Hard top and fitting kit

t-tony

t-tony

The Legend
Deceased
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#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Just saw this on eBay at a fair price................

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-hard-top-with-fixing-kit-SILVER/111728416932?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=32945&meid=87c70f48fd5c47b384f9d1c0f9b28354&pid=100009&rk=8&rkt=10&sd=171880360515

Tony.

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That is a very good price with the fitting kit.
I have seen fitting kits up for sale for 300 quid on their own.
 
When I viewed it, eBay threw up similar items. It was a list of different soft tops for various vehicles. Nothing that I could use, but a soft top for a Z3 was the highest price quoted. I think they started at £99 for an MG. As Abu Ben Adam said, "Low Z3 led the rest."
I would like a hard top for mine, but I don't think that they are a cost effective solution to cold weather, even allowing for the BMW factor, they are too pricey.
 
One Spanner Frank said:
When I viewed it, eBay threw up similar items. It was a list of different soft tops for various vehicles. Nothing that I could use, but a soft top for a Z3 was the highest price quoted. I think they started at £99 for an MG. As Abu Ben Adam said, "Low Z3 led the rest."
I would like a hard top for mine, but I don't think that they are a cost effective solution to cold weather, even allowing for the BMW factor, they are too pricey.
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Its not about a cost effective solution to cold weather, its more like your soft top won't rot away if your Zed is standing outside the whole winter...
 
It is a strange situation, isn't it. A hard top will stop the soft top rotting away if the Z3 is left outside all winter, but BMW tell you not to keep the soft top folded for long periods of time because it will cause damage. Also sunlight causes fading of the dashboard and other bits.
Would the answer be to remove the soft top each winter and fit a hard top? Then there would be the storage rack to hold the hard top when not in use, plus the cover. Then there is the hoist to lift it into position. Gets expensive.
My Z3 stays outside in all weathers. I clean and reproof the soft top regularly and have had no trouble with rot. However, the only time I kept it in the garage during bad weather, I found corrosion on the outer sills. (Or rather the MoT examiner found it.)
 
I did not take my hardtop off for three years and when it did eventually come off, there was nothing wrong with the soft top.
Storage will be a problem if you do not have the space.
You do not need the storage rack or the hoist (if you have someone to help you take it off/put it on)
You can also hang it up on a wall with the storage bag.
 
All you really need to do is make sure that the soft top is absolutely bone dry before fitting the hard top. It's damp which causes mould and rot.

Tony.d
 
I take off and replace my HT by myself on most occasions through the door of the car. It can be done if you're careful!! JIM
 
Soft tops don't just rot away during winter! Well mine hasn't and it's only on its second hood in 17yrs..

Sure if you just leave it under a tree and let plant life grow on it then it might but just keeping it clean is enough.

You can just get a half cover to cover just the hood which work well.

A replacement soft top including new screen and made of OEM mohair is just £350 fitted these days anyway...

Hardtops are nice to have if you have the space and a helper to fit and if you don't enjoy having the roof down during those clear winter nights (heated seats help here!).
 
oldcarman said:
I take off and replace my HT by myself on most occasions through the door of the car. It can be done if you're careful!! JIM
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Like to see you do that, without damaging the paint. Unless you have a hoist of course.......
 
Nope no hoist Mike, I take it off through the interior and door! Never damaged any paint yet but did catch my deflector the first time should have unzipped the centre section! JIM
 
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