Softop(winter)

[Sharpy1975]

Hi all

So, picked up my Z4 3.0(smg) on Saturday. The car is stunning and a great drive. The only problem being it's a very tight squeeze parking in our garage, so it might have to live on the drive. The roof is in great condition and I would like to keep it that way - do they winter ok? I've been told not to seal, or wash the roof, just hoover and brush.

PS: checked drain plugs and all clear

 

[Anonymous]

My car lives out all year round and the top looks in tip-top condition. I've got a half-cover I put on if I'm leaving the car for a few days or if I know there's a bad bout of weather coming.

As for the drain plugs, did you put them back in? The general feeling I got from the forum was to bin them. Some complained about increased road noise, which is brilliant with a roadster :rofl:

 

[Sharpy1975]

Where did you get your half - cover from? does it damage the paint work at all?

I didn't remove the plugs, just stuck my finger in and gave a good wiggle

 

[swilsco]

Where did you get your half - cover from? does it damage the paint work at all?

I didn't remove the plugs, just stuck my finger in and gave a good wiggle

I have one of these http://www.ukcustomcovers.com/custom-half-covers/bmw/bmw-z4-tailored-half-cover.

I'm on my second cover now. First one disintegrated very quickly and the magnets caused scratch marks in the paint.
The second cover i removed all the magnets straight away but same again, inside cover is peeling away and because its peeling away, it now is scratching the paint.

Generally speaking it has been great for heavy rain protection. But its not built to last. If you do buy one, immediately remove the magnets is my suggestion. I regret not doing it sooner when i had my first cover. It stays on fine without them also.

 

[Chris_D]

a hardtop will always be a good investment imo.
i was in 2 minds before finding one for eur600, so i snapped it up and am happy ive now got the option of feeling pretty snug in winter when driving and that the ragtop is protected from the elements.
but a halfcover should do a pretty good job of protecting the top through winter too. tho u wont be able to drive around with it on :lol:

 

[Sharpy1975]

good shout about the hardtop......I will keep my eye out for one during the summer.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I've been told not to seal, or wash the roof, just hoover and brush

That's not really true. The soft top should be washed and cleaned. No heavy scrubbing as and hat will pile the fabric. There are are many kits available that wash then protect - BMW, Ragtopp, etc. so use one of those. They protect the fibres of the fabric and stop dirt getting in?
Do not seal it as in paint a canvas sealer or anything else folks dream up on it as the fabric is triple layer and with top layer designed to be porous and breathable.

 

[Rusky]

Welcome to the smg club