Hardtop

[Simon Blythe]

I've been offered the hardtop by the previous owner of my car for the going rate. The bonus being it is colour coded in the silver grey.

A few thoughts though that others may have an opinion on:

Is a hardtop really that necessary?
I'm assuming the soft top is more than adequate to deal with the British winter.
They seem pretty easy to fit / remove but it's a 2 man job?
Once fitted is it best to remove it periodically to cycle the soft top?

For what it's worth my car generally lives in the garage.

[Marlon]

The soft top is adequate for all year round motoring if treated and kept clean, Plus you have a garage so less exposure.
They are a 2 man job definitely, and quite easy to get on and off.
Once fitted it can be left on over the winter - no need to cycle the soft top.

Is a hardtop necessary? - well depends on your situation. It helps protect the soft top for those like me who don't have a garage, plus its more secure if its a daily drive. Basically though it comes down to aesthetics - if you like the look and the experience of the hardtop then its a great addition

[jamie_z4]

knowing you have a daily Simon, id say its a bit pointless. The zed like mine, is there for the odd blast when you feel in the mood for it.

[MACK]

The soft top is more than adequate all year round. For me it all comes down to how often you would likely drop the roof in winter. If you like to get the roof down as often as possible and are quite hardy temperature wise then the hardtop becomes pointless. If your not going to have the roof down between October and April then the hardtop makes more sense, although it's still more of a want than a need as the soft top is pretty damn good in all weathers. I think its fair to say if there had never been a hardtop for the e85 I doubt it would have been a deal breaker for folks

[ben g]

Soft top is fine all year round, but the hardtop steps up the looks massively. The weak point of the roadster, in my opinion, is the bubble ropf effect with the roof up. The hardtop gets rid of this as the lines are different.

Well worth every penny, but not essential.

Only thing i will say is if your Z4 lived outside, then obviously it prevents mould growth on the soft top

[kis]

knowing you have a daily Simon, id say its a bit pointless.

If it's a second car I wouldn't bother. You already said it lives in the garage mostly, so for when you do take it out, you'd probably end up having the roof down anyway!

[philbo909]

Is a hardtop really that necessary?
if it's a daily/street parked/visit more crime-prone areas then yes
I'm assuming the soft top is more than adequate to deal with the British winter.
the soft top has the glass heated rear windscreen and is well insulated, so in winter there isn't a need for a hard top, especially if youve had your roof motor relocated (leaves blocking drain holes)
They seem pretty easy to fit / remove but it's a 2 man job?
two man fit, but easy to do, just drop and lock
Once fitted is it best to remove it periodically to cycle the soft top?
if you're buying a roadster I'm sure you'll want to have it easily convertible so no need to cycle on/off

[Crazy Harry]

I was in a rush to get a hard top when I bought my Zed in January this year - fortunately I couldn't find one I could afford at the time. If I had I would have missed so many dry winter days when I was able to drop the top. I did more miles topless over winter thanks to the Zeds heater and heated seats - and its my daily driver

I agree with philbo909 - Its my daily but is very rarely street parked or goes into the city. I live in a rural area so it does go into town but is parked in front of the house down a longish drive. Sits out in all weathers but when its dry I keep an eye on the drains and keep the top clean with a stiff brush and the vacuum cleaner - no green yet but I guess autumn is the worst time of year (standing by with the Milton fluid just in case). I've decided if (when) the roof does wear then I'll spend my money here http://www.monsooncarhoods.co.uk/bmw-z4-hoods - a nice blue on to match the paint work. Bit cheaper than a hard top in winter and I think the cost included fitting.

Can't imagine the frustration of being out; weather changing and wanting to go topless but can't. In the end its how you use the car that makes the decision.