Z3 Black Hardtop £300

[DavidM]

Back again for some help on Z3 hardtop fitting and tools.

1. Do I need to purchase a hook wrench from BMW or would one do from B&Q or, do I need one?
2. Does anybody know where I can get the small cosmetic plastic covers that swing to and fro when the hardtop is on/off the brackets - I've got the main brackets and caps but not the small filler cap that cover the hardtop spike holes?
3. I am purchasing a hardtop and fitting kit from a guy with a '98 M Roadster - therefore I need a rear window demister switch for the rear of the centre console - does anyone know of a supplier in the uk other than BMW?
4. Mounting Gauges - would a piece of wood 6.4 mm thick do instead of OEM, if the gauges are available from BMW?

Thank you.

 

[lightning]

The swivelling plastic caps are available from BMW for about £5 each.

 

[hard top]

Don't understand 'hook wrench'? Do you mean 'hex key'?

 

[DavidM]

Mike,

Half-moon shaped tool for adjusting hardtop - item 28 in the parts diagram attached. I've got the hex key.

David.

 

[Boysie]

Its the hook thingy to adjust the spike thingy that goes into the hole in the fixing kit on the car
that was a very technical explanation

 

[hard top]

OK, now I get it, never had to udjust mine as it was on when I bought the car.

 

[Dr. Del Jarman]

Hello Folks: Just joined Zroadster.org and we own a 1996 Z3 roadster. We're in the process of purchasing a 2001 Z3 hardtop, headliner, defroster and mounting hardware from a private seller. After reading the comments in this forum, it appears that we'll have no problem fitting the 2001 hardtop onto our 1996 roadster. Would someone in the know answer and let us know if we are accurate in our assumption?

Also, a shop that works on BMW and other imports has agreed to put our new hard top on for $300 (U.S.) Before we pick up the hard top, are there any other parts we should ask about that will be critical for us to have before the installation?

 

[lightning]

There's a small wiring harness that you need to fit, in order to get the hardtop heated rear window to work.
You'll also need the HRW switch, which fits at the rear of the console between the seats. The wiring is in place, just remove the blanking piece, plug the connector into the switch and fit it into the console.

 

[Boysie]

Quote,Also a shop that works on BMW and other imports has agreed to put our new hard top on for $300
I am somewhat amazed, this is an easy thing to install with just another pair of helpful hands
You will have to remove it one day which is the complete reverse to fitting it
i understand if there is an electrical issue, but that amount seems a bit steep to connect a switch
all the connections are there
footnote
Warning there two types of switches, to be fair i bought one and never fitted it, on that note only fitted the hardtop once

 

[lightning]

But if the car has not previously had a hardtop, then the fitting kit needs to be installed and aligned, which is more of a job.

 

[Bazza]

 

[oldcarman]

I agree that $300US sounds pretty steep for what it takes to install the pieces in the fitting kit. There are good tutorials on you tube if you can handle a wrench and all wiring is just plug in and go!! HTH JIM

 

[Boysie]

I hope Dr Del has a fitting kit they are hard to source
Id get one before the hardtop, bit like owning a saddle without a horse

 

[oldcarman]

@Boysie eBay.com has loads of them from one seller in particular. I just used a plumbers faucet but wrench which worked great!! JIM

 

[t-tony]

I hope Dr Del has a fitting kit they are hard to source
Id get one before the hardtop, bit like owning a saddle without a horse

Might cost as much as the top too Ray.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

@Boysie eBay.com has loads of them from one seller in particular. I just used a plumbers faucet but wrench which worked great!! JIM

Did you read Ray's post properly Jim? He said fitting kit not Key.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

What is a fitting key then @t-tony? I thought it would be the hook shaped wrench type thingie used for adjustment?? JIM

 

[t-tony]

What is a fitting key then @t-tony? I thought it would be the hook shaped wrench type thingie used for adjustment?? JIM

It is mate, but Ray said " I hope he's got a fitting KIT" ie, the brackets you need for the side mountings behind the seats, you know, that sell for several Hundred ££££.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

Wh

It is mate, but Ray said " I hope he's got a fitting KIT" ie, the brackets you need for the side mountings behind the seats, you know, that sell for several Hundred ££££.

Tony.

where the heck did I read key from?? lol and I haven't had a Guinness today but that might explain the misread!!! JIM

 

[t-tony]

Wh

where the heck did I read key from?? lol and I haven't had a Guinness today but that might explain the misread!!! JIM

TBH Jim, the first time I read that post I thought it said Key, so you're not on your own mate. I'm losing my marbles too.

Tony.