Body Styles Split the NAGS Part Numbers
Replacing the glass on this vehicle requires identifying the body style immediately, because the Cabriolet does not share glass with the Sedan or the Avant wagon. The Sedan and Avant rely on NAGS part number FW02301 (often ordered with shade variants such as FW02301GYN or FW02301GYY), featuring a standard roofline and framed side windows. In contrast, the Cabriolet convertible requires FW02368 (including FW02368GGN, FW02368GYN, and FW02368GYY). The convertible utilizes a reinforced, steeper A-pillar rake and a distinct structural windshield header designed to work with frameless, auto-dropping side glass, making the two windshield shapes completely non-interchangeable.
Across all variants, the factory glass was green-tinted solar control laminate surrounded by an extensive black ceramic frit band. This frit pattern incorporates a third visor dot matrix centered behind the interior rearview mirror to block glare between the folding sun visors. Most of these models came from the factory with a grey upper sunshade band. I source quality aftermarket glass from reputable manufacturers like PGW, Pilkington, FYG, and XYG to ensure the perimeter curvature matches the vehicle body cleanly and avoids optical distortion along the outer edges.
The Cowl Retainer Channel and Water Drainage Risks
The lower edge of the windshield incorporates a critical rigid plastic track bonded directly to the glass. This receiver channel holds the plastic cowl screen—often called the water deflector tray—firmly against the base of the windshield below the wiper arms. If this plastic channel is deformed, cracked, or if the cowl lip is not seated completely into the slot along its entire run, rainwater will bypass the deflector.
When water slips underneath an improperly seated cowl screen, it drains straight into the fresh air cabin filter intake box. That water quickly pools inside the passenger cabin footwell, threatening hidden wiring harnesses and comfort control control modules under the carpeting. Furthermore, the plenum chamber beneath this panel houses the vehicle battery and critical drain grommets. If road grime and decaying leaves plug those lower rubber drains while the upper cowl is loose, the entire plenum will flood during heavy downpours.
Rearview Mirror Mount Variations and Rain Sensors
Unlike modern vehicles, this platform features no forward-facing ADAS cameras, heated wiper elements, or windshield-integrated radio antennas. However, you must account for changes at the interior mirror base. Early model years utilize a straightforward mechanical twist-mount rearview mirror bracket attached to the frit. Later versions introduced an optical round rain and light sensor bracket. If the vehicle is equipped with this rain sensor, fitting a fresh optical gel pad between the glass and the round sensor face is necessary; air pockets or damaged pads will cause erratic automatic wiper cycling and intermittent automatic headlight switching.
Post-Installation Inspection Checklist
- Inspect the plastic cowl cover at the bottom of the glass to ensure the entire edge is locked flat inside the windshield retainer channel with all factory retention clips fastened.
- Examine the outer A-pillar side trim and roof mouldings to confirm they sit completely flush against the glass without bent metal tabs or paint scuffs.
- Check the interior rearview mirror to ensure the twist-mount base is solid against the glass bracket without play or wobble.
- Verify that the wiper arms sit at their correct rest positions on the lower glass black band without touching the cowl panel.
- If your car has automatic wipers, test the stalk in the auto position by misting clean water over the center mirror mount to ensure the rain sensor responds smoothly.
- Check the passenger footwell carpet following the first heavy rain to verify there is zero water entering around the fresh air cabin filter intake.
