Front Windscreen Chrome Surround

Wed May 28, 2008 12:12 pm

I've recently bought my first E30 which I'm loving, but it needs a few bits and bobs to bring it to a top spec.

Any ideas about the thin chrome surround on the windscreen that's under clear plastic? The one on mine has started to rust under the plastic so I would like to replace it.

All comments welcome

Cheers

Wed May 28, 2008 12:25 pm

Hi Louche,

The opinion on the chrome of an E30 is like Lisa Rileys ass........a massive split.

Some will urge you to stay original and keep the chrome bumper/bottle top rims in keeping with the car and re new the chrome around the windscreen.

Others will tell you to buy a complete shadowline kit and get rid of all traces of chrome.

It's all about your own choice. Have a ganders in the photo gallery for other cabs with the 2 alternatives and make your own mind up. Then simply jump on fleabay and buy what ever takes your fancy.

My preference? Black shadowline kits....

Mon Jun 09, 2008 4:44 pm

Agree with you , after 18-20 years the strip is looking very tired. I would go with replacing it in line with the chrome bumpers et all. Would like to know if its an easy part to find.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 4:49 pm

I think the chrome windscreen trim looks naff, even with chrome bumpers etc - which is why I've swapped mine (click on my sig pic for a photo!)... Not a difficult job (just fiddly!), & pretty much any used black one will be fine. If you want another chrome one though, the dealer would be my first stop.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 5:05 pm

Its certainly looks naff as it is.

Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:35 am

ah the chrome wrightness is spreadin im so happy i have just sourced a new chrome surround and clip off the zone cos at present i have the nasty plastic bit

ITs all about the chrome ignore everyone else as it rocks here's some pic's to temp u

Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:04 am

I have alot of tlc to do as the car has been out of my hands for 6 years , chrome trim and strip are a must. I can see that now. Great pictures, who do you trust to carry out the work?

Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:28 am

bluebird wrote:I have alot of tlc to do as the car has been out of my hands for 6 years , chrome trim and strip are a must. I can see that now. Great pictures, who do you trust to carry out the work?

A satanic mechanic

Have to say I like the chrome and shall be scouring the zone for trim, but if you're talking about re-chroming I would google it and find a local garage/chome palace

Woo

Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:43 am

louche_boy wrote:I've recently bought my first E30 which I'm loving, but it needs a few bits and bobs to bring it to a top spec.

Any ideas about the thin chrome surround on the windscreen that's under clear plastic? The one on mine has started to rust under the plastic so I would like to replace it.

All comments welcome

Cheers

In answer to your original question, the chrome strip is still available from BMW. Take your chassis number in and they will supply it no prioblems except maybe a couple of days wait. And they are not that dear either.

The trim is about 18 quid and the small cover about 2 quid

Part numbers are

Chrome strip 51311884402
Chrome cup 51311884401

Hope that helps

Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:35 pm

I now have said trim. Any ideas on changing it?

I haven't had a close look but it looks like it either slides in (which sounds like a pain) or pops in.

I'm going to tackle it now now, but if anyone could drop a handy tip (but not don't do it

I would be grateful)

Woo!

Fri Jun 27, 2008 1:39 pm

If anyone has any handy tips on this I would be gratful. Had a go last night and battled away.

Does it slide in, and if it does how the hell do you do it? WD40 didn't work.

Or is there a clever way of popping it on. The rubber seal around the window is fairly unforgiving and doesn't make pushing it in an option.

Or do I remove the window and do something clever that way

10 points to the easiest option please

Fri Jun 27, 2008 4:42 pm

Have you tried washing up liquid?. Would,nt mind finding out how myself tbh, just got a feeling that in this case
Fairy is your friend.

Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:55 am

gooner1 wrote:Have you tried washing up liquid?. Would,nt mind finding out how myself tbh, just got a feeling that in this case
Fairy is your friend.

lol

Mon Jun 30, 2008 5:00 pm

Eureka!

Not being one of great patience I tried to find the tool used to fit these seals.

Mad hunt revealed that in the states it's called a lockstrip tool.

Eventually found equivalent here which I have purchased, and shall probably offer once through with on the zone.

ooh aah http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/pc-1022-1 ... -tool.aspx