How to replace the rear fixed side window outer frame???
 

Hello all......A recent hail storm took off most of my sun dried and crumbly rubber around my rear door fixed window frame. I looked up the frame on ECSTuning.com and it looks to just have some clips that pop in to place. But I'm not sure. How would I go about first removing the outer piano black trim pieces and then the frame with rubber covering? I'm not wanting to break anything or remove the window at all.

Thanks


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Can you be more specific as to which trim you are trying to remove?

If you are referring to the exterior trim (can be flat black, chrome, gloss black, or titan, depending on options), it is pretty involved. Having gloss black trim (aka. glanschwarz), chrome or titan makes it easier since those styles are less bendable than the flat black.

First, plan ahead. Many clips are probably going to break since they get old, and brittle. I would recommend ordering 51327041450, 51327004697, 51327004698 at minimum.

Buy some plastic non-marring pry tools. You will need them.

The black interior window frame must be removed to safely remove the rubber window channel. On the rear doors, the door panel can remain on the vehicle. If you have sunshades, the rear "sailboat" shade must be removed. Then pry the inner frame from the door. Lower the window completely. Then, remove the rubber window channel seal from the top section of the door and the sides, but do not remove it completely from the door. Allow the window to remain in the rubber channel.

Now that the window seal is removed, you can now remove the screws holding the trim to the door from the window channel.

Start by carefully prying up number 2. Work slowly and be careful not to bend or break the trim.

http://i.imgur.com/SjGeTqY.png

Next comes numbers 11 and 15. Number 11 is held by screws in the channel, and 15 is held by friction.

Number 22 is also held on by screws. Carefully remove it and be careful to not let it fall inside the door!

Finally, remove number 1 last. It is held on by metal clips which are pretty resilient. Use a small screw driver to unhook the clips. Use caution at the ends. There are friction clips. Installation is reverse of removal. Spray the rubber channel with soapy water to aid with installation.

http://i.imgur.com/yD60bKB.png

Did you ever get that trim piece replaced? I have to replace one of mine and could use some guidance.

I need to do this as well, my seal is breaking off in chunks. I'm tempted to buy #21 and trim off the forward piece of the seal and them insert it with the window trim in-situ.

I was thinking the same thing. According to TIS, the entire window has to be removed.

No I'm gonna take it to a dealer to make sure I don't bite off more than I can chew. When I talked to them they said it had to be when their glass guy was in. Don't want to break it or damage other stuff guessing how to get it out. Bought the parts online at ECSTuning.com.

Yup just noticed this on mine too the rubber trim on part 21 just crumbling away, if left as is will it leak inside? worse case i get a black silicon or rubber compound and try do a tidy a job as possible rather than mess a about with replacing /taking out window

I’ve got the same job to do. 21 on both sides has deteriorated with large chunks missing. I have had the new pieces in my shop for a year, but have always found a reason to put this job off. I read something about it at some point that lead me to believe the window didn’t need to come out.

On my extended list for my x5 is a paint job, maybe, so I’m stalling until I decide for or against that work.

If it doesn't leak I am not touching, worse case i get some rubber seal of similar profile that is for aluminium doors /windows that are common here and just stick it on purely for cosmetic reasons.....it is just nuts at how the sun out here destroys everything nearly