My windshield cowl is really brittle at some points where it is attached to the windshield. While I was washing the car I broke a piece of the cowl about 2 inches and now I can see the end of the glass.
So I was thinking that water now will go into that empty space of the cowl but my question is does this mean that it will leak water inside the car or it's not a problem?
At some forums some post say it doesn't have anything to do with water leaking as long as the winshield is glued properly some others say it does leak inside.
Where I live you can't find a new replacement part other than at the dealership but the prices thare are way too expensive.
It won't leak water into the car. The cowl piece is essentially just a cover (or "fairing," in aviation parlance). My cowl is far more chewed up than yours and I have no problems. Very common issue.
It's about US$50 for a new piece here in the States.
When you need a new windshield, you will find that an old brittle cowl comes off in several pieces. In general, though your insurance may pay for new glass, they will consider the cowl to be a normal wear item and won't pay for it.
I thought I found a thread a while back where someone came up with a cheap alternate solution. Here in the US, replacement simply makes the most sense, but in your case, there may be another solution that would work.
I just picked up a '90 Toyota Celica as a fix-up project. The clearcoat has bubbled and peeled in many places, rubber window moulding on rear glass is hard and brittle. Amazingly, the window cowl is in excellent condition. Just amazes me when I compare that to my E46, how each car has parts that have fared well over the years, and other parts that just fell to pieces.
^^^ At what point do you need a gear puller? To get the wiper arms off? I always lift one side, then the other with a little wiggle, and they come right off.
We keep plenty of these in stock as they are commonly replaced..enter BMW part # 51718232894 here to order!
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