best product to clean convertible roof Z4

with thanks to cj10jeeper


Personally I wouldn't use it on a roof that you describe as 'isn't in bad condition at all'

Stick to either BMW's own or Ragtopps 2 part cleaner and protector. Both have tremendous ratings and are really the only correct products to apply to the Zed roof that is in fact a composite structure of fibres and butyl liner underneath.

One thing to note is the 'canvas' is not waterproof and not designed to be.


FYI - something I researched and posted before about waterproofing:

(I refer only to the automatic roof as the manual roof is an uninsulated construction):

The roof is actually 3 layers. The outer layer is itself 3 layers of poly-acryoniltrite fibres, polyethylene fibres and butyl rubber. Underneath that is a 15mm layer of insulating polyester (sound proof and warmth) and the final inner layer of polyurethane foam and polyethersulfone, for inside finish and insulation. Pretty complex for a folding bit of canvas

My interpretation of this is that water should actually permeate the outer layer and rely on the butyl to be the waterproof layer, so your not really waterproofing it but removing dirt from the outer fibres and protecting them. For this reason I'd be very careful of any detergent and what I used, no scrubbing and use a proper product.
 
wegras said:
with thanks to cj10jeeper


Personally I wouldn't use it on a roof that you describe as 'isn't in bad condition at all'

Stick to either BMW's own or Ragtopps 2 part cleaner and protector. Both have tremendous ratings and are really the only correct products to apply to the Zed roof that is in fact a composite structure of fibres and butyl liner underneath.

One thing to note is the 'canvas' is not waterproof and not designed to be.


FYI - something I researched and posted before about waterproofing:

(I refer only to the automatic roof as the manual roof is an uninsulated construction):

The roof is actually 3 layers. The outer layer is itself 3 layers of poly-acryoniltrite fibres, polyethylene fibres and butyl rubber. Underneath that is a 15mm layer of insulating polyester (sound proof and warmth) and the final inner layer of polyurethane foam and polyethersulfone, for inside finish and insulation. Pretty complex for a folding bit of canvas

My interpretation of this is that water should actually permeate the outer layer and rely on the butyl to be the waterproof layer, so your not really waterproofing it but removing dirt from the outer fibres and protecting them. For this reason I'd be very careful of any detergent and what I used, no scrubbing and use a proper product.
Click to expand...

:yawn:
 
wegras, Seriously - have you got any evidence that proofing causes damage? The onus is on you to proove it does, not other people to proove it doesn't. You can't proove a negative, but you can proove a positive. So if proofing causes damage, the evidence will be readily available.

As mentioned you said Raggtopp is OK and it's a proofer as shown in the video. So what exactly are you trying to say? That proofing is OK if it's Raggtopp or BMW (mentioned earlier that it's a proofer) but otherwise your roof will fall apart? I'm really confused. :?
 
I have used Ragtopp, BMW and Autoglym.... Ragtopp was the best for waterproofing (but hardest to apply), BMW was great (made lots of beading too) and Autoglym 3rd (but still pretty good).

It is a nonsense that you should not waterproof the roof... my car is an 2004 model and the roof is in great condition. As for anyone taking the line of "BMW know best"... mmm... crappy springs, rattly doors etc... BMW most definitely do not know best. That said I am pretty sure that not waterproofing the roof at all will do no harm, but personally I like the way it keeps the roof dryer, so you get a dry roof quicker after the rain (and as such can get the roof down sooner :) )
 
Boogle said:
wegras, Seriously - have you got any evidence that proofing causes damage? The onus is on you to proove it does, not other people to proove it doesn't. You can't proove a negative, but you can proove a positive. So if proofing causes damage, the evidence will be readily available.

As mentioned you said Raggtopp is OK and it's a proofer as shown in the video. So what exactly are you trying to say? That proofing is OK if it's Raggtopp or BMW (mentioned earlier that it's a proofer) but otherwise your roof will fall apart? I'm really confused. :?
Click to expand...


I have at no time said anything other than a description of the roof and that is intended to be permeable .I have NOT said that using other
products causes damage strangely that appears to be in the mind of the most of the other posters They must know something if they desperately deny
Autoglym can cause a problem and I have only mentioned the BMW product which I believe is made by Ragg Top
I could not care a jot what you put on your roof
BUT the OP deserves a little courtesy he asked a question and I gave him the facts which have been twisted and bent by the usual suspects in some bizarre
frenzy
 
ZedFourM said:
I have been following this debate with interest, trying to understand what would be the best way to clean my soft top, and I am still undecided between BMW and Autoglym.

For those who argue that you shouldn't waterproof the outer layer of the roof, what is your view on this product - http://stephenjamesparts.co.uk/epag.../Shops/eshop113974/Products/"83 12 2 156 551" - which is listed as "Genuine BMW waterproof for convertible soft-tops"?
Click to expand...

I am not arguing nor have I argued either way I am just stating the the outer layer is designed as permeable what you make of that is up to you ....your roof
Just ask yourself what kind of product you want to use to treat the roof, you can see the available products on this thread and the price is varying from pricey to cheap

The link is the BMW conditioner slightly different description on the bottle
 
The OP said any suggestions welcome, people gave their suggestions and you then came in saying that we were wrong and you were right, if you were trying to be Courteous to the OP then you should allow him to make his own decision based on the experiences of others and what others have used, WE ALL KNOW WHAT BMW SAYS, No one bent and twisted what you said but you have infact bent and twisted what we have said. you said that I had said Renovo was the cheapest, I did not.
If like you say you do not give a jot what people put on their roofs then why are you going to such lengths to tell us we are all wrong and that your opinion is the only one that matters.
You also said that you think I protest to much and can't understand why I get so "exercisable" when anyone states the facts. My post was made based on the numerous threads on here about roof protectants and the enevitable onslaught of BMW slaves quoting from the handbook. My post was meant to be humerous as well as offering my experiences with renovo, but you felt it was your place to "have a go". it is not my aim to make posts solely based on the point that you can understand. This is a public forum with many, many members and we have all got different experences with products, one of the good things about this forum is sharing the knowledge, The OP would have read your post as well as others and made up his own mind .
BMW also say that you should not use any other tyre than runflats and I think we all know that is bollocks as well.
 
