Wind Noise with the Top Down

P

Peacefield

Member
I had a 2004 Z4 3.0 that I loved very much (excepting that stupid notchy steering problem that BMW won't recognize). I traded it in for a 2008 3.0 si about a month ago. Today was the first day warm enough to drive with the top down and I'm getting a loud wind noise from the "pocket" right behind the driver's seat where the roof mechanism is.

I NEVER had this nose with the 2004. Did the mechanism or anything else change over those years? Is ir reasonable to expect this noise exist or that the dealer somehow shyould make it go away (which would be a problem because the dealer who had the car I wanted was 7 hours away, though it is a CPO)? Searching the threads, I see BMW offers a cover which I'm not crazy about owing to the $'s as well as the inconvenience of popping them in and out.

Any insights will be appreciated.
 
I know they sealed the motor on the facelift, which your previous car wouldnt have had - but doubt very much that would make the increased sound. Did you have a windbreak on the previous car maybe?

Driven mine 70mph with the roof down, windows up with a windbreak and its not so bad.
 
Wind noise - what do you expect from open top motoring. I have the side covers - so inconvenient to keep taking them on and off all of about 30 seconds to do! And with the wind deflector between the role over hoops and both windows; down sheer driving pleasure. :thumbsup: and a bit of :poke:
 
I do have the BMW branded wind screen; not the pull over leather one but the one that clips in with the replacement rollbar covers. It's the same screen that I had on my 2004. I do view the pocket covers as inconvenient for a couple of reasons. One is that I don't know where I'd store them to keep them handy. But also, I like the convenience of putting the top down at a traffic light on a nice day. I have problems with my shoulders and putting those in or taking them out would require my getting out of the car. I could do it, of course, but it would be obnoxious. More importantly, I never had to do it before and can't imagine what's different.
 
Let me ask the question a different way; has anyone had this wind noise problem (and just to clarify, this is much more than just normal wind noise) and gone to the dealer and they've been able to do something for you other than pointing to the plugs in their catalog?
 
I don't think there has been any mechanism or construction changes over the years. Possible difference on US cars maybe between manual and automated roof, but I doubt it beyong thickness of roof lining frame strength, etc.

Is the top sitting fully down and or the fabric folding correctly. Beyond that I see no reason why this one should be loud. Equally unless there is something identifiable then I can't see the dealer doing anything about it.
 
It is sitting down firmly. What I think is happening is that the material of the roof is folding a little differently than it should and it creates a pocket for air to rush into instead of over. Not sure if I can "train" the roof to fold differently or not.
 
Yes you can 'train' the roof by observing how the correct side folds then gently pressing the fabric to cause it to fold correctly. after a few times it shoudl follow the new pattern.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom