Body - Convertible Side Window Creaking/Popping
GROUP 51Special Roofs
51 01 02
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Service Engineering
April, 2002
SUBJECT
Noise From Convertible Side Windows
MODEL
E46 Convertible
SITUATION
Some owners of E46 convertibles built prior to 10/01 may complain of a creaking or popping noise from the side windows when driving on rough roads or when the body flexes, such as when entering a driveway at an angle.
CAUSE
This noise can be caused by movement between the side windows and the seal on the convertible top.
CORRECTION
The side windows have been treated with an anti-friction coating as of 10/01 production to reduce the stick/slip effect that causes the noise.
In case of customer complaint, a procedure to treat the windows of earlier production cars has been developed.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
83 19 9 415 467 Aquapel
Windscreen 1
Coating Kit
PROCEDURE
A prerequisite for this repair is that the top seal is clean and free of contaminants and that the side windows are properly adjusted, per section 51 32 154 of the Repair Manual. Also, if a window tint film has been applied to the glass in the area of contact to the top seal, this procedure may not be effective.
Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the side windows at the top edge where the glass contacts the seal (1) with Meguiars # 7 Show Car Glaze, to remove any grease or silicone residues on the glass. Remove all polish residue with a clean cloth dampened with water, and dry the glass surface completely with a clean and dry cloth.
Remove the applicator from an Aquapel kit and squeeze the handles of the applicator together so that the pad on the applicator becomes soaked with the product. Apply the Aquapel to the glass surfaces that make contact with the window seal (1) on all four side windows. Repeat the application several times so that there is a good film of Aquapel on the contact areas.
Apply a film of BMW special lubricant for door seals part number 83 19 9 408 523, to the area of the trim piece on the rear side window (2) that contacts the top seal.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.