Issues with window seals making windows dirty - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

BKM5 · 27th January 2006, 20:48

Has anyone had a problem with the seals at the base of the windows? I washed my car Sunday night, after a wash I don't usually roll the windows down for a while b/c I don't want them to streak, and Monday when I rolled the windows down and then back up they are quite smudged form what I can only assume is dirt on the inside of the lower seal. I've noticed this before but not as much as this time.

Just wondering if this is a common problem?? Are my seals in need of replacement? BTW the car is a 2002 with 25,000 miles, I bought it as an obvious garage queen and it is practically the same for me although my daily driver, so I'd be surprised if the seals should be replaced.

Bernard

Beamer_usa · 27th January 2006, 21:11

When I had my 540, a pebble or rock got caught in there and everytime I put the window up and down it made a permanant scratch in the window. So brought to the dealer they replaced window. I figured they would be smart enough to see what was causing the problem and correct it before replacing the window. BUT NO, so needless to say the replacement window also had a permanent scratch

. So back to the dealer and this time I specified I wanted what was causing the scratch to be found and removed, before replacing the window AGAIN! The second window was on their dime

Stickman · 27th January 2006, 21:53

Hello Bernard,
Like you, I usually don't roll down the windows after washing to avoid water streaks on the. But when I have done it, I've never had any smudging as you experienced. I do not think this is a common problem.

I also have a 2002 - now with 27K miles.
Alfred

Clem · 27th January 2006, 22:00

Happenning on my beast and it also happens on my E46 since new.

J Irwan · 27th January 2006, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beamer_usa

When I had my 540, a pebble or rock got caught in there and everytime I put the window up and down it made a permanant scratch in the window. So brought to the dealer they replaced window. I figured they would be smart enough to see what was causing the problem and correct it before replacing the window. BUT NO, so needless to say the replacement window also had a permanent scratch

. So back to the dealer and this time I specified I wanted what was causing the scratch to be found and removed, before replacing the window AGAIN! The second window was on their dime

I just had my driver side window replace recently due to an outside-scratch underwarranty ... (the sratch getting in the way when looking at the outside mirror) .
They also replace the outside rubber trim when they replace the windows.

streak, when rolling down the window shortly after a wash is common/normal ..however I agree sith Stickman that a smudge is not...

Regardz,

J Irwan

Salty · 28th January 2006, 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKM5

Has anyone had a problem with the seals at the base of the windows? I washed my car Sunday night, after a wash I don't usually roll the windows down for a while b/c I don't want them to streak, and Monday when I rolled the windows down and then back up they are quite smudged form what I can only assume is dirt on the inside of the lower seal. I've noticed this before but not as much as this time.

Just wondering if this is a common problem?? Are my seals in need of replacement? BTW the car is a 2002 with 25,000 miles, I bought it as an obvious garage queen and it is practically the same for me although my daily driver, so I'd be surprised if the seals should be replaced.

Bernard

I don't mean to start a panic, but if the smudge is really muddy looking, there is dirt inside the door.
The first question I would ask is, "was there flood damage at some time?"
That is one explanation for a lot of dirt (mud) inside the door iself.

I hope this is not the case for you, but removing the inside door panel would reveal the condition inside your doors.
There is a good thread on how to remove the panel.

Hopefully your smudging problem is something minor, but the "flood" question needs to be asked, especially since it is a Florida car.

Best of luck.
Salty.

greg · 28th January 2006, 20:43

Or perhaps you detailed and used a rubber/vinyl "protectant" product on the window seals? That stuff will DEFINITELY smudge your windows.

Absinthe · 30th January 2006, 16:10

I too have this problem and assume it came from some tech's over use of lube.

EM5PWR · 1st February 2006, 07:36

the title would show a salvage title if it was a flood damaged car ....

BKH · 1st February 2006, 07:55

I asked my tech a few years ago about waxy streaking on my windows. He told me it was cosmoline and that he would take care of it on my next service and he did, because I haven't seen it again. I assume the door panel must have come off to effect the cleaning procedure.