remove windows = ruined seals?

[pihlen]

hi i might need to remove my windows including windscreen, rear and sidewindows and i wonder if it WILL ruin the rubber seals, if it MIGHT (in that case if its common or not and how i can avoid it) or if its usually no problem to use the same seals when refitting the windows.

i have a ’81 318i but i guess all e21 have the same..

thanks

[runsub5]

hi i might need to remove my windows including windscreen, rear and sidewindows and i wonder if it WILL ruin the rubber seals, if it MIGHT (in that case if its common or not and how i can avoid it) or if its usually no problem to use the same seals when refitting the windows.

i have a ’81 318i but i guess all e21 have the same..

thanks

If the seals are in good condition, they can be removed and installed without damage. I had to replace the trim inserts as they had discolored badly.

[e21Keith]

With careful removal the seals should be fine, I have seen them sealed in with some gunge but still come out OK.

The plastic chrome insert will probably be brittle and discoloured anyway.