This web page helped me out tremendously!!!! A couple of things to add to help the next person: 1. You don't have to remove the exterior weather strip from the door. I was able to uninstall all the windows with only the interior weather strip removed.2. Make a note of where the bottom bolt is when you remove the front fixed window (Triangle window). The bottom bolt has about a 3/4 inch track that it can slide on, I assume this is so you can adjust the front window in and out in order to make a good seal with the gasket...My bolts were pretty much all the way in the forward position.3. When reinstalling the door panel, put the interior weather stripping on the door panel first and then install the stripping and door panel together...VERY EASY to install. I must of fought with the door panel for about 20 minutes trying to get it mounted onto the Z3 like the video said...I stepped back, thought about it for a little while, and then put the weather strip onto the panel...30 seconds later, I was screwing the star bolts into the door.
Many thanks for this great video. You can actually have access to the pivot clips (after having removed the window) through the lower part of the window, below the airbag. You can see that on one of the videos. You also do not need to remove the outer strip and you do not need to take off the airbag. All the rest is perfectly explained. If anyone wishes I can send a picture taken when I did the second door with the airbag and the outer strip still in place.
Great man! Maybe there is an other way, too. 1. To replace the 2 clips you only need to lower the window. There is a perfect opening where you can replace them by removing the 2 metal springs and push out the moving arms. BMW's repair set comes with some grease. Put a lot on the new clips (also in the middle hole) and replace the old ones. Also put some grease in the rails. Then push the moving arms in (the metal springs will make a "click" sound). Last but not least just use silicon spray for the window tracks from top and bottom. 2. Never ever push the door from top!!! The door is no scale! In worst case it will just bend or break! 3. The inner water protection (plastic) needs to stay intact. This small plastic will ensure that the car stays dry. Use a thin cord to cut the bitumen glue and/or hair dryer to heat it up. Important: If it isn't sticky any more you need to replace it. 4. Never open the 3 screws for the fixed window. You are not able to put the window back like it was before -> you would need to re calibrate both windows afterwards. 5. If you really decide to remove the top inner and outer rubber lips then ... when you reinstall them ... don't push on the door (did I say this already?). Just use some soapy water on the rubber to make it slippy. This will help a lot. Use the same trick for the inner door cover. Hope this helps :-)
I have a 1998 BMW Z3 with the same issues. I followed your 'shortcut' suggestions and it worked perfectly with a lot less work! My only issue was getting the driver's side left retainer clip off but with a slightly bent paint can opener (has a small hook on the end) I was able to reach it and then replace the two clips quite easily! Thanks man, you saved me a ton of time!
So I purchased the parts along with the door handle gasket kits..and after watching this VID I ran it over to a LITTLE local body shop... they disassembled and reassembled had it back by noon working great for $150.00 BOTH DOORS!! So no need for ridiculous shop rates (keep in mind pricing is seasonal) no rain or ice not to many accidents shops not busy..right? slow shop is cheaper price to keep guys busy..Let them know you're not in a hurry and willing to wait till they get slow..right?
THANKS FOR SHARING. I HAVE TO DO THIS SOON. These videos always shows me what a bad human kind i am. Always one bolt will drop, disappear in a ditch and I'll start swearing for dear life. I just can't help it. But I'll try next time to behave like a gentleman. (however I never managed, i'm an idiot)
Remove airbag quickly and easily: DISCLAIMER I am not a pro, do the following at your own risk, I am not liable to be sued by you or anyone else if you follow these instructions :You can remove the airbag safely and easily. Here's how : disconnect battery negative terminal in trunk, make sure end cannot spring back and touch battery. Take key out of ignition and press brake pedal for 10 seconds (to remove and residual current in capacitors). Slide the spring steel piece that is pressing on the back of the yellow connector from car to door airbag, just slide this out of the way. Carefully pull the airbag connector away from unit and go and put the airbag somewhere high up and cool away from children and pets where it cannot be knocked off a ledge or be interfered with. Keep away from electrical sources. You can now reconnect battery, insert key and move window up and down BUT YOUR AIRBAG LIGHT WILL BE TRIGGERED AND you may need to go to BMW or a BMW Independent or a well equipped local garage to have the light put out. Do your work then reconnect in reverse sequence. I do not know for sure if the airbag light will be triggered and/or go out itself because mine was on anyway for other reasons. Owner of this channel : delete if you wish. Thank you. For more about me at Ramlite see google images 'Ramlite' since my channel was banished by RUclips for showing unloaded guns on tabletops.
Hey, my window has been slow lately but only when going down. do you think this is the issue? thanks! I want to know so I don't order parts for different issue haha
@@gunnuubs5210 Great video, I'm having the same problem with my Z3 now. Ironically enough, it only started happening after I left it with a BMW mechanic.
This web page helped me out tremendously!!!! A couple of things to add to help the next person: 1. You don't have to remove the exterior weather strip from the door. I was able to uninstall all the windows with only the interior weather strip removed.2. Make a note of where the bottom bolt is when you remove the front fixed window (Triangle window). The bottom bolt has about a 3/4 inch track that it can slide on, I assume this is so you can adjust the front window in and out in order to make a good seal with the gasket...My bolts were pretty much all the way in the forward position.3. When reinstalling the door panel, put the interior weather stripping on the door panel first and then install the stripping and door panel together...VERY EASY to install. I must of fought with the door panel for about 20 minutes trying to get it mounted onto the Z3 like the video said...I stepped back, thought about it for a little while, and then put the weather strip onto the panel...30 seconds later, I was screwing the star bolts into the door.