Nosa said:
The OP said any suggestions welcome, people gave their suggestions and you then came in saying that we were wrong and you were right, if you were trying to be Courteous to the OP then you should allow him to make his own decision based on the experiences of others and what others have used, WE ALL KNOW WHAT BMW SAYS, No one bent and twisted what you said but you have infact bent and twisted what we have said. you said that I had said Renovo was the cheapest, I did not.
If like you say you do not give a jot what people put on their roofs then why are you going to such lengths to tell us we are all wrong and that your opinion is the only one that matters.
You also said that you think I protest to much and can't understand why I get so "exercisable" when anyone states the facts. My post was made based on the numerous threads on here about roof protectants and the enevitable onslaught of BMW slaves quoting from the handbook. My post was meant to be humerous as well as offering my experiences with renovo, but you felt it was your place to "have a go". it is not my aim to make posts solely based on the point that you can understand. This is a public forum with many, many members and we have all got different experences with products, one of the good things about this forum is sharing the knowledge, The OP would have read your post as well as others and made up his own mind .
BMW also say that you should not use any other tyre than runflats and I think we all know that is bollocks as well.
Click to expand...


Your imagination runs wild
I have not at any time commented on any product you are confusing me stating facts with your own emotions
I have stated the way the roof is constructed and added that AG is a waterproofer which it is I HAVE NOT SAID YOU MUST NOT WATERPROOF that is up to the car owner
You obviously want to waterproof I really do not care and the pent up rubbish ....RFT etc ..............oh for heavens sake
 
I brought - Meguiar’s Convertible & Cabriolet Cleaner to try. Haven't used it yet as forgot last time to try it. They sell the weather proofer seperate so thought this product fitted the bill.
 
Sunnyme said:
I brought - Meguiar’s Convertible & Cabriolet Cleaner to try. Haven't used it yet as forgot last time to try it. They sell the weather proofer seperate so thought this product fitted the bill.
Click to expand...

Splitter! :poke: :) (Only joking)

:ilz4f:
 
wegras said:
I have not at any time commented on any product you are confusing me stating facts with your own emotions
I have stated the way the roof is constructed and added that AG is a waterproofer which it is I HAVE NOT SAID YOU MUST NOT WATERPROOF that is up to the car owner
You obviously want to waterproof I really do not care and the pent up rubbish ....RFT etc ..............oh for heavens sake
Click to expand...


It has been an interesting conversation Wegras, but I feel I must leave it at that, but you have indeed left an impression with me. your comments in general towards me are nothing lesss than insulting and unbearably arrogant, there are certain types of BMW drivers and owners and I know which type you slot into. I will not comment further as I wish to remain a member of this forum.
 
I have read in quite a few places that the BMW cleaner, although being the OEM product, can still leave the roof going a bit green after a while (maybe due to it's non water proofing properties and letting algae in/grow).

I would imagine this is quite subjective, but for me I would rather have some kind of water proofing. As adamski says it will bead under light rain but will get totally soaked in a good heavy rainfall.

I keep mine garaged overnight which I'm sure helps keep the roof nice.

No complaints with the autoglym stuff.
 
So in summary:

We all like AutoGlym, we like Renovo, and we like Raggtop.

BMW roof cleaner can make the roof go green.....

We're all done then :thumbsup:
 
If I mix up some Raggtop with some Autoglym then apply that, what do you think will happen:

a) my roof will spontaneously combust

b) wegras will spontaneously combust

c) BMW will remove my Z4 from my ownership for not using a BMW-approved product



(if the answere is "c", then I guess I'd better remove my oil, screenwash fluid, headlight bulbs, tyres, seat cleaner, air freshener, all the wax and polish that've been applied, etc)
 
wegras said:
gookah said:
"But BMW have designed the roof to let water through", ....
We hear it in every roof treatment thread, and still no one takes a blind bit of notice of it, and still no one has had a roof that has rotted away
:rofl:
Click to expand...
Oh do grow up :poke:
Click to expand...

You seem to like quoting "facts"..
My point is also a fact, you post on all of these roof treatment threads, and still no one takes any notice, and still no one has a rotting roof.

Unless you know different, so



:poke: Back at ya! :rofl:
 
Wobblewing said:
I have read in quite a few places that the BMW cleaner, although being the OEM product, can still leave the roof going a bit green after a while (maybe due to it's non water proofing properties and letting algae in/grow).

I would imagine this is quite subjective, but for me I would rather have some kind of water proofing. As adamski says it will bead under light rain but will get totally soaked in a good heavy rainfall.

I keep mine garaged overnight which I'm sure helps keep the roof nice.

No complaints with the autoglym stuff.
Click to expand...

I used Renovo specifically because it mentions Algae-inhibitors.

You've got to use it fairly regularly though, I neglected the roof for a while and had a small amount around the rubber 'seal' at the back where the roof seems to stay wet for aggggeeeess. I live in an area that gets algae easily though, you can forget to wash your car for a month (!) and you'll get the green around the rubber where the window goes up/down.

FYI on the Autoglym. I was put off because you can only buy the cleaner / proofer as a pair. Plenty of people seem to end up using more of one than the other - I certainly do with the Renovo!
 
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