Recent content by StudioWizard

Hi all I recently had my top replaced and unfortunately the installer used a drill on the screws that attach the front of the top listing to the aluminum top frame. So, he used some kind of bonding to secure the screws. Meanwhile, he broke two of the screw clips that are used to secure the...

My 2005 2.5i 5-Speed Auto makes the same clanking sound when shifting into reverse or drive after being parked. I think this is a very common problem with e85/86.

Hey folks! To anyone in the Los Angeles area: I need a shop recommendation for E85 Z4 hydraulic top lift cylinder replacement (both sides). Looking for someone who has done this job before and uses rebuilt cylinders possibly from Top Hydraulics, Inc. I just had a brand new top installed...

Definitely get a second opinion. However, I've put in about $13k into my 2005 2.5i including having the tranny rebuilt, all oil and fuel leaks fixed, replacing fuel pump, water pump, alternator, headlight assemblies (used on Ebay), new top, etc. The car runs like a dream, though. I could...

After having a few mechanics and friends check it out, I finally figure it out. I used a fuel system cleaner on two consecutive fill-ups and, per the instructions, drove in a "spirited" fashion for about 30 minutes (RPMs at least above 3500) immediately after each fill-up, then made sure to...

Good idea!! I may also try to bundle all the lines better so the Bowden cable is more straight. Also, after working with the cable a bit, I figured out that there bypass button on the motor was badly corroded. Once I cleaned that up, the cable started to work as it should.

I watched a video about a guy trying to fix the horrible rattling coming the plastic roll bar covers. Mine are horrible, too. He attempted to fix the rattling by removing them and inserting foam or something. In doing so, he broke enough tabs that they don't stay together anymore. So...

I finally relocated the roof motor and it's so much better now!! One little issue: I think the Bowden cable to release the hydraulics isn't working correctly any longer. Maybe there's a bend or something? I'm wondering: can I just remove it since if I need to disable the hydraulics, I can...

Upon doing a little more research, I believe my door cards are not leather, but leatherette instead. The leather door cards don't have the uniform pattern seen on the dash board. Since mine has that same uniform pattern, it's not leather.

:thumbsup:

That's brilliant! I check it out.

Hey all I've cleaned up my black leather door cards (2005 2.5i) and they look pretty nice now, but I'm wondering if I should apply a leather protector to them. Has anyone got a recommendation for the best way to protect the door cards? Are they genuine leather or...?? Thanks!

Thanks, r3vmatch. That's super helpful! My mechanic said it's just the brakes repositioning when shifting load from forward and reverse. I'll show him the TSB and see what he says. I'm sure it's NOT the brakes! LOL

How are you guys attaching a zip tie to the car that then attaches around the motor? Is it threaded through the existing carpet or something? Alternatively, can I drill a small hole or two into the metal (is that the wheel well?) and attach a thin plate that I can run a zip tie under and...

To Dave: Is your tray in the up or down position? Normally, if the tray is in the up position, you can't operate the top, but some people permanently engage the switch if it's faulty. If that's the case with your car, just put the tray in the low position and that would fix it. If your tray...