Softtop e36 rear window replacement
 

How difficult is it to change the rear window in the softtop?

The one on my car is o.k but not really clear. I have one in my shed from my bros M3 which is literally new so would like to change it.

Anyone done this before >? any special instructions?

You need to check and see if it is the zippered type (I'm sure it probably is). If so, then you just need the tool to remove the window. It's not that hard, but it's a two person job to line up the window and zipper it in.

You can also try some convertible window polish. Mequars makes some as does BMW. It's a very thin alumina paste that you buff into the window. It really cleared mine up... if your is hazy, it will significantly brighten it up. If you have heavy warp creases from where the top folds, then you won't be able to get that out and should just get a new one.

Like he said, I would think you could polish it just like you can polish the headlights. Soemone posted a "headlight polish" write up here a few weeks ago. 3m plastic polish and an orbital buffer I think.

It's my understanding that widows are either zippered in like blkongry said or they are sewn in. I guess this is the first thing to figure out.

STOP
 

No need to replace it! Almost all BMW dealers carry Meguires 2 step process: Clear plastic cleaner and clear plastic polish. Mine was completely hazed over when I bought it. On thing that was strange was that the haze was on the INSIDE of the window. The polish took it away and now it’s as clear as glass.

Yeah, I've got the 2-step BMW cleaner. It does work well, and adding a power polisher makes the job a snap, but it only works on slightly surface scratched windows. If you have some sort of UV decay, and/or a deformation crease in the window, the polish won't get it out and it's time for a new window.

If you just have scratches in the window, ekim is right, that stuff will really clean it up and make it clear.

There’s a really faded misty streak going straight across the plastic window which is about 2 inches thick – This is very it folds when you drop the hood.
It appears that the Muppet who had the car before me must have taken the hood down and left it down for some time while the hood was damp/wet.

So not sure if this bmw plastic polish would work on that part – so I guess I will wait till the weather gets better and try replacing it.

What was the special tool that is required to change the window? I have most of the original tool kit but I can’t see anything that looks like it would assist in taking the window out.


Thanks

Yeah, mine has a little bit of that same streak across the window... once it's there, it's hard to get out; and you are right that it comes from leaving the top down for an extended period of time (especially bad if the top is damp/wet).

That removal/install tool won't be in your kit. It should come with a new window, or at least they should sell it from the same vendor.