I know this is old but I’m sure it will help somebody. Mine broke as well as the clip that the top material slides over. I made both parts on my 3d printer with carbon infused petg. The clip for top strap is better than factory because I made a brace go all the way across instead of at corner like factory is. I just ground down old ones and cleaned area up with acetyl and then used 2 part epoxy. Fix any stress cracks same way. Thanks for sharing your info as well! 😊
How did you repair the plastic? I broke mine on the sides too and repaired with gorilla epoxy about 2 years ago, but it crumbled yesterday. Im looking for a more permanent solution.
Solved cracked bits much like yourself. If I were to atempt again, I would consider taking white plastic cleat out of frame, and seeing perhaps how I could solder/melt some extra plastic to the black plastic around the 'socket' or receiving area of the cowling, with the white plastic cleat in situ. I've seen a video of nylon cable ties being melted with soldering iron, to repair cracked plastic. I think this would be stronger than epoxy possibly. Alternatively, perhaps doing away with the white expanding cleat altogether, and just gluing a lump of plastic something that you can just screw into, once cowl is back up in position.
@@velobeno I am happy to hear that! That is exactly what I am thinking about too! I'll try to let you know how it goes. FPCeuro wants $379 and Pelican wants $359. I'm giving the plastic welding a try!
I was able to melt tie wraps all around the white nylon threaded cleat. One side fit perfectly, the other side was a fraction of an inch too short. But I was able to force it into place. I also reinforced every crack with a thick layer of plastic from several tie wraps. It seemed reasonably strong. It had enough of a curve in it to add strength. I was concerned because I only welded plastic on the back side. I did not weld any plastic on the side facing the cabin. I understand that one sided welding is not as strong. I'm just hoping it's strong enough!
Did you also have to repair the plastic lining that runs up both windows? It looks the same except it uses rivets instead of screws. Can’t figure out how to fix that thing
thanks for this. This plastic part is sagging a bit in my car, on the left side. Most probably the screw disconnected there, and you can start to see some small cracks in the plastic. Was it hard to replace the part? And do you think its possible to glue or weld the plastic and rescue this plastic piece? I'd rather not replace it if i can still repair it :/
"plastic part" do you mean the large rigid front section, - what I'm calling cowling? I'm sure you could reinforce from behind but is it cracking because some fastening screws are missing? Doubt it would be a cheap item to replace with new.
I didn't look to be honest. Its hidden, and figured a few neat screws would suffice. You could try here: www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU53-USA-02-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_30si&diagId=54_0311 Part no. 33 ?
I know this is old but I’m sure it will help somebody. Mine broke as well as the clip that the top material slides over. I made both parts on my 3d printer with carbon infused petg.
The clip for top strap is better than factory because I made a brace go all the way across instead of at corner like factory is. I just ground down old ones and cleaned area up with acetyl and then used 2 part epoxy. Fix any stress cracks same way. Thanks for sharing your info as well! 😊
I am doing this repair now, and was wondering if you could send me those files so I can print them out please?
Thanks for this video, I nearly did the same as you.
The video was enlightening !!!
Did the same as you , super glue!!
How did you repair the plastic?
I broke mine on the sides too and repaired with gorilla epoxy about 2 years ago, but it crumbled yesterday.
Im looking for a more permanent solution.
Solved cracked bits much like yourself. If I were to atempt again, I would consider taking white plastic cleat out of frame, and seeing perhaps how I could solder/melt some extra plastic to the black plastic around the 'socket' or receiving area of the cowling, with the white plastic cleat in situ. I've seen a video of nylon cable ties being melted with soldering iron, to repair cracked plastic. I think this would be stronger than epoxy possibly.
Alternatively, perhaps doing away with the white expanding cleat altogether, and just gluing a lump of plastic something that you can just screw into, once cowl is back up in position.
@@velobeno I am happy to hear that!
That is exactly what I am thinking about too!
I'll try to let you know how it goes.
FPCeuro wants $379 and Pelican wants $359. I'm giving the plastic welding a try!
I was able to melt tie wraps all around the white nylon threaded cleat. One side fit perfectly, the other side was a fraction of an inch too short. But I was able to force it into place. I also reinforced every crack with a thick layer of plastic from several tie wraps. It seemed reasonably strong. It had enough of a curve in it to add strength. I was concerned because I only welded plastic on the back side. I did not weld any plastic on the side facing the cabin. I understand that one sided welding is not as strong. I'm just hoping it's strong enough!
Did you also have to repair the plastic lining that runs up both windows? It looks the same except it uses rivets instead of screws. Can’t figure out how to fix that thing
Not sure which part you're referring to? Reply with a part number from realoem perhaps?
thanks for this. This plastic part is sagging a bit in my car, on the left side. Most probably the screw disconnected there, and you can start to see some small cracks in the plastic. Was it hard to replace the part? And do you think its possible to glue or weld the plastic and rescue this plastic piece? I'd rather not replace it if i can still repair it :/
"plastic part" do you mean the large rigid front section, - what I'm calling cowling? I'm sure you could reinforce from behind but is it cracking because some fastening screws are missing? Doubt it would be a cheap item to replace with new.
Did you find another solution for the plastic that is screwed to the aluminum? Can't find a part for it anywhere.
I didn't look to be honest. Its hidden, and figured a few neat screws would suffice. You could try here: www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU53-USA-02-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_30si&diagId=54_0311 Part no. 33 ?