Z4 Hardtop help?

S

skikodiak

Member
Okay, here's the deal... I found a hardtop for my Z4M (with hardtop install) and it's about a three hour drive to get it. The guy sellilng it does not have anything with it except the cover. I think there is a L shaped tool that you use to attach it to the car. I had a Z3 with a hardtop and it took a torx driver to attach the top. What do I need to simply drop this top on the car and drive away? Will I have to do any adjustment before it's ready for the drive home? If so what wrenches, etc. should I bring for that? Are the latches to the windshield attached or may he have lost those as well? Anyone with a hardtop have any advise? Thanks!! Mike

PS - I've ordered the wrench from my local dealer, but I'm worried he won't have it before I need to go get the top.
 
Welcome

Assuming your car has the fitting kit already in place (which I don't think all US cars do), you need only 2 tools to fit the hood(both ends of the special tool) The 2 rear corners use a rounded end so any small round shaft, screwdriver, etc. to revolve the lock 90 degrees. will do. The front uses a single hex so an allen key is all you need. Nothing can fall off. I can't recall how to fit the hardtop kit as all UK cars have it already in place

Only adjustment is to ensure there is no windnoise or bumping on the bodywork, but you can do that at home later (I have adjustment PDF's if needed)

Just wipe you paint off where the hood is going to sit so not grit gets trapped on the paint

You should also get 2 cosmetic trim inserts that cover the 2 rears mounts. See if the seller has them
 
US cars needed the "hard top prep" option, I believe. There may be more parts you need to make it work. I have no idea exactly what that "hard top prep" entailed.
 
Thanks, I think the hard top prep has everything the car needs. It's all wired for the rear window defrost, etc. There are covers that swing out of the way on the sockets that the back of the top drops into. Does anyone know what size the allen (hex head) wrench is? I'm hoping the dealer has the tool in time for me to pick the top up. It's just a long way back to my tools if I need something else. Thanks again, Mike
 
Ooops, looks like I didn't read thoroughly--if your car already has hard top prep, you're good to go. I have no idea which tool you need. I'm a coupe driver. :oops:
 
Well, I think you should be able to fudge a fitting without the tool if you have some robush Allen keys....and are careful - its not like the tool you get with it is very sophisticated. That said, be sure to order up the tool, the internal trim for the mechanism and a good cover from the stealer ASAP.
 
Wow, you lost me with the two rubber stoppers. I do have the factory "hardtop prep" installed on the car. I see in the instructions (with no words) there are two, what looks like, plastic "donuts" that I don't know what they do or where they go. Could you explain the rubber stoppers, where they go, and what they do? I've searched the internet and no one has written down what size wrenches to adjust the top mechanism or what size torx or hex head wrench it takes for the front of the top. Thanks for the help! Mike in Port Orchard, Washington
 
OK - just measured mine and it's an 8mm hex to operate both front locks from the centre access point, on one end and a 6mm round on the other for the 2 rear corner clamps. That's it. No torx

The stoppers are no more than bits of tube that slot over the metal stops on the trunk lid hinges. Go open your trunk and look at the points that connect to limit the trunk moving and you'll see them clearly.
 
Thanks so much! You wouldn't know what size wrench the rear posts on the top are, on the adjustment nuts (both on the posts and the two behind each post that adjusts the left and right of the top)? I'll check on the stoppers (car is at the dealers getting it's annual service). I'm guessing without the stoppers the lid will hit the hardtop? Hopefully, they are already installed. Thanks again, this is definately the best Z4 site on the web!! Mike
 
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