Windshield Locking Strip

[Sunnyledge]

I decided to replace the severely weathered front windshield locking strip on my 84 318i. I sourced a strip from an overseas vendor which arrived not in its original BMW packaging. As I was having a chip repaired on my windshield I asked the glass shop to install the strip. They were hesitant since the new strip seemed to be about 1/16” to 3/32” wider. The new strip has a flatter profile then the original strip which is rounder. I thought maybe I was sent a 5 series strip which is wider, so I ordered a new strip from a US source which arrived in factory packaging (51311884402) and it is identical to the other new strip. Is the original strip distorted/shrunk from 38 years of sun exposure? Are the new strips wider than the original? Any thoughts?

[e30m3s54turbo]

Part # 51311884401.

[e30m3s54turbo]

ECS Tuning sell it for $30.

[Sunnyledge]

What I referred to as the “locking strip” is listed on that parts site as the “decorative strip”. Many people refer to it as a lockstrip or locking strip.

[Vincenze]

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...ip-replacement

It seems to me that the lock strip tool has a rounded inner profile and should bend the sides of a locking strip a little bit.


I'm not a professional. I believe you press on both sides of the locking strip to bend it and insert it into the groove. Once inserted, the locking strip flattens and locks the seal.

[Sunnyledge]

Here is an image of the old and new trim strip.