soft tops..... rain....

C

chezzy71

Member
due to the fact we have lots of rain in the uk, how do you lot find the roof on your z4s... anything / anywhere i should be looking out for when looking at one, ( water ingress wise ) ive never had any type of soft top before so im a bit wary / over cautious about soft top in general...... the easy answer would be buy a coupe and belive me if my budget can strech that far i will but for now im looking at roadsters.....
thanks in anvance chezzy71

ps as a new member im really impressed how freindly the forum seems to be...... :D
 
As far as I'm aware, they aren't prone to leaking. In most senses, the Z4 is very typically 'BMW'. It's designed to need very little care outside of routine maintenance. For example, I'm sure there are plenty of Z4 roofs that never even get cleaned, are dropped when they're wet, or when it's too cold; and I'd bet they're still fine.
 
Does anybody have any suggestions or recommendations on what can be applied to the soft top to maintain it and/or perhaps improve the water repelling for the winter?
 
This is another thing about the roof, and I'm sure CJ will be along in a minute to explain it in more depth. The roof is a 3-layer system which is intended to let the water through the first layer; so in reality you're doing nothing for the roof by applying a sealant - In actual fact, you may be doing harm (though don't quote me on this one).

As I say, the car is designed as a typical BMW - More than half of the people that buy a Z4 will never think about doing anything with the roof.
 
Just wipe the seals with a damp cloth to clean them. Then treat with a rubber conditioner every once in a while to keep them from cracking. The cloth itself seems robust. Keeping everything clean is key.
 
IK. said:
This is another thing about the roof, and I'm sure CJ will be along in a minute to explain it in more depth. The roof is a 3-layer system which is intended to let the water through the first layer; so in reality you're doing nothing for the roof by applying a sealant - In actual fact, you may be doing harm (though don't quote me on this one).

As I say, the car is designed as a typical BMW - More than half of the people that buy a Z4 will never think about doing anything with the roof.
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BMW does sell a roof cleaning kit. Which includes a water repellent.
 
I've recently used the Autoglym two part cleaning kit. Only £15.99, post free, from eBay.
Very pleased with the results.
 
Welcome!

Clean with bog-standard washing powder (that's all that's in the named gel cleaners, anyway!) and a stiff(ish) brush (I used a long handled dish brush). Rinse well and clean the recesses, too (did ours top half-down to get into those awkward to reach places). Allow to dry and treat with Renovo waterproofer - inc top half down to get those same awkward to reach places. Superb results here, and improves the water impermeability no end. No worries about the fabric, then. Oh, and BMW do treat the fabric with waterproofer, so I'd say it's the right thing to do....thought they're not always right :o
 
Stick to BMW own or Ragtopp cleaner and treatment, or equiv. system.
Pointless using anything else on a very expensive hood.
Mine's 8 years old, treated with Ragtopp, dropped every day when dry, hardtop over last few winters ( more for style and a change). Roof unmarked and as new.

If left outside keep the hood drains clean- search for info.
 
Hello: really like this forum. It was on my "bucket list" to have a BMW convertible. Never thought it would happen...turning 70 in Nov and decided to get one! Surprised my kids - that was fun in itself. Told them I'm looking for a T-shirt that say's "Spent my kids inheritance"! :D Drive every good day this fall with top down; & love to feel the wind thru my hair! Radio playing nice tunes. LOVE this car! It's an '03. Had 36, thou miles on it.
The top looks excellent and hope to keep it that way, so this forum has been VERY helpful! Have *one question*: what and where are "hood drains"? With no choice; "zippy" will be out in all e elements this winter :(
I've asked family to pull resources - if they can and get me a good BMW cover for birthday :oops: .
 
Just noticed that the passenger (RHD) floor mat is soaking wet. No signs of water down the door card or from window itself. Anyone else had similar issues?
 
Greatgrandma said:
Hello: really like this forum. It was on my "bucket list" to have a BMW convertible. Never thought it would happen...turning 70 in Nov and decided to get one! Surprised my kids - that was fun in itself. Told them I'm looking for a T-shirt that say's "Spent my kids inheritance"! :D Drive every good day this fall with top down; & love to feel the wind thru my hair! Radio playing nice tunes. LOVE this car! It's an '03. Had 36, thou miles on it.
The top looks excellent and hope to keep it that way, so this forum has been VERY helpful! Have *one question*: what and where are "hood drains"? With no choice; "zippy" will be out in all e elements this winter :(
I've asked family to pull resources - if they can and get me a good BMW cover for birthday :oops: .
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well done, life toooo short for regrets, :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
spareone3 said:
Just noticed that the passenger (RHD) floor mat is soaking wet. No signs of water down the door card or from window itself. Anyone else had similar issues?
Click to expand...

The most common cause is that the membrane behind the door card has been torn or not stuck back fully after a repair. Water flows down the glass into the door then between door card and membrane (instead of remaining inside the door) and drips over the sill onto the carpet.

Door card off and new/repair the membrane would be my start point.
 
cj10jeeper said:
spareone3 said:
Just noticed that the passenger (RHD) floor mat is soaking wet. No signs of water down the door card or from window itself. Anyone else had similar issues?
Click to expand...

The most common cause is that the membrane behind the door card has been torn or not stuck back fully after a repair. Water flows down the glass into the door then between door card and membrane (instead of remaining inside the door) and drips over the sill onto the carpet.

Door card off and new/repair the membrane would be my start point.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, will take a look...
 
Taz x said:
what is your budget? it amazes me how cheap some coupes are
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lmao!!! started reading through this thread and knew that a fellow coupe owner was going to provide a smart comment..then seeing tazx was enough to know it was going to be very smart!!!
 
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