Just split my convertible rear window, any advice on repair?

Post Tue Nov 15, 2011 4:55 pm

Hi folks, I'm looking for any advice on replacing the rear window for my convertibe. I have read the wiki page and think I have got the idea but just in case there is another route or any experience that would help? I don't like the look of all that sewing!

How much would it cost to have it done by a pro?

Post Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:30 pm

For a pro to supply and fit the going rate is about £200 to £300 going on quotes I've had an other peoples experience on here.

A new roof can set you back £500 to £700 depending on supplier \ fitter.

BMW dealers wont generally touch it. It might be worth while posting up your location as some may be able to recommend a fitter locallly.

Post Tue Nov 15, 2011 8:47 pm

I'm thinking of having a go myself, don't think i'll find anyone up here in the norht of scotland that will do it.

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:05 am

As I understand it,the hood needs to be removed from the frame to allow it to be fed through a sewing machine to do a 'proper' job.The labour cost of this is the same as the labour cost of fitting a new roof.....

A DIY bodge job sewing the window in by hand with the roof in place can be done,I replaced the stiching in a few places on my cabbie's window in this way,but the problem we found was that the window moved slightly in relation to the hood,as thw hood fabric was in tension,but the window was not.So it will never look right or fold properly if you attempt an entire window in this way.

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:21 am

Does anyone make a hood without a rear window?
I've no real need for a rear window, since my cab. is a fair weather toy, and the hood is really only for 'emergency' use.

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:53 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Does anyone make a hood without a rear window?
I've no real need for a rear window, since my cab. is a fair weather toy, and the hood is really only for 'emergency' use.

That's a proper 'off the wall' solution!

But would a car with no rear window pass MoT or a VOSA roadside inspection?

I do try to offer my cabbie for MoT with the hood down,as the window is best described as,um,'milky'....but the hood is in reasonable condition.

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:11 pm

Its a good question. I wanted to know that as well as my cab is only ever used on nice days and the roof up when in the garage or if it chucked it down.

The rear window on mine is fubar as is most of the roof.

I wouldn't of thought it would be a MOT failure as there are plenty of vans out there that you cant see out the back of.

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:14 pm

If you have two exterior mirrors, you don't need one inside, or the rear window that goes with it.
I doubt if you have a window in the rear of your truck cab, Malc.
Actually, I don't think you even need two to be legal on a car, although it would be advisable for safety.

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:18 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:If you have two exterior mirrors, you don't need one inside, or the rear window that goes with it.
I doubt if you have a window in the rear of your truck cab, Malc.

You make a fair point,BUT,that's a commercial vehicle,governed by different regulations!

Would you still need an interior mirror,given that you have two external one's,with the hood down?

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:43 pm

http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s08000101.htm
Note the 'or' between a, b and c.

Post Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:49 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s08000101.htm
Note the 'or' between a, b and c.

So working on the basis that a 'view to the rear' is supplied by the external mirrors,a clear view through the rear window is not needed...who's going to be first to 'test' this?

Post Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:17 am

Plenty of vans and car derived vans with blanked out rear windows and no rear visibility. Can't see anything out of the rear window/ in the interior mirror of my E34 towing barge often either, other than what I'm towing.

Post Fri Nov 25, 2011 5:16 pm

as an ex mot tester my take on this is you require 2 mirrors for an mot pass. 1 must be the driver side and the other must be either interior or passenger side (both are acceptable) so as long as you have a passenger side mirror you dont legally have to have an interior mirror therefore making the rear window not a requirement.
i have been out the testing game for 3 yrs now but dont believe it has changed.
col.