BMW E39 Rear Quarter Window Seal DIY

This video demonstrates how to de-trim the rear doors to gain access to the rear door quarter seal seals/gaskets.
Left seal: 51348186183 tinyurl.com/m4eaj2h7
Right seal: 51348186184 tinyurl.com/yc4sst9f
Door panel clips: 51411973500 tinyurl.com/3ux3ckzx
E39Source website: www.e39source.com
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[@patrickamato9743]

Thanks for continuing the great e39 content! I wish I lived closer. I would vote for the spoiler removal. It doesn’t look bad I just love the clean, stock look.

[@andrewachholz7922]

Your dedication to these very special generation of BMWs is admirable. Keep It up.

[@pradze8126]

Great video again! Just remembered my 97 540i needs those replaced… Now I know how!! Thanks again Ryan!

[@user-dq1kr6zc2t]

I had a original 2002 E39 540i in Sterling Grey Metallic just the same here. What a vehicle. The M62 motor was such a well made engine. Loved the driving experience. I like how you replaced the headlamps with the euro-spec. I'd remove the spoiler and keep it original! Just as it came off the line. Thanks for the update video.

[@harrytomlucy]

Perfectly describes the process thank you very much as I have a feeling this needs doing on mine.

[@thenerfherder9586]

I’d love to see a video on replacing the windshield weatherstrip. I made the mistake of buying a cheap one on Amazon that arrived bent into a circle and never straightened right, so I’d love a video for when I buy a genuine BMW one and replace it again so I can know what I’m doing

[@NoNamesAvailable81]

Thanks! I'd guess my wagon is similar but a little different. Also have the rear window seal cracked a bit... kind of adds character :D Main problem I have now is I *think* I have a rattling cat in my 02 525it. I let it warm up for 20 seconds and it goes away until the next cold start. Seems like it might be a pricey fix, especially in California...

[@E39Source]

We just replaced a cat that was rattling in a 2002 525i sedan. The labor is brutal, be ready to spend at least 5 hours changing it. We went with a factory replacement, so it was a several thousand dollar job.

[@NoNamesAvailable81]

@@E39Source Owned the car for almost 20 years and love it, but it might be time to unload it to someone out of state or who wants to hot rod it anyways. No light yet... Just not right on cold starts...

[@asmircar1]

Hey Ryan, ❤ ur videos, been watching for years. I want to know about 6 cylinder e39 steering rack, why is it so hard and feels so good ? I dont want any other car, just becouse of that.

[@gustavcarlsen8071]

Please delete the trunk lip/spolier. If you decide to keep it, then remember to slap a fake M-badge somewhere around it to complete the look ;)

[@blancA4blanc]

Quick question - Since all we're trying to resolve here is wind noise due to a deteriorating rubber seal, why cant we just scrap off the breaking down rubber seal and use some sort of black color vehicle-grade silicon / caulk to replace this rubber seal? i know it's not stock, but can save a ton of work

[@E39Source]

That could definitely save a lot of effort, and I've seen it done before. But it's a 1/2 you-know-what solution to the problem; seal replacement is the proper factory solution. The primary concerns of a deteriorated seal are only cosmetic appearance and maybe some wind noise, so I figure folks who are concerned about this may be willing to put in the time to fix it right.

[@mule666]

Caulk can also deteriorate fast..ever try to remove caulk? Better keep it original

[@blancA4blanc]

@@mule666 I would assume car industry would have a proper caulk/ silicon that can withstand time and elements, wasn't talking about a 4$ tube from HD, but my bigger point is that in order to solve this specific functional problem (possible wind noise) it may be an easier and more applicable solution. coming from an engineering background, you always consider the possible risk vs. possible gain from something. Here, the procedure is so involving and so risky to so many parts (just imagine bending the inner / outer window trim pieces, not to talk about the brittle rear shades) for a gain that is questionable. i agree that for a 100% factory solution, this would be the way to go, but - 1. Would you even consider paying more for a car that has that addresses (vs a car that have its TCG and RB done, for instance?) 2. Would the gain (less wind noise) be worth the risk of hunting new window trim pieces? and to clarify - by any means, this has no intention to put Ryan's guides in any bad light. this whole discussion is thank to this wonderful how-to guides that E39Source are producing.

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

Can you buy just the seal? Or do you have to buy the quarter glass to get the new seal?

[@E39Source]

The parts/links in the description are just for the seal; the glass does not need to be replaced.

[@devinsimpson1309]

What should I expect to pay for the glass guy to replace this seal?

[@E39Source]

Somewhere around $200 per side.