Peeling/wrinkling A-pillar fabric?

[az3579]

Worry no longer. I just saw that ECS carries genuine BMW replacements, for a relately cheap price. If you're a perfectionist like I am in my mind, then you might want to consider these:

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_E46_A_B_C_Pillars/?utm_source=emailcampaign&utm_medium=marketing&utm_content=retail&utm_campaign=BMW_E46_330_KN_PerformanceIntake_rBMW _E46_A_B_C_Pillars

[Oli77]

That's a very nice find!

[danewilson77]

Yeah. It's an oem part. Most places should have them.

B and C pillars as well.

Sent from SIGFest-2012, USA on HTC via TTv2

[carsontl]

nice find!

[Ryans323i]

https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQc7JwSDJrfZtxRH-_XgZAgb08bPOYMpA4rMVxYzqvqa7jd4TcWUw

:eeps

[jayjay_dee]

https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQc7JwSDJrfZtxRH-_XgZAgb08bPOYMpA4rMVxYzqvqa7jd4TcWUw


much more cheaper...

[das boots]

It's the removal of the A-Pillars that are a PIA......even with DIY instructions....

[danewilson77]

3 Torx? Really?

[carsontl]

3 Torx? Really?

:applause2 haha

[das boots]

It's getting to them that is so close to the windshield.

[danewilson77]

Right. Have to wrap the end of ratchet with tape or you will scratch the windshield.

[Hermes]

It's the removal of the A-Pillars that are a PIA......even with DIY instructions....

Really? The hardest part is taking off the cover strip without breaking it


It's getting to them that is so close to the windshield.

I guess that part was annoying but it really isn't too bad compared to other things on the car

[ryankokesh]

Ya'll are scaring me... I didn't think it'd be that tough!

[Ryans323i]

It's not tough, just be gentle with the airbag cover strips like JP mentioned. But then, if you're buying the whole thing new, it doesn't matter.

[danewilson77]

Be advised. I do not believe the new ones will come with the airbag strips.

[Chernobyl Prize]

My C pillars look pretty bad. If I were to try the glue and messed it up, I could always get the covers from ecs, right? I'm not 100% sure but it looks like they snap on over the existing fabric?

[danewilson77]

My C pillars look pretty bad. If I were to try the glue and messed it up, I could always get the covers from ecs, right? I'm not 100% sure but it looks like they snap on over the existing fabric?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51437902937/ES112886/

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/CPillar.jpg

[Oli77]

Right. Have to wrap the end of ratchet with tape or you will scratch the windshield.

+1 listen to this man and don't omit this step for sure. I've scratch my windshield.

[Chernobyl Prize]

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51437902937/ES112886/


Ah, so it replaces the whole section, I see. I guess I'll try my hand at the spray adhesive and see what happens. Are the C pillars as hard to swap out as the A's?

[danewilson77]

Ah, so it replaces the whole section, I see. I guess I'll try my hand at the spray adhesive and see what happens. Are the C pillars as hard to swap out as the A's?

No. Neither are hard.

[Nivo]

Be advised. I do not believe the new ones will come with the airbag strips.

I think i remember seeing the strips at like $10, yes! here!: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Interior/Trim/A_Pillar/ES112881/

[danewilson77]

Nice...

[Nivo]

just to think I re-glued mine and here are pretty ones for cheap.

[az3579]

just to think I re-glued mine and here are pretty ones for cheap.

This.

It's exactly the reason why gluing is not a fix, to me. If I'm going to go through the hassle of taking it off, I'm gonna make darned sure it ain't gonna be a problem again for a long time by just getting a new piece. ;)


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

This.

It's exactly the reason why gluing is not a fix, to me. If I'm going to go through the hassle of taking it off, I'm gonna make darned sure it ain't gonna be a problem again for a long time by just getting a new piece. ;)


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

Same line of thinking I will forever use regarding window regulators. Can we temp fix them? Yes. Do I want to take the door apart twice? No. Would I do it in a pinch? I suppose.

Sent from SIGFest-2012, USA on HTC via TTv2

[iZHP]

Nice find, BP. The C pillars in the 325 are coming apart.

[das boots]

Something I should have asked long time ago...what is causing with all of the wrinkles and peeling? We don't phyiscally hardly touch the pillars as is.....yet, they wrinle...and at some places...they just peel off especially on the bottom of the A-Pillars. They are snug tight in there between the console and the pillars. Yet, it's as if some gremlin just decides to pull them off......

[danewilson77]

Something I should have asked long time ago...what is causing with all of the wrinkles and peeling? We don't phyiscally hardly touch the pillars as is.....yet, they wrinle...and at some places...they just peel off especially on the bottom of the A-Pillars. They are snug tight in there between the console and the pillars. Yet, it's as if some gremlin just decides to pull them off......

