Hey all, a local friend of mine not on this forum just picked up a very original e3 and is looking for a new/replacement windshield gasket. Looks like it has some kind of wide trim profile? Any help or part would be appreciated!
WTB e3 Windshield gasket trim
- Thread starter JohnP_02
- Start date
rblongboarder
Well-Known Member
I've been working with some individuals on this site to acquire E3 front & rear windshields for a '70 Series I E3/2800. Along the way, I've learned a fair amount about variations on the E3 window chrome. My vehicle uses the thin gaskets which are quite difficult to locate.
I think it would be quite helpful if you can identify which model of E3 your friend has so that you can locate the proper gasket (thin - Series I or thick - Series II & III).
Here is a second article on E3 window seals:
The VIN number can be translated on this site:
bmw-e3-club.de
HBChris is an excellent reference for these kinds of questions.
I think it would be quite helpful if you can identify which model of E3 your friend has so that you can locate the proper gasket (thin - Series I or thick - Series II & III).
Here is a second article on E3 window seals:
I'm posting this in the E9 subforum, but it applies to both E3s and E9s
I have been a little surprised about the threads on expensive E3 and E9 windshields and the need to source them from Europe.
Here is my story...
I have a local guy that is an experienced installer, has time with a major shop, likes to do the old cars, but now just does it on the side. He is also a friend and neighbor. He has done several collector cars for me. He did my Bavaria....
I called him when I finally had the front and rear seals and asked him to find me a windshield. No problem. He had...
I have been a little surprised about the threads on expensive E3 and E9 windshields and the need to source them from Europe.
Here is my story...
I have a local guy that is an experienced installer, has time with a major shop, likes to do the old cars, but now just does it on the side. He is also a friend and neighbor. He has done several collector cars for me. He did my Bavaria....
I called him when I finally had the front and rear seals and asked him to find me a windshield. No problem. He had...
The VIN number can be translated on this site:
BMW E3 Club | E3 Fahrgestellnummern
Liste der Fahrgestellnummern sortiert nach Modellen
bmw-e3-club.de
HBChris is an excellent reference for these kinds of questions.
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Hey @rblongboarder it is a later series (2/3) with the thick gasket. If you or anyone has a source for a thick front windshield that would great.
Thanks, John
I don't know about thick/thin gaskets, but the later cars had thicker (wider) bottom anodized trim and the earlier cars had thinner (narrower) trim. The gasket is different because of this
My 72 Bavaria, serial number 3100645 is a series 2 car and takes the thin anodized trim and corresponding gaskets
What is your friend's car's serial number?
Have you tried RealOEM to help pin down the gasket needed? https://www.realoem.com/
In any case, all four gaskets are currently very difficult if not impossible to find. There is no source I know of for new. It's a matter of finding one tucked away by someone who can be talked into selling it, or making due with a good used one. There have been aftermarket batches of both run from time to time but they sell out almost immediately. E3's are more popular in Germany and making some German contacts in the E3 club there could help. https://bmw-e3-club.de/
BTW, if the anodized trim on the car is all the same width, you have the thin trim. If the trim on the bottom is thicker (wider) you have the thick trim.
My 72 Bavaria, serial number 3100645 is a series 2 car and takes the thin anodized trim and corresponding gaskets
What is your friend's car's serial number?
Have you tried RealOEM to help pin down the gasket needed? https://www.realoem.com/
In any case, all four gaskets are currently very difficult if not impossible to find. There is no source I know of for new. It's a matter of finding one tucked away by someone who can be talked into selling it, or making due with a good used one. There have been aftermarket batches of both run from time to time but they sell out almost immediately. E3's are more popular in Germany and making some German contacts in the E3 club there could help. https://bmw-e3-club.de/
BTW, if the anodized trim on the car is all the same width, you have the thin trim. If the trim on the bottom is thicker (wider) you have the thick trim.
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John, have you touched base with Carl at La Jolla Independent? That is where I got mine from but it was a while back. Let him know you are on the board and was recommended by a member, sometimes he will break into his "attic' stash or may know a good source for you. Good luck!