Z4 Windblocker Comments

[Shipkiller]

I picked up a windblocker for the Z off of Ebay.

It works well enough and looks good, but I do not like the straps that hold it onto the roll bars.

I think I can fix this with some Silver/Grey velcro.

 

[IMZ4N]

I take it you have the mesh blocker. When I do take the blocker off to clean the rear window, I don't unclip the rear center straps. I undo the buckle and then remove the blocker leaving the center clip in place, That one is a pain!

 

[fire-n-ice]

ovrkll's got one (I call it his set of pantyhose :roll: ), and he doesn't use all his straps. He says they're a major PITA to remove, but loves the function.
If I were to ever get one, I'd get the clear plastic type, looks a little better in my opinion plus you can tint it to your tastes. The one he has would be too dark for my liking.

 

[Shipkiller]

No, this one is the Plexiglass one. I should have taken a picture, but it is too dark now.

I put it on yesterday evening but did not get a chance to test it out.

This morning it was 37' so putting the top down was not a bright idea, plus I don't want to operate the top when it is cold.

When I left work today, about 4 pm, the temp was 52', so I 'what the hell'. Put the top down and drove for about 15 miles then put the top back up.

The blocker does shield you from alot of the wind. Normally my hair would be all over the place, but today it's just breezy. It also quiets the cockpit down.

I did notice that it vibrated 'slightly' when at highway speeds +45Mph.

I have it mounted behind the two seat roll bars. I think this vibration will go away when I move it to the front of the roll bars.... We will see.

 

[fire-n-ice]

Cool , that's the one I'd get. I think there's a thread somewhere in the Problems section addressing the rattling problem you're having with regards to plexiglass windbreakers. If you're interested maybe do a search there and get some ideas.
I'm curious though, why don't you want to operate your top in cold weather? On my way to NJ last week, it got down to 36 before I finally caved in and put the top up. My top..so far..has worked fine in colder weather.

 

[flyboyaj]

Y'all are weak. It got down to 29F this morning on my way to work and I was smiling the whole way!!!! (yes, with the top down)

 

[bingboybri]

is this an after market wind breaker and not the standard bmw mesh one that fits into the runner between the hoops?

 

[Shipkiller]

Cool , that's the one I'd get. I think there's a thread somewhere in the Problems section addressing the rattling problem you're having with regards to plexiglass windbreakers. If you're interested maybe do a search there and get some ideas.
I'm curious though, why don't you want to operate your top in cold weather? On my way to NJ last week, it got down to 36 before I finally caved in and put the top up. My top..so far..has worked fine in colder weather.

This is my first rag top, and I am a bit skiddish with it's treatment. I kinda figure that if I exersise it while it is cold, it will be more prone to cracking....

I might be just a bit paranoid.

 

[rc'Z]

is this an after market wind breaker and not the standard bmw mesh one that fits into the runner between the hoops?

There is another company out there that sells on E-bay, Windblockers-R-Us, or something to that effect. They sell a one piece plexiglass windblocker for several different makes of autos. They have holes cut in it for velco straps and it fastens around the roll bars. It is not the Roadster Solutions model with the permenant fastners as I read his thread. You can find them on the web. I wish we could get a unified opnion about wind blockers, wonderful, looks only, waste of money, can't live without mine. The MINI Cooper world is ate up with loving the two types they have available to them, three I guess including the above mentioned style.

 

[rc'Z]

Cool , that's the one I'd get. I think there's a thread somewhere in the Problems section addressing the rattling problem you're having with regards to plexiglass windbreakers. If you're interested maybe do a search there and get some ideas.
I'm curious though, why don't you want to operate your top in cold weather? On my way to NJ last week, it got down to 36 before I finally caved in and put the top up. My top..so far..has worked fine in colder weather.

This is my first rag top, and I am a bit skiddish with it's treatment. I kinda figure that if I exersise it while it is cold, it will be more prone to cracking....

I might be just a bit paranoid.

The top is cloth, the window glass, neither very apt to crack. More apt to rott from dirt and sun than anything else.