I believe it's a breakdown in the gluing product used. Breakdown with heat/time.

Sent from SIGFest-2012, USA on HTC via TTv2

[Johnmadd]

My moneys on the gremlin. :evilmonkey ;)

[az3579]

My moneys on the gremlin. :evilmonkey ;)

This.

Either that, or the trunk monkey gets pissed that I don't pay him enough and decides to mess with me overnight. :shifty

[webster]

i replaced both my wrinkled, sagging C pillars w/ the OEM ones from ECS. little things that make the interior so much better. i was getting so sick of seeing those sad, droopy pillars in the rear view lol

[HokieZHP]

Just curious, what type of glue is recommended to redo the pillars? I might try to reglue mine before I replace them.


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[danewilson77]

3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive is what I used.

[Oli77]

It's exactly the reason why gluing is not a fix, to me. If I'm going to go through the hassle of taking it off, I'm gonna make darned sure it ain't gonna be a problem again for a long time by just getting a new piece. ;)

Well I don't know, time will tell but I took them off twice. First time was the wrong glue and within 1 week and 3 hours in the sun, my work was wasted.

Second time was the right glue and new fabric picked up at a local cloth store for $10. And I am now at 1.5 years, no fade, no hint of the slightest wrinkle or separation from the backing. Today, they (A pillars) look exactly like the day I did them right.

PS: i did scratch my windshield :(

[Oli77]

3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive is what I used.

That's the one to use.

[KevinC]

Guys, I'm trying to swap my A-pillar covers, and getting the old ones off was a hassle but straightforward.. but getting the new ones fitted is giving me, uh, fits. I can't get either side jammed down into the lower corner so that everything lines up. What's the trick here? I've tried each side with the same non-results. Help, Mr. Wizard!

[Johnmadd]

Guys, I'm trying to swap my A-pillar covers, and getting the old ones off was a hassle but straightforward.. but getting the new ones fitted is giving me, uh, fits. I can't get either side jammed down into the lower corner so that everything lines up. What's the trick here? I've tried each side with the same non-results. Help, Mr. Wizard!

Somebody help this guy, he knows who Mr. Wizard is and he taught me everything about science. What do you know about 1 2 3 connection ???

[kayger12]

Guys, I'm trying to swap my A-pillar covers, and getting the old ones off was a hassle but straightforward.. but getting the new ones fitted is giving me, uh, fits. I can't get either side jammed down into the lower corner so that everything lines up. What's the trick here? I've tried each side with the same non-results. Help, Mr. Wizard!

Step #7 here should help http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3130-A-Pillar-mod...BMW-E46

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

[danewilson77]

You really need to angle and push it in the mating point in the corner. It definitely isn't an easy/loose fit. I know exactly what your going through.

Just stick with it, and you'll get it.

You really need to exert some pressure, toward the corner.

[ryankokesh]

So is it just me, or did these A Pillars used to be like $30 and not $70?

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_E46_A_B_C_Pillars/ES112882/

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/sh/29f95713-8df0-42d7-8505-b9eb476570cf/5d9020f9cc1584d30611e9817497655d/deep/0/ECS-News-BMW-E46-A-B-C-Pillars---51437902933---"A"-Pillar-Cover---Left---ES-112882.png

[az3579]

So is it just me, or did these A Pillars used to be like $30 and not $70?

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_E46_A_B_C_Pillars/ES112882/

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/sh/29f95713-8df0-42d7-8505-b9eb476570cf/5d9020f9cc1584d30611e9817497655d/deep/0/ECS-News-BMW-E46-A-B-C-Pillars---51437902933---"A"-Pillar-Cover---Left---ES-112882.png

They've been about $70 for years...


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[ryankokesh]

They've been about $70 for years...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well damn.

[Vas]

They used to be cheap a long time ago. The rear are $50 I belive.

I need to replace mine as well.

[cakM3]

BP keeps commenting on how nice my pillars are while his are falling apart….

[ELCID86]

They used to be cheap a long time ago. The rear are $50 I belive.

I need to replace mine as well.

Yeah, I have no idea why the rears are so much cheaper.

[danewilson77]

They've been about $70 for years...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
+1

"No flamesuit required"

[BoostedZHP]

Nice find. I think everyone with a ZHP can appreciate this haha

[das boots]

Nice find. I think everyone with a ZHP can appreciate this haha

Nice wheels.

[TheFinanceGuy]

I need A and C pillars. I just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

[cakM3]

... rather than dealing with sagging pillars, I would rather just buy brand new ones and be done with this....

[ryankokesh]

... rather than dealing with sagging pillars, I would rather just buy brand new ones and be done with this....

