NEWBIE-Z4 Top Problems

0

08speedster

New member
 New York -- Capital District Area
We bought a used 2008 Z4-Osi from our local BMW dealer. It is dark blue with the Camel Tan convertible top.

It seems that the convertible top rubs in two spots against the rubber casket that runs around the trunk area leaving black marks on the Camel colored top.

I took it back to the dealer and he said that he couldn't fix the problem. I have seen other Z4's with the same rub marks....

1st the black marks on the brown top look terrible and takes away the beauty of the car...and 2nd, I believe the constant rubbing will eventually wear through the top.....so my questions are....has anyone else experienced the same problem....and if so, were you able to fix it......

Thanks in advance for any information that you can share to remedy this problem.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum :thumbsup:

Sounds like a nasty issue if your hood is discolouring. My hood is black so I can't say I've noticed any discolouration on mine. The beige hood is quite rare in the UK. I don't think the fabric will be damaged, but I can imagine it won't look nice.

Hopefully some of the other forum members will be able to help


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
WELCOME to the Forum :thumbsup:

Sorry :( can't help with the top issue but I would be writing to the dealer with an official complaint and await a written response.
 
It's a known problem, it happens on all tops, but is not visible on black ones. There is not enough friction to abrade the top fabric, only dis-color it. You can minimize the dis-coloring by 1) minimize oxidation of the black cowl trim by treating it regularly with a plastic or vinyl treatment. 2) move the roof frame forward slightly to minimize (but not eliminate) contact with the cowl trim. However excessive forward movement can cause problems with mating to the windshield locks and/or sealing/leakage issues.

To move the roof frame, carefully pry out the long oval inserts on the main hinge on each side. Underneath each are two Torx bolts. Precisely mark their location on the frame so position can be restored if problems arise. Barely loosen all the bolts just enough so the frame can be slid. Do not remove the bolts. Push the entire frame forward, there may be less than 1.5 mm of play, but every bit helps. Re-tighten the bolts. Don't know the torque spec, but they should be well tightened, but don't go all gorilla on them with a breaker bar. Test the roof operation, engagement at the windshield, and check for water leakage. If problems arise, restore to original position. Replace the inserts.

By all means complain. It's a stupid design, just like the roof motor placement in the drainage tub. (search for roof motor failure if you haven't heard that one yet) The only real solution would be to install a color matching cowl trim, which is not available, AFAIK.
 
bcworkz said:
It's a known problem, it happens on all tops, but is not visible on black ones. There is not enough friction to abrade the top fabric, only dis-color it. You can minimize the dis-coloring by 1) minimize oxidation of the black cowl trim by treating it regularly with a plastic or vinyl treatment. 2) move the roof frame forward slightly to minimize (but not eliminate) contact with the cowl trim. However excessive forward movement can cause problems with mating to the windshield locks and/or sealing/leakage issues.

To move the roof frame, carefully pry out the long oval inserts on the main hinge on each side. Underneath each are two Torx bolts. Precisely mark their location on the frame so position can be restored if problems arise. Barely loosen all the bolts just enough so the frame can be slid. Do not remove the bolts. Push the entire frame forward, there may be less than 1.5 mm of play, but every bit helps. Re-tighten the bolts. Don't know the torque spec, but they should be well tightened, but don't go all gorilla on them with a breaker bar. Test the roof operation, engagement at the windshield, and check for water leakage. If problems arise, restore to original position. Replace the inserts.

By all means complain. It's a stupid design, just like the roof motor placement in the drainage tub. (search for roof motor failure if you haven't heard that one yet) The only real solution would be to install a color matching cowl trim, which is not available, AFAIK.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice about the vinyl treatment, I will try that first....you would think the dealer would adjust the roof frame mechanism instead of blowing me off
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom