Re: E30: Removing Conv. Top Window (Zippered)

["Tarun - bmwmarketplace.com" <tarun@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jay,

You simply separate the old window from the top. At the bottom center, you
will find the an overlap where the current window starts and stops. They are
probably 2 metal clips. Remove them. Each clip has four pins, that are bent
to hold in place.  You will need to straighten the pins and it will allow
you to remove the clip.

The new BMW window comes with "handle" part of the zipper. Align the teeth
and zip away.  Getting it lined up can be a little tricky. Having a second
pair of hands really helps.  My wife and I replaced our window in about 30
minutes.

I don't know how feasible it is to remove the old window and then have the
plastic replaced.  The down side is the new window was a lot more than $65,
around $180 if I recall.  You may be able to find the right sized handle at
a fabric store. If so just be sure to keep the metal clips as they are
required to keep the zipper from separating.  New windows come with new
clips.

HTH,

t.
91 M3 2.5 koalapower
92 325ic M-Tech
95 318ti clubsport

> Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 16:28:07 -0800 (PST)
> From: Jay Karolyi <karolyi74@domain.elided>
> Subject: E30: Removing Conv. Top Window (Zippered)
>
> Hi All,
>
> My 1988 325i Convertible still has the original top (I
> believe).  While the soft sailcloth is in excellent
> shape (always garaged), the plastic back window is
> very cloudy and has some minor scratches from years of
> use.  The polishes I've tried don't have any effect
> anymore.
>
> A local convertible top shop will replace the plastic
> for $65 if I can remove and replace it.  I thought it
> would be easy since there's a zipper around the whole
> thing, but theres no handle to pull to unzip it!  It
> meets at the bottom at a small metal covering.
>
> The top shop guy said that BMW probably makes a
> special tool for removing the window.  Have any of you
> attempted this job?  What do I need to do it?
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
> Jay Karolyi
> '88 325iC 5-speed Royal Blue
> ex: '71 2002 4 speed Steel Blue,'87 325is 5-speed
> Black, 1985 528e auto Metallic Black.
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> End of bmw-digest V9 #2314
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