 

[flyboyaj]

I have the OEM Mesh blocker. Never driven the car without it installed. I like it. It's a bear to clean, but other's that have driven with me say it makes a good bit of difference at highway speeds with respect to airflow. When it was 29 yesturday morning I had the windows up, seat heat on High, the heater on High with half feet/half face and the only thing that gets chilly is the tips of my ears and my knuckles (I have driving gloves to keep my knuckles warm, don't think I'd ever go as far as wearing a stocking cap for the ears though). I like the looks of the Roadster solutions clear plastic one better, but I couldn't change now, I'm too used to my car the way it is and like it. The top does rub a smidgid on it when raising and lowering, but there is no sign of wear to the top or the windblocker yet.

I also like the way the car looks in all configurations... mesh windblocker, clear plastic windblocker, and no windblocker - they all look great to me. It's all about what YOU like. Go to a meet sometime and meet up with some others that have the different windblockers and go for a short ride with them to see how you like it.

 

[rc'Z]

I like the way the Roadster Solutions hard wb looks and ease to see through. The factory mesh with the hard frame also looks good but probably blocks vision a little, and not wild about having to change the roll bar covers to install it. The hard frame mesh wb I had for my MINI was absolutel wonderful. I would think the mesh would pass some air but worry about the solid plastic buffeting in the wind and making noise. I think the RS version would be easier to install. Finding someone at a meet that has these wb's would be a smart move.

 

[flyboyaj]

Added a photo up there. I dont' find that the mesh impairs my vision at all. You can see how "see-through" it is in the photo above. I haven't seen the hard frame mesh. mine just slips on over the roll bars and fastens in place with 4 clips - not easy to install or remove, that is why I have never removed it.

 

[sp3ctre]

I find the only time it impares vision is reversing in the dark... you can see cars with lights on fine and in the daytime it's not a probem... reversing up my dark driveway in the dark is the only challenge

 

[inTgr8r]

Added a photo up there. I dont' find that the mesh impairs my vision at all. You can see how "see-through" it is in the photo above. I haven't seen the hard frame mesh. mine just slips on over the roll bars and fastens in place with 4 clips - not easy to install or remove, that is why I have never removed it.

You get used to the mesh... but vision IS better w/o it.
The only thing that bothers me is that it's a little more difficult to spot a black & white sneaking up from behind. :innocent:

 

[20ducks]

Shipkiller,

You have one of the best scripted sigs on this forum. Congrats to you!!

 

[Shipkiller]

Well, today I walked off of a boat (submarine) to find a nice day. Started the car, saw that it was 57' and put the top down. Then I removed the Plexiglass wind blocker from the back of the roll bars and moved it to the front of them.

It fits better and I think it looks better too. tomorrow I will take some pics....

With it at the front of the roll bars, there is a 2" gap underneath where the center console is.

Driving down the interstate here in Hampton Roads, I was able to hit 80 at some places. Very little wind in the cockpit. With that 2" space, a nice breeze flows down the center console, but the rest of the cockpit was nice..

I think the Roadster Solutions model is the best looking one. I only spent $100 on mine. So I saved some $$, but my wife may make be buy the Roadster Solutions model next spring. :idunno:

 

[Citation 650]

I think the Roadster Solutions model is the best looking one. I only spent $100 on mine. So I saved some $$, but my wife may make be buy the Roadster Solutions model next spring. :idunno:

Smart wife.

 

[Shipkiller]

You have no idea.

The first week we had the car, we went driving. After about an hour, we stopped and switched places, so she could drive.

We are down in the Pungo area with some nice long straights and good curvy corners. She is doing about 60 and learning to use the manual mode of the tranny. She hits this 90' turn at about 40. Does it perfect, just like I taught her on the track....

Accelerates back up to a nice 75. I look over and see this really big "s**t eating grin"

I ask her, 'What's the grin for?'

She replies, "This is soooo coool.. My nipples are hard"..........

I did not say a word. Did not think I had too.....

It was her idea to buy this car....... :winner:

 

[Citation 650]

:cheers: :wink: