Sagging Soft Top on BMW Z3 – Repair or Replace?

[jasecasecarr]

I’ve got a project 1998 BMW Z3 98S, and back in 2010, someone spent £800 on a high-quality blue soft top from Ballam & Thurlow. The roof still seems very well made, but it has started to sag.

Is there a way to tighten or repair it, or am I better off replacing the whole thing? Has anyone had success fixing a sagging Z3 roof?

Also, are all rear windows interchangeable? I know some Z3s have zip-in rear windows—can they be swapped easily, or does it depend on the type of roof?

Looking for recommendations on specialists who deal with this kind of issue. Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[Duncodin]

It looks like it's the interior lining that's sagging. The actual roof look ok.

My car doesn't have a lining but, if I'm not mistaken, the lining can be removed/replaced maybe even fixed without removing/changing the whole roof.

 

[AntStark]

Yes that’s the lining. With the roof down check to see if these bits have snapped or broken. They keep it taut. The nylon string bit usually gives up.

 

[Althulas]

As stated above looks like the roof lining which can be investigated. I think a few pop Rivnuts may be needed to be drilled out for a thorough investigation but you can buy black ones to replace. Noted your rear speakers in the storage subwoofer compartment. Anything to share on this?

 

[Devon Z]

Doesn’t look like a factory headliner to me, not the same material and too much of it. When one of my tensioners broke I barely noticed any slack in the lining just a little spring hanging down.

 

[jasecasecarr]

As stated above looks like the roof lining which can be investigated. I think a few pop Rivnuts may be needed to be drilled out for a thorough investigation but you can buy black ones to replace. Noted your rear speakers in the storage subwoofer compartment. Anything to share on this?

Yeah thanks the stereo had its own thread nice suprise I guess when I bought it

Legendary Car Stereo Installer

So I recently bought a Z3 when I was looking round it I got a slight heart flutter as I spotted a plaque between the seats. Had I maybe stumbled across a limited edition model. On closer inspection it turns out the guy who installed the stereo decided to place this plaque on it commemorate the...

zroadster.org

 

[jasecasecarr]

Yes that’s the lining. With the roof down check to see if these bits have snapped or broken. They keep it taut. The nylon string bit usually gives up.
View attachment 332561

Mmm I took some pics couldn't really match it

 

[AntStark]

This is where your tensioner should be attached. Also that tube looking thing shouldn’t be like that

Wonder if this may help

How To Guide - How to remove z3 facelift inner roof liner

A quick guide on how to remove the roof lining from later z3 facelift models I started by unscrewing the Phillips screws that hold the roof down at the front edge. I took the torx bolts (3) out of this panel the reveal two more Phillips, don’t think you have to though. Then having...

zroadster.org

 

[jasecasecarr]

posted previously about my soft top, the roof goes up but won’t go down. I’m based in Gloucester and I’m looking for recommendations for someone reliable who can have a look at the mechanism on a Z3.



I’ve got the lining sagging, but I’m in two minds about that for now. My plan is to get the roof mechanism sorted first, then decide whether to:



• Remove the lining if it’ll look okay,

• Replace the lining, or

• Potentially go for a new hood longer term.



The main thing I want is to hook up with someone who can diagnose/fix the mechanism and make sure the roof operates properly.



Any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated!