Has anyone repaired their peeling windshield trim yet?

This is a really old thread.
One thing to look out for now that they're getting older with many having questionable history... If the windshield had been replaced previously, it will likely cause complications in replacing this trim.

It is standard practice by glass installers to install the trim around the windshield glass first, then install the windshield assembly over a bed of adhesive in the frame. There is almost always more adhesive applied than necessary, resulting in squeeze out. Incidentally, this squeeze out glues the trim to the body, and therein lies the issue for future servicing.

After that, removing the trim is difficult, and cleaning out the excess glue is required to create sufficient room for the new seal. Since there's not as much room as expected for the new seal to be seated into, you end up having problems getting the new trim seated flush all around. It is easy to break a windshield. Special non-metallic tools are required or you'll surely break the windshield.

Given the potential for these complications, we are constantly brow-beaten by customers who think 1-2 hours shop time is outrageous to R&R the trim. But yes, a professional shop is always advised especially if you think the windshield isn't original.

DrFerry wrote

I ran into some major difficulties doing mine. While trying to get one corner of the new trim metal slot to fit over the windshield edge, I cracked the windshield. My advice is to let a body shop Professional do the windshield trim replacement. Preferably someone with experience. It's not as simple as it sounds. Good luck to whoever finds this now or in the future.

This - I had a shop install my new trims because of my fear of installing incorrectly. Even with that, I still had to have the rear trim replaced because the first replacement piece cracked by the edge.

I actually did the rear window myself a while back and it was very easy.
A glued-in trim piece would definitely suck.

I bought both front and rear some time back that are sitting in the garage that I planned to swap out when I got a free morning. Just happened to see this thread; now you've got me wondering if I should attempt

roastbeef wrote

I actually did the rear window myself a while back and it was very easy.
A glued-in trim piece would definitely suck.

Not all of us are confident enough to drill speed holes in every possible location either, though, so this tracks

Did this when I bought mine, without even realizing people had problems with it. Was quite easy. Windshield wasn’t oem, at the time, and had no issues.

Hardest part was being patient with rear lower windshield piece and keeping that taped up until it properly sets.

My windshield trim was in such bad condition, it made the "crackling bacon" noise at speed and had chunks flying off. Pretty sure it was all original and 14 years old at the time.

Removing it was very easy with some plastic trim removal tools and nothing tricky about the install either. Took about 30 minutes including a not so great job at cleaning the old adhesive.

my dealer said the windshield has to be replaced in order to put on a new rubber trim. I think that's BS haha. mine is cracking in the front and rear. is this just a plug and play install? or is glue involved like some are saying?

Replaced mine - front and rear - a few weeks back. Just take your time.

spazzyfry123 wrote

Replaced mine - front and rear - a few weeks back. Just take your time.

Did you swear (cuss) at any time during the install? I did - a little. One corner of my front windshield had gobs of mastic and even after cleaning, the new rubber trim, and the molded in metal rail would not sit properly in place. I ended up cracking the corner of the windshield and then having the local Greenville BMW Dealership replace both... $$. Completing this DIY successfully is a matter of shear luck IMO. Kudos to you for doing it well.

I replaced my original glass rear trim years ago with no issue, but the front windshield had been replaced by the previous owner using an aftermarket glass and the installers had glued the trim to the glass, unfortunately or fortunately, the top of the windshield cracked when I tried to remove a snagged piece of the trim. I ended up replacing the front windshield with a new genuine BMW windshield and thanks to FCP Euro, I didn't have to pay for a 2nd front windshield trim.

sillym3 wrote

my dealer said the windshield has to be replaced in order to put on a new rubber trim. I think that's BS haha. mine is cracking in the front and rear. is this just a plug and play install? or is glue involved like some are saying?

Absolutely BS. The windshield trim is just for a finished look. The front does have sticky backing, which can make it slightly more difficult to get off. Buy some plastic trim tools and you'll be fine. The rear uses no glue at all, just friction.



PS. I spent a lot of time in Singapore (for work) before retiring last year. Great place!