Windshield Gaskets - Interchangeable?

[dishwab]

Hey R3V, I noticed that there are two part numbers for the OEM front windshield gasket - 51311962985 and 51311972248

They are both for 09/87+ cars, and as far as I can tell the only difference is that the 51311962985 version is for cars with airbags. That, and it's $50 cheaper.

Is there any reason why my non-airbag 325i shouldn't use the cheaper version?

[dishwab]

Bump... anyone have any input for me on this?

[dishwab]

Bump... still wondering about this. Anybody have a reason the airbag one wouldn't work on a non airbag car?

[Das Delfin]

maybe the airbag one is designed to pop out from the force of the airbag deploying? so it doesn't impede the function of the airbag. If so, then I'd imagine the non-airbag seal to be more secure... but that's just a guess

[dishwab]

maybe the airbag one is designed to pop out from the force of the airbag deploying? so it doesn't impede the function of the airbag. If so, then I'd imagine the non-airbag seal to be more secure... but that's just a guess

Yeah I can't really think of anything else... the sheet metal is the same, the windshield PN are the same, and the dash PN are the same. Those are pretty much the only things the seal could interact with, right?

[agent]

This is the part number of the one I bought for Klaus after paint - I linked to ECS here since you did though I didn't buy it there.

51 31 1 913 887

It's an '87 with an 11/86 build date if that matters (I don't think it does).

[dishwab]

This is the part number of the one I bought for Klaus after paint - I linked to ECS here since you did though I didn't buy it there.

51 31 1 913 887

It's an '87 with an 11/86 build date if that matters (I don't think it does).

I think that is only for early models - different gaskets because you have the chrome strip molding where late models have all black molding

[agent]

As far as I'm aware the only difference in the moulding is the color, and they are interchangeable.

[jeffnhiscars]

As far as I'm aware the only difference in the moulding is the color, and they are interchangeable.

Having swapped a late lock strip to an early car I can confirm this is correct...and the early strip is plastic that hardens with age with a BS chrome finish that turns black. The late strip is epdm and will last forever....not to mention it looks better

[dishwab]

Thanks guys!