Hardtops for Roadsters – why?

[Marlon]

Perhaps it’s just me, but I’ve never understood why anyone would want a hardtop for their roadster?
Ok, so it rains a lot in the winter (and the summer ) but the weather can change from day to day – often from morning to afternoon, and at the touch of a button you’ve got the thrill of open top motoring when the weather breaks. But the hardtop doesn’t allow such flexibility, plus it takes two to lift it off, and then there’s the issue storing it. If you want the security of a hardtop and the thrill of open top motoring then go for the E89 or if budget won’t stretch that far then there’s always early SLK’s to pick from. Plus in my opinion a roadster with a hardtop just doesn’t look right.

 

[Wyldie85]

With the dreaded roof motor alone they can be considered a decent purchase.
With harsh weather in the winter they're good at keeping snow and ice off the fabric roof. Perhaps more suited to places in Europe where winters are much harder than here and I am sure they would argue they're worth their weight.
It's quieter.
They're more secure.
I can't stretch to an E89 but I certainly wouldn't want an SLK.

I wish I had one.

 

[85genius]

Just got my hardtop on, and I think it looks miles better than the canvas roof! Nowhere near as good as with the top down though.

Its is much more refined on the motorway, once I have a stand sorted for mine its coming back off until mid-end September then it will stay on over the winter. I leave mine parked outside most of the time so feel much safer with a hardtop on

 

[gwatson]

Well been there and done that on my first Z4, it really was for cosmetic reasons, loved the look of it from behind with the integrated spoiler.

However, looking back this is what contributed to me selling the car, I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of removing it when the sun came out (or no one was around to help) and I quickly got bored driving with the roof up (on).

The Z4 roof is double layered, so it's not like the olden days when you wanted a hardtop to protect the car from the elements. Slight improvement in road noise perhaps, but not much. Also a hassle to store when not on the car.

Don't bother, put the money towards something that will improve the enjoyment, exhaust, suspension etc.

 

[mr wilks]

Question for those who have used hardtops over winter > how does the soft top look when it emerges after long periods folded away ?

 

[rossonr]

Good question Mr wilks. I was wondering the same as if you put clothes etc away for a while you cannot get creases out. I would imagine would be same for roof
Ray

 

[85genius]

Question for those who have used hardtops over winter > how does the soft top look when it emerges after long periods folded away ?

Not thought of that, suppose I'll have to get the Mrs to iron it if I have a problem after the winter

 

[mr wilks]

Only asked the question as my roof drops away looking mint & when it emerges after being folded away even for only a matter of hours it looks far from how it did when it disappeared

 

[ranski]

My Z4 came with the hardtop when I bought it as the original owner spec'd it with the car. Apparently the original owner never took the hardtop off and I only do during the summer months.

Comparing the colour and general state of my roof with other Z4 members cars i have seen, its still holding its black colour with no noticeable marks or scratches. The Z is also over 12 years old now and still using the original roof motor which is a rarity for its age

In terms of looks I actually like the presence the hardtop gives the E85. infact it gives you two cars in one with the noticeable difference between the rag and hardtop



if you dont have the help to remove the hardtop then just buy the bmw hoist or make your own like Phil | cjeep did

 

[Confused®]

Question for those who have used hardtops over winter > how does the soft top look when it emerges after long periods folded away ?

It looks just as if its been down for the weekend. my top goes on when the weather turns and stays on untill may, i then clean and protect it for the summer showers. wouldnt be without it,
Must add i make sure the softtop is dry before folding away or it will go moldy.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

I have a hardtop for my S2000 and it's far more refined in cold, wet weather. It's also quieter, although that carries the negative of reducing the exhaust and induction noise appreciated within the cabin. I have a stand and cover so it takes up little room when off the car. It can be removed or fitted in a matter of seconds when the weather changes. My soft top is immaculate largely I suspect due to the car having a hardtop from new, so protecting it from the worst of the weather and road salt. Several months at a time folded seem not to have marked it.
Is it worth up to £1000? Perhaps not, but I specifically sought the GT model that has a hardtop from the factory and the premium they command is less than the additional cost of retrofitting a hardtop mounting kit to a standard car and buying a hardtop. I imagine this is true for the Zed too.

 

[Raj_UK]

Why a hardtop? Coupe envy?

 

[ranski]

Why a hardtop? Coupe envy?

dont worry raj you're a newbie - you might get a few smiles out of pity for that oldie

 

[cj10jeeper]

Question for those who have used hardtops over winter > how does the soft top look when it emerges after long periods folded away ?

Mine's been folded away for much of the last 8 Winters and it doesn't make any difference too it whatsoever. Still comes out looking brand new each Spring (and of course no green slime). The hardtop doesn't sit on the softtop.

OP's question - why a hardtop?

Winter care of the roof
2 cars for the price of one and pretty stylish looking
Electric hoist in garage means it can be off in minutes with 1 person and back on when I return (This is the 2 days in winter when the sun actually shines)
Hangs on the wall all Summer, so not an issue
Don't like the E89 and don't want a Merc.
Can sell it anytime for more than I paid

 

[David-H]

What he said! (certainly not coupe envy as I have a coupe too!)

 

[AlpinaRoadsterS]

Hardtops for Roadsters – why?

Easy:
Highspeed for the Roadster S: 265 km/h
Highspeed for the Roadster S with hardtop: 270 km/h ;-)

 

[buzyg]

Question for those who have used hardtops over winter > how does the soft top look when it emerges after long periods folded away ?

I don't have a hard top but I leave the top down for weeks at a time. It's down when the car is in the garage, as well as when I'm driving it. In answer to the question, it looks just fine when it goes back up, usually for security when I'm parked up for lunch somewhere.

But to be honest, as it's hardly ever up. it doesn't really matter what it looks like. :wink:

 

[BMWZ4MC]

What he said! (certainly not coupe envy as I have a coupe too!)

Yep, here too

 

[Raj_UK]

Why a hardtop? Coupe envy?

dont worry raj you're a newbie - you might get a few smiles out of pity for that oldie

Oldies are goodies and a smiles a smile

 

[85genius]

The real question should be why would anyone buy a coupe when they could have a roadster with a hardtop