Replace Window or Whole Top?

[annieharm]

I just bought a Z3 last week. After a test drive, the salesperson demonstrated how to retract the top. Unfortunately, much to his embarrassment, the cold temperature made the vinyl window brittle and it cracked right in front of us. (I was able to use this in my negotiation to further reduce the price.)

Alas, now I have a project on my hands.

My two options:

1. Fix the window insert only: I can simply zip in a new window insert for $100-200. (Definitcould do this myself.)
2. Or, I could buy a whole new top for around $500. Based on YouTube how-tos, it seems tedious, but doable. But I’ve been burned by confidence in YouTube before.

So, my question is, have any of you ever replaced the convertible top yourself? Is this the kind of project someone with zero experience should undertake or leave to the professionals? Would love some insights here.

 

[Paul Rice]

I originally swapped my window on the Z3, a right pain but managed to complete although never looked neat around the Zip line. It was OK also re dyed the original roof but after a year went for a professionally fitted full Mohair roof replacement. Finished the car off would recommend anyone to go the extra mile and have a new roof fitted by professionals, they make it look easy but its not.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

If your roof is in good condition, I would just replace the window. If you get it lined up correctly it is an hour's work.
If you are talking about replacing the fabric with the frame still on the car - personally I would leave to the professionals.
Another option is to get a good second hand roof including the frame and replace the lot (3hrs work).

 

[Nodzed]

Always better to put a new roof on, I guess its a cost thing though? We are lucky over here as we can get a roof manufactured and fitted for around £350 ($480 ish)

 

[NZ00Z3]

Have a good look at the stitching that holds the rear window zip to the hood. The original stiches seems just to disappear in places. If this is the case, you have to re-stitch the zip before doing the window replacement. If its too bad, then you are into a complete hood change.

I use the Emiata rear window. http://www.emiata.com/Z3Window.asp

Replacing the hood can be a DIY job. There are various you-tube videos and DIY forum posts. What they don't usually show/talk about are 2 things:
1) The plastic sealing frame is glued into place with Butyl tape. This very sticky tar like stuff, holds on better than Sh*t to a blanket and often results in breaking the sealing frame on removal. The sealing frame is not available from BMW, its on back order. Some people have used a rubber strip in its place successfully.

2) The Butyl tape is very very hard to remove. It has been said that it takes just as long to remove the old Butyl as it takes to do all the other parts of the job.

Here is one of the better DIY hood replacement instructions. https://webspace.ringling.edu/~dpla...fpC457TEXhd886jneRdAY_LkE4naEfFFrSLNtdWF4G-CY

 

[annieharm]

These are all helpful insights. I appreciate it. I’ll add a bit of additional context here too. Part of my intent with this new car is to learn how to do some of this work myself. I’m just not sure if tackling the top is too ambitious. But hey, it’s only January. I have a few months to figure it out before it’s even warm enough to take this thing out, right?

 

[kiyoki]

Weather and cold weather also cracked my rear window and I'm looking to replace my rear window. I was thinking if the tape can be removed and instead sew it. Can the butyl tape be removed?

Note that my top does not have the zipper so regardless I will be sewing in a zipper if I get the emiata window.

 

[BeanTownGreenZ]

Hi there:

I’m a newbie here so apologize if this is the wrong place to ask a question. I have a 97 Boston Green with a tan convertible roof that needs to be replaced. I can’t seem to locate the exact color for the replacement. Interior is “Sand Beige” I’ve called the original dealer but no joy. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[t-tony]

Hi there:

I’m a newbie here so apologize if this is the wrong place to ask a question. I have a 97 Boston Green with a tan convertible roof that needs to be replaced. I can’t seem to locate the exact color for the replacement. Interior is “Sand Beige” I’ve called the original dealer but no joy. Thanks in advance for any advice.

If you look on the WWW for a BMW Vin. Decoder site and enter your full Vin. number it should tell you the correct name of the interior your car left the factory with. Not all decoder sites still work so you may have to try a few before you get a hit.

Tony.

 

[BeanTownGreenZ]

Ton

If you look on the WWW for a BMW Vin. Decoder site and enter your full Vin. number it should tell you the correct name of the interior your car left the factory with. Not all decoder sites still work so you may have to try a few before you get a hit.

Tony,

thank you! Much appreciated. Will do.

 

[BeanTownGreenZ]

Ton

 

[BeanTownGreenZ]

Tony,

Thanks again. Found a decoder but points me back to “dark beige”. Sun is not that hot here in DC so I think my color is lighter. I have the same roof color as the 007 car. Kinda hilarious, can’t find the color even with all the hoopla about Pierce Bronson! Really appreciated the help, now have much more information on the car!