Z3 Rear Window
- Thread starter hard top
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bavarian323i
Newbie
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2023
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- 1
Nice
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2023
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- 49
Just (almost) finished the fitting; took 30 minutes so far. Getting the teeth on the zippers lined up is definitely cause for concentration as if you're too far out to one side or the other it won't fit. My best guestimate at centralisation seems to have worked ok. Lay the new window flat on the bootlid, and bend the inner zip outwards to get both lined up and started off, it's easier than working inside the car. Window in, zipped up all round and no creases.
NOW: next steps. The kit I bought has a needle and thread to sew the two sides of the zipper together at the join. I can't even see it now it's fitted so will have to explore later.
Previous posts here regarding the plastic trim, and my own head-scratching about refitting it, has been addressed. You don't refit it. The new window has a canvas 'lip' all the way round and this is glued all the way round with the hood edge, which was previously covered by the trim, underneath. This means the glue I had used previously to attempt to hold the trim on will now be hidden. The photo shows the window replaced and BEFORE this canvas overlap has been pulled out over, but I've tried a small piece and it looks tidy enough even without the original plastic trim. The trick will be to get it flat and even all the way round but I'd prefer any gap or bubble to the top to minimise water getting in, so will start at the bottom and work up each side.
It's amazing to have a rear window that you can see through, and no more huge splits!
NOW: next steps. The kit I bought has a needle and thread to sew the two sides of the zipper together at the join. I can't even see it now it's fitted so will have to explore later.
Previous posts here regarding the plastic trim, and my own head-scratching about refitting it, has been addressed. You don't refit it. The new window has a canvas 'lip' all the way round and this is glued all the way round with the hood edge, which was previously covered by the trim, underneath. This means the glue I had used previously to attempt to hold the trim on will now be hidden. The photo shows the window replaced and BEFORE this canvas overlap has been pulled out over, but I've tried a small piece and it looks tidy enough even without the original plastic trim. The trick will be to get it flat and even all the way round but I'd prefer any gap or bubble to the top to minimise water getting in, so will start at the bottom and work up each side.
It's amazing to have a rear window that you can see through, and no more huge splits!
I fought with an OEM replacement window for several weekends. I purchased an emiata as a backup if I couldn’t get the BMW one to work. I had to fill in the gaping hole. I finally got the BMW window to work to my expectations so I now have the emiata window. It had been two days beyond their return policy so I have it listed on eBay if anyone is interest…
BMW Z3 Replacement Zip-In Rear Window 1996-2002 New With Instructions | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BMW Z3 Replacement Zip-In Rear Window 1996-2002 New With Instructions at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2023
- Points
- 49
Well, job done. Looks better than I thought, and without taking the time for the glue to dry (glued in sections over 24 hours and allowed to dry before contact) it took about an hour. No wrinkles, no ripples, and sealed reasonably well - only the first heavy rain will confirm.
One small problem - it zipped in very well first time, and better the second time after very slight adjustment, but on applying the glue and pressing the overlapping canvas and hood material together I got a definite 'zzziiippppp' noise. Only light finger pressure but found that about 3 inches of zipper has come apart on the top edge. As I've stitched the joint, per instructions, and glued all round I can't remove it easily so will probably stitch it together from underneath. This means I can't check the lowering and raising again until it's stitched otherwise it could all unravel. Still, as it stands, a clear rear window again and the problem of the surrounding plastic trim has been nicely addressed.
One small problem - it zipped in very well first time, and better the second time after very slight adjustment, but on applying the glue and pressing the overlapping canvas and hood material together I got a definite 'zzziiippppp' noise. Only light finger pressure but found that about 3 inches of zipper has come apart on the top edge. As I've stitched the joint, per instructions, and glued all round I can't remove it easily so will probably stitch it together from underneath. This means I can't check the lowering and raising again until it's stitched otherwise it could all unravel. Still, as it stands, a clear rear window again and the problem of the surrounding plastic trim has been nicely addressed.
Take heart. I have seen many successful installations of the OEM and emiata windows. I’ve found that along with all of the tools and instructions, the most important thing to have is patience. Take your time and take a break if you get frustrated. I took a lot of breaks.
luis98bmwz3
Regular Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2025
- Points
- 13
My car's back window has a lot of rips that I’ve been patching up with tape just to avoid rain getting in . The window has double-stitch tracks all around it, so in order to replace the window with a zipper one, do I need to remove all the stitches and then stitch the new zipper one stitch by stitch? the other option is getting the whole thing brand new which comes with a zipper window easy to replace.
luis98bmwz3
Regular Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2025
- Points
- 13
will this process take like 2 or 3 weeks? there is a lot of stitches
- Joined
- May 9, 2022
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- 59
- Model of Z
- Z3 Roadster
I'm no expert, but my understanding is that the OEM top has the window zippered in. One side of the zipper is stitched to the top, the other to the window. There is a clip that holds the zipper closed at the start/end point.
OEM replacement windows will zip into place in an OEM top with the rubber seal that the fabric tucks under to finish the installation. Most use a few stitches to hold the zipper closed rather that install a new clip. eMiata makes an aftermarket window that zips in, but sealing flap has to be glued into place.
After market tops have the window stitched in. I don't think there's an easy path to replacing those windows short of removing the stitching and re-sewing in a new window (not sure a stitch in replacement exists). Those with more experience can chime in here.
If I had a stitched in window, I'd be strongly inclined to just replace the whole top. Not an easy task (nor cheap), but I'm guessing that would be easier than stitching in a new window into an existing top. Especially since I'd assume a top with a window needing replacement would likely have significant aging and wear.
chilipeppermaniac
Dedicated Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2018
- Points
- 34
This makes a lot of sense. I wrote to emiata about their zip in windows, and they told me for an extra $25 they can supply the other 1/2 of the zipper part for owners of tops that had windows that do not zip in. This zipper part then needs to be sewn in.
Awaiting their response and suggestions on if it is simple enough to sew in the zipper part that is NOT attached to the window, or if it is a better job to do this by removing the entire top. I know that both ways, are slow and tedious, and potentially back breaking if one must sew from inside the car facing rearward etc.
luis98bmwz3
Regular Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2025
- Points
- 13
Well then i guess i dont have the oem one. But its in perfect conditions only the windows is trash.
Butterthecow
Newbie
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2025
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- 1
Checking to see what you ended up doing? I'm in a similar situation - need a new window, top is in good condition but the zipper is not sewn in. Options include new soft top with good window, find a zipper and fight to sew it in, or purchase a hard top. Leaning toward a hard top