Yeah, If I'm going to be super 77ing stuff, I think it's going to be alcantara... Just didn't realize they were so much to replace :/

[cakM3]

Yeah, If I'm going to be super 77ing stuff, I think it's going to be alcantara... Just didn't realize they were so much to replace :/

buying new pieces, although a more expensive option, will prove much less frustrating to sort out. This is why I would rather do this than try to refinish my pillars ;)

[danewilson77]

buying new pieces, although a more expensive option, will prove much less frustrating to sort out. This is why I would rather do this than try to refinish my pillars ;)
This.

"No flamesuit required"

[KevinC]

The first refresh items I bought when I bought my car almost 3 years ago were new A-pillars. Yes, they aren't cheap, but the cosmetic upgrade was well worth the cost IMHO, and they still look perfect today, despite having to deal with brutal Arizona summers. Not sure if the parts they're selling now have better adhesive or some other fix, but hoping that they prove to be more durable than the factory pieces, which universally fail sooner than later.

[cakM3]

The first refresh items I bought when I bought my car almost 3 years ago were new A-pillars. Yes, they aren't cheap, but the cosmetic upgrade was well worth the cost IMHO, and they still look perfect today, despite having to deal with brutal Arizona summers. Not sure if the parts they're selling now have better adhesive or some other fix, but hoping that they prove to be more durable than the factory pieces, which universally fail sooner than later.

I agree with Kevin :thumbsup

[NoVAphotog]

I agree with Kevin :thumbsup

I agree with Kevin and Charlie :thumbup

[az3579]

Doing something custom would probably be best, either with a stronger adhesive or some method to hold it on without the need for adhesive. Replacing with new ones will probably just do the same thing eventually.


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[stephenkirsh]

So is it just me, or did these A Pillars used to be like $30 and not $70?

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_E46_A_B_C_Pillars/ES112882/

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/sh/29f95713-8df0-42d7-8505-b9eb476570cf/5d9020f9cc1584d30611e9817497655d/deep/0/ECS-News-BMW-E46-A-B-C-Pillars---51437902933---"A"-Pillar-Cover---Left---ES-112882.png

I'm pretty sure Ryan is right. pretty sure ECST bumped prices cuz I was looking at c pillar ones last year and they were a lot cheaper.

[danewilson77]

5 words.

get bmw parts dot com

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

6 words

The bmw mini parts store com

[ryankokesh]

5 words.

get bmw parts dot com

"No flamesuit required"

I always forget about that place... :facepalm

One more question... only one of my pillars is wrinkly. The other looks perfect in comparison. If I only replace the bad one, will the colors match? Or does the black fade significantly?

[das boots]

Replace both. Keep the other as spare.

[ELCID86]

I always forget about that place... :facepalm

One more question... only one of my pillars is wrinkly. The other looks perfect in comparison. If I only replace the bad one, will the colors match? Or does the black fade significantly?

I don't think you'd notice.

[kakashi169]

I need a pair but can't really justify the cost. I might just re glue it, anyone got a DIY?

Thanks

[ELCID86]

I need a pair but can't really justify the cost. I might just re glue it, anyone got a DIY?

Thanks

Pulled it off the c-pillars in my son's car b/c it was flapping in the wind. It looks a lot better without it...


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

Pulled it off the c-pillars in my son's car b/c it was flapping in the wind. It looks a lot better without it...


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
Did the same on the wife's car until I get new ones.

[cakM3]

Just go to ECS Tuning or the dealer and buy replacement pillars. It's a lot easier, less work and will look perfect when reinstalled :thumbsup


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[az3579]

Just go to ECS Tuning or the dealer and buy replacement pillars. It's a lot easier, less work and will look perfect when reinstalled :thumbsup


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Honestly it looks fine with the material off. I'm thinking this is the permanent solution...

[Vas]

Just go to ECS Tuning or the dealer and buy replacement pillars. It's a lot easier, less work and will look perfect when reinstalled :thumbsup


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Got other more important stuff then to drop $150 on some a-pillars , $150 on the b-pillar and $100 on the rear c-pillars.

Removing the fabric looks better then it flapping around.

[cakM3]

Honestly it looks fine with the material off. I'm thinking this is the permanent solution...

I would rather have the OEM solution.....


Got other more important stuff then to drop $150 on some a-pillars , $150 on the b-pillar and $100 on the rear c-pillars.

Removing the fabric looks better then it flapping around.

doesn't matter the price as long as the car looks as good as factory fresh where pillars are concerned...

[Vas]

I would rather have the OEM solution.....



doesn't matter the price as long as the car looks as good as factory fresh where pillars are concerned...
I agree but when you got other items that are more important to repair, cosmetic stuff can wait. I rather fix my ccv system then replace two pillars.

[danewilson77]

I agree but when you got other items that are more important to repair, cosmetic stuff can wait. I rather fix my ccv system then replace two pillars.
+1

"No flamesuit required"

[cakM3]

Oh I agree Vas! Maintenance before cosmetics.... goes w/o explanation. :thumbsup


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