Windshield weather stripping

So the weather stripping that lines the winshield of my car is cracked and crumbled into pieces. It's not as bad as it might sound but I was windering if this could harm my car in any way if it happens to rain or if I wash my car.

I have washed my car a few times and I noticed some electrical problems like my radio shutting off but I'm not 100% sure if thats the cause or not. I'll attatch a pic of what I'm talking about.

If it is harmful, how would I go about fixing it or replacing the stripping and how much would it cost?

its called a windshield cowel, 40 bucks to replace.

Originally Posted by stevenluczynski

its called a windshield cowel, 40 bucks to replace.

Is this something I should be able to do at home or should I hire somebody to do it?

I'd like to say I have moderate knowledge about cars but I would never touch anything that has to do with electricals or engine.

Originally Posted by stevenluczynski

its called a windshield cowel, 40 bucks to replace.

Actually, it's the cowl. The part may be $40, but you'll not find a shop to replace it for that! Do it yourself, with the help of this:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...highlight=cowl

Find the proper part numbers for your model here:
http://realoem.com/bmw/select.do?kin...ies=E46&arch=0

Originally Posted by PANDAemic

So the weather stripping that lines the winshield of my car is cracked and crumbled into pieces. It's not as bad as it might sound but I was windering if this could harm my car in any way if it happens to rain or if I wash my car.

I have washed my car a few times and I noticed some electrical problems like my radio shutting off but I'm not 100% sure if thats the cause or not. I'll attatch a pic of what I'm talking about.

If it is harmful, how would I go about fixing it or replacing the stripping and how much would it cost?

I have the same problem with my windshield weather stripping. You live southern? I do. The heat messes with the trim as well. As for your radio shutting off, do this, turn your radio on, and then flash your high beams, does it turn off? or pause playback? I had the same problem this morning, but the battery was just low on charge.

The issue with my radio is a hole different matter I learned. I drive manual so I learned that if I get a bad start my electricals start to act up.