Keep roof down?

P

Pedro

Member
Hi all

I have had my 2003 z4 for 3 days now, loving it so far! The first job I did was check out the roof drains, I guess it was a good sign that they were clear and holding no water.

The car is kept in the garage and will be used mostly on sunny days. Is it a good idea to leave the roof down when the car is in the garage with the theory that the less I put it up/down the less work the motor has to do? Will it make no difference or is it actually bad for the roof to leave it down for any time?

Cheers in advance

Pedro
 
If you put a hard top on then the roof stays down for months at a time with no ill effects. Not that I have a hard top.

I do leave the roof down when the car is in the Garage though. I too think it probably better for it long term. Plus like you it only comes out on sunny days. So for sure it's not doing any harm. You will need to hoover the interior a bit more to keep the dust away. Whether it's actually doing any good, well only time will tell. No problems in 5 1/2 years thus far :D
 
No. The opposite in my oppinion

The roof is stretched taught when up, so it is good to keep it that way. If its mostly down and folded, its more likely to stretch and rip when put up and under stress occasionally. Also things never seize when they are moving... If you rarely cycle the roof, you are more likely to have issues when you try..

I keep my roof up when stored and make a deliberate effort to cycle it at least once, everytime I drive it. It takes 8 seconds , so at once a day, the motor barely runs for 1 minute a week, in each direction ..!

- A rolling stone gathers no moss.
 
I have a hardtop it goes on for winter and soft roof stays down for a few months...

At least it did worth the last Z, will do the same with next Z if insurance ever bloody pay out so I can buy it!!!!
 
i have a hardtop and it was on for 5 years once and never caused any issues the hood works perfect
 
Number5 said:
No. The opposite in my oppinion

The roof is stretched taught when up, so it is good to keep it that way. If its mostly down and folded, its more likely to stretch and rip when put up and under stress occasionally. Also things never seize when they are moving... If you rarely cycle the roof, you are more likely to have issues when you try..

I keep my roof up when stored and make a deliberate effort to cycle it at least once, everytime I drive it. It takes 8 seconds , so mat once a day therefore the motor barely rums for 1 minute a weekin each direction ..

- A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Click to expand...

I'm with you, roof up in the garage earn stored.
 
As said before my hardtop too stays on for months, so no ill effect there.
I lower the roof every time when it's garaged if fully dry.
I prefer the car to air, any moisture allowed out of fabric along rear seals, the straps to relax and motor cycles.

Mine's 13 years old and looks new....

Bottom line is do whatever you prefer as it really won't make any difference provided you never leave it down for more than a few hours wet nor raise/lower if below 5c or iced.
 
I do the opposite and try and use my roof motor as much as possible. Reason being it will seize if not used often enough. Same thing happens to panormaic sunroofs, etc. Keep it well topped up with hydraulic fluid and use it often.

If it dies the motor is cheap to replace it's the labour that is killer. That's why I had mine relocated into the boot. I could fit a new one myself.
 
SonnyA85 said:
I do the opposite and try and use my roof motor as much as possible. Reason being it will seize if not used often enough. Same thing happens to panormaic sunroofs, etc. Keep it well topped up with hydraulic fluid and use it often.

If it dies the motor is cheap to replace it's the labour that is killer. That's why I had mine relocated into the boot. I could fit a new one myself.
Click to expand...


How do you top up the hydraulic fluid?

I keep my roof up when garaged all week :thumbsup:
 
Z4 - Kev said:
SonnyA85 said:
I do the opposite and try and use my roof motor as much as possible. Reason being it will seize if not used often enough. Same thing happens to panormaic sunroofs, etc. Keep it well topped up with hydraulic fluid and use it often.

If it dies the motor is cheap to replace it's the labour that is killer. That's why I had mine relocated into the boot. I could fit a new one myself.
Click to expand...


How do you top up the hydraulic fluid?

I keep my roof up when garaged all week :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

it injects into the top of the motor. probably a video or guide somewhere. the mechanic done mine when he relocated it into the boot.
 
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