How to Replace your Rear Plastic Window on any BMW Z3

Despite the fact that the rear window is hold into place just by a zipper, things are a bit tricky to change it, at least in my case, where I had some extra challenges to overcome.
Z3 Replacement rear plastic window: ebay.to/2RdxBqI
*Heavy duty string: amzn.to/2uTFB95
*Multitool Gerber M600: amzn.to/3afpnaf

[@VOGTLANDOUTDOORS]

NICELY DONE - thanks very much for this video ! I just bought an old 1998 z3 that NOONE wanted to buy because of this one single flaw - the rear window vinyl had literally cracked in 8 different lines across the entire window- just like you explained happens after 15+ years ! Now I'm looking forward to fixing this window even by this coming weekend - ALL THANKS TO YOU ! -Mark in North Aurora IL (USA)

[@alexandmachines]

Glad to hear that Mark and thank you! Hope it goes well. 👍

[@blakewilliams356]

Great video! I used the same kit. It is a huge help having someone hold the window. Take your time with the glue and it’s not bad.

[@alexandmachines]

Thank you Blake! 👍 Oh yes, most definitely. 🤗

[@TheNoobComment]

Shouldve used black thread to sew it back together?

[@alexandmachines]

Yeah, I couldn't find a black sailing thread in the timframe I need it.

[@giorgbianchi2479]

hi .thank you for your video, i need to change the rear window on my z3 1.8: I can no longer insert the fabric in a lower corner of the gasket (original rear window) so I am interested in the model you proposed in the video. I think that with the double fabric covering the zipper it protects from the infiltration of rain. write me the exact name and brand of your rear window. how do you feel with it? thank you Giorgio

[@blakewilliams356]

www.ebay.com/itm/333468522376

[@Coach_alexander]

Bro can you please name the glue you use? I need to repair my right side of the plastic window

[@alexandmachines]

Sure man. It was an all purpouse glue from UHU. 👍

[@bilal.107]

what size zippers are these ?

[@alexandmachines]

Good question. How can I find out? Measure them or do they have a nr. on them or something?

[@ragazzi25]

Tip: do this on a warm day or use a hairdryer to make the plastic more pliable...

[@abdelazizbouhdide7055]

Salut ami can you tell how to change the zipper or whear did you bye your window from Thank you

[@alexandmachines]

Hi there. I bought the window and zipper which comes as a unit from ebay. I out a link in the description but I don't know if thar seller still has them in stock.

[@alepepperoni2563]

Thanks for the video. The item is no longer available through the link, anyone know where I can get a replacement for cheap?

[@alexandmachines]

Thank you! I will have a look, see if I can find another seller.

[@alepepperoni2563]

@@alexandmachines i found a complete soft top with the rear plastic window for 189$ on ebay. Might just replace it and get a tan top instead of the black.

[@alexandmachines]

That's even better then for that price 👍 Let me know how it goes.

[@SPIDERKING777]

The link for the window on eBay no longer exists

[@alexandmachines]

Thanks for the heads up. Will see if I can find another supplier.

[@Bimmersomi]

Doing this tomorrow. Thanks for the video, it’s straight forward and informative. Thank you

[@alexandmachines]

Thank you as well! Good luck and let me know how it goes.

[@sandymurphy5775]

Nice !! Thanks very much for posting this !!! I actually imported a whole new soft top complete on rails with electrics and mechanics included - before learning that the back window was zippered in - as my Z3's back window got slashed a couple of years ago and then it became worn/trashed over time (I know MG's !...I collect them.... NOT BMW's.... but I'm now becoming a fan !! ), I always thought that they should just zip out...(like all the other soft tops I've ever owned - and Fark Me - spending 2 grand to get everything and then youtube ing how to do it - educated me ! - For gods sake, here in NZ nobody knows,, even the BMW dealers (read sales support) - go.... "UMMMM we can do it but that'll cost 1000 euros, let me convert that into NZ $'s for you" .... ). I realized (after a bit of unpicking), that some previous owner of my Z3 had gone the extra mile and sewed the cloth hem down over the zip in the Interior as well. Absolute legend ! His mother must have been a leader in the boy scouts (or Hitler Jugend - that's a joke by the way) SO I shall do the same !

[@alexandmachines]

😆😆 I know what you mean man. Same here, it's very expensive anything like this. Hence why I took it into my own hands to do it. I had some quick experience in an other video, but here was a full endevour. But worth it 😁 Glad you found the info usefull and good luck. Keep me posted how it goes 👍👍 Ah and one year later no problems, no water infiltration nothing and where I live it's very windy and rainy in the winter times.

[@aqib2000]

It’s so difficult to stitch!!

[@alexandmachines]

It is .. took me days to finalize it.

[@aqib2000]

Alex and Machines btw why didn’t you mention this in the video I’m doing this entire thing again tomorrow since used the incorrect thread last time

[@alexandmachines]

@@aqib2000 Yeah my bad since it such a time consuming job I thought it would be obvious but yeah should have mentioned it. It took me longer since some days it rained had to postpone things etc but yeah it takes time all depends how much patience you have to focus and saw in a day. Good luck 👍

[@aqib2000]

Alex and Machines thanks it’s just a tedious slow job to do in the cold. Good demo video for those who have never done it before

[@alexandmachines]

Exactly. Same period I did it myself hence why it took longer than planned. Thank you and hope you can finish it in due time 🤗👍

[@berwhaletheavenger]

It's a bastard of a job. Top Tip: earn the money and pay a trimmer to do it.

[@alexandmachines]

True 😅

[@abdelazizbouhdide7055]

Check this out my frend 👍👍👍

[@armandoperezjr]

Krakohzia

[@alexandmachines]

?

[@armandoperezjr]

@@alexandmachines it’s a Tom hanks movie (The Terminal) I saw not too long ago. Just being random. And great video by the way.

[@alexandmachines]

I see 😁 Thank you!