Wind deflector options 2026

N

Nuieve

Regular Member
American Zeds
Joined
Jun 9, 2026
Points
13
Location
Spokane WA
Model of Z
A green one with a big engine
What are the current options? Don’t really want to spend too much on it. Also don’t want anything hideous like some of the fabric options on eBay.

Was considering diy. But wonder if there’s something reasonably cheap and looks decent.
 
Hi Nuieve, Welcome!
Forgive me for this apparent rudeness, but the term 'windscreen' here in UK is what you in USA call 'windshield' and I am assuming you're not referring to that window through which you view the road ahead. I think you're referring to what is known as a 'wind deflector' which spans the space between the rollover hoops above the seat backs. The original equipment one is indeed made from black fabric but as far as I know is no longer available from BMW. There are acrylic (Plexiglas or Lucite in USA, Perspex in UK) or polycarbonate (Macrolon or Lexan) aftermarket pieces but I have no experience with those. US spec cars may differ from UK and European spec.

There is already a thread running here posted by a lady from USA and it might be worth your having a look there WIND DEFLECTOR ENQUIRY
 
Sorry I had a brain fart that’s exactly what I meant. I replied in that other thread. thank you. I fixed the title here.

I looked at ebay, amazon, random websites... not liking any options.

My last car was the RF Miata. It had a tiny strip between the seats, very narrow. It was the best convertible experience out of any convertible I owned, and I owned many. I could go 100mph and still never feel overwhelmed with the turbulence. The Z3 starts going crazy and unpleasant at like 40 mph. My main problem is not noise or hair being tossed around, but a particular airstream that hits across my face from the R ear and rubs against my R eye. Even with sunglasses I come home all teary and sore.

I see a lot of deflectors offered are huge and completely block off the cabin from the rear. It's not what I think I want. I want to reduce the back middle turbulence hitting my face, not completely eliminate it and the rest of the turbulence experience. I do love it and why I have a convertible in the first place and not some targa top.

I'm thinking about making a plexiglass narrow strip and install it mid hoop about ear level, strictly between the seats and not cover the hoops at all. Maybe 8 or 10" tall max. The goal is to reduce a particular kind of air buffeting jet that shoots directly into the side of my face.

I will start testing soon.
 
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The standard OEM fabric mesh type that fits over the roll bars is good. I’ve never experienced the kind of discomfort you describe. The good thing about this type is also that you can zip down the middle bit between the roll bars for better visibility with the roof up.
 
Having used both the OEM mesh deflector and a solid perspex one I found the OEM mesh one performed much better. BMW used a mesh wind deflector on the Z3 because the mesh material slows down and diffuses rushing slipstream air without creating a hard, static air wall. The mesh prevents harsh pressure build ups, significantly reducing buffeting and wind noise at motorway or faster speeds.
A solid barrier like perspex forces air to bounce off abruptly, which can create turbulent air or buffeting inside the car.
 
I would love an OEM one but whenever I look on ebay they are over $300 and most of the time damaged.

I will try a $5 plexiglass + $1 velcro strap DIY solultion first before I shell out that much.
 
I started a thread about a Dutch company that supplies mesh style Wind Deflectors

The link to their site, was from a phone notification, so I cannot guarantee - however, they look reasonable?
 
@Nuieve

If you are saying oem mesh deflector is 300 dollars plus there.
An option may be to buy one from Uk and get it posted as in uk nice ones sell for around £120 ( 160 usd) as they are not hugely bulky or heavy surely postage wouldn't be to ridiculous
Stephen.
 
Idk... Can they be folded? Looks like it would be an oversized shipment.

The one from the British company comes up to about $270 I think, so about the same. It does look nice though.
 
Nuieve said:
Idk... Can they be folded? Looks like it would be an oversized shipment.

The one from the British company comes up to about $270 I think, so about the same. It does look nice though.
Click to expand...
Yes would roll up small
 
I rolled with a perspex one for about a year. I went back to the factory one and find it MUCH better. It also helps with sun on the back of the neck but I guess that is normally not a problem in the UK. I even have a spare one for when this one dies. I had my origional one "re meshed" by an automotive seat company so even if you find a damaged one this is possible.
 
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