4 inches of rubber (they could have sold us the rubber insert on its own)