[evox]

Has anyone tried this product to temporarily extend the life of the their Sunroof seals?

https://fnfdesign.ca/products/bmw-su...g06-f96-x7-g07

I'm not looking for a permanent fix, to be honest there is no permanent fix, is there? I'm just wanting to extend the time between seal replacement.

[Resoelg]

Looks like a good idea but no experience with it. Replacement seal is inexpensive (about 2x as much as this kit?) and is an easy DIY. If you go this route post your thoughts on how it worked for wind noise or leakage.

[Hondac95]

I think I would go for the permanent fix - no "breaks" in between, prone to leaks - specially if the original seal is already compromised.

[evox]

Originally Posted by Hondac95

I think I would go for the permanent fix - no "breaks" in between, prone to leaks - specially if the original seal is already compromised.

Of course you're right. What I was looking for was something that would just give me a bit more time between seal replacements. My wifes X5 is a couple of years on new seals and is holding up really well (knock on wood), with regular seal dressing to help protect it from UV and heat. The X3 is another story, already a quarter inch (~6mm) gap has started, and I was just looking for something that might give me another few years, since the rest of the seal seems to be doing it's job, it's just shrunk.

BMW issued an official service bulletin is the use superglue on the ends to stop the gaps from forming. That was done on my wife's X5, but not on the X3. If I could get two or three years extended life out of the seals, it'd be worth it to me.

I'll probably give the product a try. $27 and minutes vs $100-$200 in new seals and a few hours. Thanks!

[bocabimmer]

My replacement with the glue has held up for a couple of years now… longer than I got out of the original seal.

Besides, once you buy the gap thing, what prevents the seal from continuing to shrink?

[Hondac95]

Originally Posted by bocabimmer

...Besides, once you buy the gap thing, what prevents the seal from continuing to shrink?...

That was the “hidden” point I was hinting at. I get the financial logic behind patching, but if replacing it gives you peace of mind, why not go that route? Just my take—everyone has their own comfort level and priorities.

I just noticed this on their description - hinting you should be prepared on getting more of these - "..This kit eliminates the need for repeated seal replacements. As the seal continues to shrink, larger inserts from the kit can be installed to maintain protection. The result is a long-term solution that adapts to ongoing seal degradation...."

[hrf]

I think it is easier just to get a seal for about $20 and replace than put patches on.

[fnfdesign]

Originally Posted by Hondac95

That was the “hidden” point I was hinting at. I get the financial logic behind patching, but if replacing it gives you peace of mind, why not go that route? Just my take—everyone has their own comfort level and priorities.

I just noticed this on their description - hinting you should be prepared on getting more of these - "..This kit eliminates the need for repeated seal replacements. As the seal continues to shrink, larger inserts from the kit can be installed to maintain protection. The result is a long-term solution that adapts to ongoing seal degradation...."

Maker of the kit here. The kit comes with 3 size for each side of the car, those 3 sizes cover most gap sizes so you wouldn't need to get more kits. There is a "Large" size as an option, this was added by demand from some people but I have yet to find a BMW who's seal shrink enough to warrant a large kit - I feel like these get cut down to size once people realize they didn't need it - Parts are in TPU, easy to cut with a exacto blade.

[STL Swanny]

I bought this kit as well, have yet to use it though.

[evox]

Originally Posted by hrf

I think it is easier just to get a seal for about $20 and replace than put patches on.

I should have been clearer. What I'm talking about is the entire panoramic roof seal, not just the actual Sunroof seal.

I'm talking about the one that requires the panoramic roof to come out, take off the old seal, clean the mating surface, install the new seal, and put it all back together again.

For me, that's not a $20, it's more like a $100-$200 and few hours of labor.

[Hondac95]

Originally Posted by fnfdesign

Maker of the kit here. The kit comes with 3 size for each side of the car, those 3 sizes cover most gap sizes so you wouldn't need to get more kits. There is a "Large" size as an option, this was added by demand from some people but I have yet to find a BMW who's seal shrink enough to warrant a large kit - I feel like these get cut down to size once people realize they didn't need it - Parts are in TPU, easy to cut with a exacto blade.

I appreciate the work and R&D you’ve put into your product, and I’m definitely open to giving it a try when the time comes. I’m not being negative about it—especially since I haven’t used it myself—and I’m sure it performs as intended. I also like that it can be a “one‑time” purchase, since you can continue adding pieces without additional cost.

I was simply referencing the points you mentioned, as you clearly anticipated that this situation can occur. It’s helpful that you explained how the product can be reused or expanded if needed.

From a personal and engineering standpoint, I prefer replacing the entire seal once any shrinkage appears, because at that point I consider the part compromised. But that’s just my own preference. The OP asked for opinions, and as we’ve already seen, there will be a range of responses—some recommending your product and others suggesting a full replacement.

Thanks again for offering an affordable alternative.

[evox]

Originally Posted by fnfdesign

Maker of the kit here. The kit comes with 3 size for each side of the car, those 3 sizes cover most gap sizes so you wouldn't need to get more kits. There is a "Large" size as an option, this was added by demand from some people but I have yet to find a BMW who's seal shrink enough to warrant a large kit - I feel like these get cut down to size once people realize they didn't need it - Parts are in TPU, easy to cut with a exacto blade.

I ordered you're kit and tools. On the X3 it's getting time to do the panoramic roof seal. If you're product can even delay that job for a few years with no leaks, it's more than worth it to me. ...now if you could just come up with something that sealed the shark fin antenna.

[evox]

The kit arrived today and it is installed. It works as advertised.

My original panoramic roof seal still has years of service life left in it; the real issue was simply the gap created by years of off-gassing shrinkage. This product appears to be a solution that should substantially prolong the replacement interval of the perimeter seal.

I ordered the complete kit, but in hindsight, the $15 side kit would have sufficed for my needs. It took just a few minutes and some minor fiddling around to get the fit just right, but the process was very straightforward.

I’ll see how it performs over time, but for $15—compared to spending a couple hundred dollars and a full Saturday afternoon replacing the entire seal to get rid of a 6mm gap—I’d highly recommend giving this a try.