Back Window Glass: Service and Repair

51 31 255 Removing And Installing/replacing Rear Window For Hard Top

Special tools required:
- 00 9 322
- 51 0 010
- 51 3 010

IMPORTANT:
- Instructions for window cementing are an essential part of these repair instructions and must be followed without fail.
- When reusing the rear window:
- Avoid damaging lines for rear window heating/antenna.

NOTE: Removal is performed with Roll Out 2000. Only use an oscillating blade when replacing the windscreen.

Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove hard top
- Remove moulded roofliner trim (C-pillar) on left/right
- Remove rear window frame panel
- Remove seal for hard top rear window







Disconnect plug connection (1) on left/right and secure line (2) with adhesive tape to rear window.







Push wire starter from Roll Out 2000 at line (1) through cement bead.







Replacement only:
Tape off hard top cutout all round with fabric adhesive tape.
Attach a 24 mm U-shape blade (sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service) to tool.
Regrind blade with a grinding stone while machine is running (new blades also).
Carefully insert knife blade between hard top cutout and rear window.
Guide web of knife parallel to rear window.
Cut through cement bead as closely as possible to rear window.

Overview of hard top rear window cementing (E46):







1 Glue bead
2 Ceramic layer
3 Primer coat
4 Application point of glue bead
5 Rubber frame

A 7 ± 1 mm (width of cement bead)
B 11(-2) mm (height of cement bead)
C 1.5 ± 0.5 mm (spacing from 1 to 5)
D 17 mm (width of primer trace)
E 0 mm (spacing from 3 to 5)
F 300 mm (spacing from 4 to 5)

Attach special tool 51 3 010 twice to tool trolley. Moisten suction surfaces and secure to rear window from outside.
If reusing removed rear window, remove residual adhesive down to 0.5 mm.
Install rubber frame (5).
Almost vertical part (B) of cement bead (1) must be facing window edge.
Spread adhesive bead with special tool 00 9 322.

NOTE: Adhesive area for plastic adhesive tapes (1) must grease and dust.







Carefully working on rear window with special tool
- position at top at distance (A) to hard top edge
- align sides evenly
- insert at bottom and press down
- if necessary, press rear window upwards and i dimension (A)
- secure in terms of height in this position at top plastic adhesive tape (1)
A = 5 ± 1 mm







Preload on top of windscreen to prevent wind noise:
Rear window (1) must be lower than hard top outer skin (2). This is the only way to prevent wind noises.
Position special tool 51 0010 in middle of vehicle depending on measurement (A) and check underprotrusion of rear window (1).

Rear window underprotrusion (A):
A = 3.0 ± 0.5 mm
X = Measurement stages 1... 4 mm