Windshield Problem...
 

It happens in Carwash drive inn...:stickpoke

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7957/img0016yhu.jpg

Has anyone did DYI changing the top rubber on x5 windshield.

What part number is that?;)

appreciate guys....

you need part # 51317182004. it's a common problem. bmw will tell you to replace the whole windshield in order to replace that rubber moulding. I replaced the moulding myself last year.

I uploaded some pictures showing following stages - original condition, removal in progress, post removal, and all cleaned and ready for install.

what type of adhesive did you use on the new piece? I'm glad I read this. I was ready to take it to the dealer for an estimate..

If the windshield is OEM and has never been changed, it is decently easy to replace the seal, and no sealant is needed as it has a small strip of adhesive built into it. The only time I had trouble changing one is when the windshield had already been replaced and the seal was held by the urethane.

Fantastic! Thanks for the info. I will order one tomorrow. OEM 51317182004 is that right?

Would this be why my windshield rattles in it's mount and water leaks into my cabin? I may have to give this a shot.

FLM you shouldn't have to worry much about fixing things, you are in engineer central over there in OP. :D

No no no... the windshield should be solid mounted with a continuous bead of urethane which dries to be as solid as a motor mount or bushing, and it should be completely 100% sealed. If you had the windshield replaced recently you need to bring it back and have it re-done And if the carpets got wet you need to have that taken care of by the dealer and bring the windshield place a bill.

In that case, is this rubber seal mostly for cosmetic reason only? I just noticed some tears in mine while washing it yesterday (see attached picture).
It appears to be a 2-piece construction: One small piece folded over and a 2nd larger flat piece. I'm not so worried about the larger cracked flat piece as much as the smaller folder over piece that appears to have chunks missing.

Is this a common thing on BMWs?

It's a common thing on any car that uses rubber gaskets on the windshield edges. I've had good luck replacing that gasket on most BMW models including the X5 with the windshield intact and installed. But that should only be done by experienced windshield guys as you could easily break the windshield and/or mess up the new gasket.

Thanks for the input. There's currently no leaks, so I might hold off in having it replaced (I might just buy the gasket and have a windshield shop install it).

It's weird that I've never had this issue in all of my previous cars and some of those cars were street parked 24/7. This is the first that I've seen on the X and it's been garage kept all of its life.