Who has changed the zip in window on their convertible top??

[reelizmpro]

A zip in window should be easier to change but has anyone here actually done it? is it straightforward? Cost of window? There's a guy online who says he uses better plastic than BMW and wants $139+13 shipping for his zip in window.

http://www.bmw-convertible-window.com/E30Zipper.asp

My window is pretty shot but the top is good. If it's not too much of a pain, I'd like to replace just the window.

[reelizmpro]

I think I'm going to try wet sanding tomorrow. Nothing to lose right?

[reelizmpro]

Bump. My window is pretty jacked. I will probably just replace it. When exactly did they start using zip in windows?

[vlad]

I have a zip window for sale for less than $139

[mikeedler]

the e30 only had the zip window the last 2 years or so.- not 100% sure on the dates though.
I have done a few e36s and a few Z3 windows-- they arent hard-- but you need 2 people and a whole bunch of patience.

[Hey-U]

My 92 318i has a zippered window. I am curious to know how you make out with the install. It's on my list to do this job at some point.

[monoblanco]

i replaced my non-zip window by myself.
i mounted it with safety pins, then started sewing it.
i got inside the car, pulled the needle in, got outside the car pulled the needle out.
it took me about 3 days.
it sucked.
my fingers were jacked.

[N2MYE30]

I would like to see a writeup on this.

[mikeedler]

there really is nothing to write up. at the center bottom part of the window- there is a clip you need to pull off- its 4 teeth that go throught the material and then are bent to lock on to the back side of it..
open the roof a bit to take the tension off- and procceed to pull the old window out by pushing on it.
put in the new one from the inside with help of someone holding it from the outside. the zipper puller comes with teh new window. once its in replace the 4 toothed stay in place thinggy. then tuck the cloth back into the plastic outer lip.

[reelizmpro]

there really is nothing to write up. at the center bottom part of the window- there is a clip you need to pull off- its 4 teeth that go throught the material and then are bent to lock on to the back side of it..
open the roof a bit to take the tension off- and procceed to pull the old window out by pushing on it.
put in the new one from the inside with help of someone holding it from the outside. the zipper puller comes with teh new window. once its in replace the 4 toothed stay in place thinggy. then tuck the cloth back into the plastic outer lip.

Good write up Mike. =] Yeah I think I will tackle this next.

[reelizmpro]

UPDATE:

I ordered the zippered window from emiata for $153 shipped. It's supposed to be higher grade plastic than OEM and should last longer. With the help of 2 friends we got it changed out in 30 minutes. Unzipping the window is easy, just pry the clips off and undo the zip. The window comes right out. Installing the new one is tricky. You have to center it well before you start zipping it in. We were lucky and got it on the first try just by eyeballing it. Then use the supplied needle/thread to sew the zipper ends together to keep them from splitting down at the center of the bottom. Tuck the new canvas around the window into the top. Then use the supplied contact cement to glue the window canvas to the top. I tried to reinstall the window piping trim but it's dried up and won't stay on so I left it off. I tried to find a PN for it on real OEM but no luck. Anyone have any info on this?

On to the pics.

Before: Cloudy, brown and pitted.



Now:





I can finally see behind me.

[N2MYE30]

too bad mine is all one piece.

[reelizmpro]

Are you sure? Looks like you have a late model vert. Should have a zip in window as far as I know.

[N2MYE30]

I dont think its the original and I have checked for the zipper...several times. :) My plastic is far better than the average so im thankful for that. Killer MT2 cabrio you got there.

[e30rapidic]

can you buy a smoked - or tinted - back window?