Greetings from my 1997 BMW Z3 1.9L! My baby is 21 years old and needed this :) Thank you!
Many thanks for this great video. You can actually have access to the pivot clips (after having removed the window) through the lower part of the window, below the airbag. You can see that on one of the videos. You also do not need to remove the outer strip and you do not need to take off the airbag. All the rest is perfectly explained. If anyone wishes I can send a picture taken when I did the second door with the airbag and the outer strip still in place.
Great man!
Maybe there is an other way, too.
1. To replace the 2 clips you only need to lower the window. There is a perfect opening where you can replace them by removing the 2 metal springs and push out the moving arms. BMW's repair set comes with some grease. Put a lot on the new clips (also in the middle hole) and replace the old ones. Also put some grease in the rails. Then push the moving arms in (the metal springs will make a "click" sound).
Last but not least just use silicon spray for the window tracks from top and bottom.
2. Never ever push the door from top!!! The door is no scale! In worst case it will just bend or break!
3. The inner water protection (plastic) needs to stay intact. This small plastic will ensure that the car stays dry. Use a thin cord to cut the bitumen glue and/or hair dryer to heat it up. Important: If it isn't sticky any more you need to replace it.
4. Never open the 3 screws for the fixed window. You are not able to put the window back like it was before -> you would need to re calibrate both windows afterwards.
5. If you really decide to remove the top inner and outer rubber lips then ... when you reinstall them ... don't push on the door (did I say this already?). Just use some soapy water on the rubber to make it slippy. This will help a lot. Use the same trick for the inner door cover.
Hope this helps :-)
I have a 1998 BMW Z3 with the same issues. I followed your 'shortcut' suggestions and it worked perfectly with a lot less work! My only issue was getting the driver's side left retainer clip off but with a slightly bent paint can opener (has a small hook on the end) I was able to reach it and then replace the two clips quite easily! Thanks man, you saved me a ton of time!
So I purchased the parts along with the door handle gasket kits..and after watching this VID I ran it over to a LITTLE local body shop... they disassembled and reassembled had it back by noon working great for $150.00 BOTH DOORS!! So no need for ridiculous shop rates (keep in mind pricing is seasonal) no rain or ice not to many accidents shops not busy..right? slow shop is cheaper price to keep guys busy..Let them know you're not in a hurry and willing to wait till they get slow..right?
One of the best DIY videos I have watched, thanks.
THANKS FOR SHARING. I HAVE TO DO THIS SOON. These videos always shows me what a bad human kind i am. Always one bolt will drop, disappear in a ditch and I'll start swearing for dear life. I just can't help it. But I'll try next time to behave like a gentleman. (however I never managed, i'm an idiot)
Thanks for your time and the video, my window is now working again!
Thanks for your service to the community!
tnx for taking the time to share this mate!
excellent! thank you very much! I have been trying to diagnose this problem for a while!
Thank you for this video, it was very useful and I was able to fix my Z3 window.
Ahhh, how do you put the interior door piece back on?! I always have such trouble with it.
Very helpful!
Remove airbag quickly and easily: DISCLAIMER I am not a pro, do the following at your own risk, I am not liable to be sued by you or anyone else if you follow these instructions :You can remove the airbag safely and easily. Here's how : disconnect battery negative terminal in trunk, make sure end cannot spring back and touch battery. Take key out of ignition and press brake pedal for 10 seconds (to remove and residual current in capacitors). Slide the spring steel piece that is pressing on the back of the yellow connector from car to door airbag, just slide this out of the way. Carefully pull the airbag connector away from unit and go and put the airbag somewhere high up and cool away from children and pets where it cannot be knocked off a ledge or be interfered with. Keep away from electrical sources. You can now reconnect battery, insert key and move window up and down BUT YOUR AIRBAG LIGHT WILL BE TRIGGERED AND you may need to go to BMW or a BMW Independent or a well equipped local garage to have the light put out. Do your work then reconnect in reverse sequence. I do not know for sure if the airbag light will be triggered and/or go out itself because mine was on anyway for other reasons. Owner of this channel : delete if you wish. Thank you. For more about me at Ramlite see google images 'Ramlite' since my channel was banished by RUclips for showing unloaded guns on tabletops.
Do I need greasing new pivot clips?
Thanks for sharing.
is there some where i can get replacement airbag emblems? one of mine fell off and i lost it lol
+Christian Arreguin
they are available many places on line- just pricey!
hmm just looked it up and its $4 USD for just one. not terribly expensive but i don't know if its a trust worthy online store.
Christian Arreguin $4? what site? that's cheap!!
www.turnermotorsport.com/p-9695-srs-airbag-door-emblem-black-left-e36-z3.aspx
here is the one i was looking at
Thank u very much!!!!!! U r awesome!!!!! :)
What tool did you use at first?
you just can just use a screwdriver. what i used was a tool for popping the door grommets off.
Hey, my window has been slow lately but only when going down. do you think this is the issue? thanks! I want to know so I don't order parts for different issue haha
the main problem was getting the windows to go down. sometimes i had to help with my hand.
@@gunnuubs5210 Great video, I'm having the same problem with my Z3 now. Ironically enough, it only started happening after I left it with a BMW mechanic.
Too much work, not to mention the small parts. I'll take this one to a BMW mechanic.
Thumbs down because you never showed just how to pop the clips out which is all I wanted to see.