Windshield Cowl Options

[mauromj]

With windshield cowls becoming hard to find new, I wanted to discuss options for replacing the old, cracked cowls that many people have.

I have seen options where people are cutting the original rubber strip off and adding/glueing a new seal on. This seems like a decent approach that I may try with my car… but…

It appears a B5 Passat cowl fits. There is a spot in the middle for the factory clip, as well as a tab on the right side for a clip. It appears the B5 S4 has the metal mounting tab on the right side, it just needs a clip added to secure it. Left side does not appear to clip/mount like the right side does.

So from what I noticed, here are the issues one would have using this piece.

1. Mounting of the right (passenger) side.
2. The wiper holes are slightly larger. Will need to use the B5 Passat grommets to properly fill the gap, or come up with something custom. Neoprene washers perhaps?
3. Cabin air filter lid does not exist on this piece. Use Passat, or cut old S4 piece and use that?
4. There is nothing to keep it “clamped down” against the windshield. Because of this, there is a gap between the cowl lip and the windshield. I am not sure how the Passat handles this issue… I don’t see any tabs, clips, etc that would secure it down.

All and all, pretty minor issues in my opinion. I may attempt to move forward with it if I can find a cabin filter lid that would work properly.

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[Darepoole]

I honestly just used decent electrical tape over the cracked seal on mine. Surprisingly you can’t tell it’s electrical tape if you take your time and make it even. I’m unsure of the Passat fitment. I know a4 and s4 cowls are interchangeable as I have an s4 cowl on my a4. The cabin air filter section is different slightly between the two but it doesn’t interfere with fitment.


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[raswin]

You may be on to something, keep us updated. I would like to see how you solve the cabin filter issue. But, it’s a start for sure, I’m speaking for myself here, i appreciate it. Just recently I’ve mulling over what to do with my cracked up piece. And my only choice would pick up a used piece, now we may have a better choice. Thanks keep us updated when it’s figured out, in the meantime I’ll start searching for a S4 cabin filter cover.


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[harryn]

I'd recommend using Mother's CMX or Turtle Wax or Adam's Trim Restore on the cowl to extend it's life as much as possible, especially if your car is stored outside. I was one of the fortunate few to get brand new cowls for my S4 from the dealer. They were for the B5 A4, and fit perfectly.

[dalazybastard]

The Passat cowl clips into a groove the length of the lower part of the windshield.

Like how the B6 A4/S4 is if you’ve seen that.

It looks good, but a better restraint might be needed to minimize adverse flop and looks.


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[Joel_S4]

I'd recommend using Mother's CMX or Turtle Wax or Adam's Trim Restore on the cowl to extend it's life as much as possible, especially if your car is stored outside. I was one of the fortunate few to get brand new cowls for my S4 from the dealer. They were for the B5 A4, and fit perfectly.

Thanks for this recommendation. I'm new to the B5 platform and will add this to my yearly maintenance list.

[mauromj]

The Passat cowl clips into a groove the length of the lower part of the windshield.

Like how the B6 A4/S4 is if you’ve seen that.

It looks good, but a better restraint might be needed to minimize adverse flop and looks.


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I just took a look at the cowl and noticed this. The "clip" runs along the length of the cowl, but the B5 S4 rain tray (the metal fold below the windshield) does not have a lip that would allow it to clip into.

[wpfahl]

The ethanol the keeps the windshield washer fluid from freezing attacks the material.


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