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I'd prefer a manual roof

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Yorkie Z
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by Yorkie Z » Wed Mar 22, 2017 7:36 pm

It's a BMW!!! Manual roofs are for peasants dear boy :poke:
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Steve84N
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by Steve84N » Wed Mar 22, 2017 7:47 pm

Yorkie Z wrote:It's a BMW!!! Manual roofs are for driving enthusiasts dear boy :poke:
Plenty of supercars with manual roofs...
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by Huz-z » Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:32 pm

Doesn't the manual roof Z4 have a lighter construction roof material? For example, I don't think the insulating material is as heavy, which makes manual roof operation easier than it would be if the car had a roof identical to that on a power top car.
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Number5
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by Number5 » Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:38 pm

Cornwall1888 wrote: I don't see the point of an electric fabric roof,
I'm happy to relieve you of your roof motor if you want to go fully manual. Just pop around my house and I'll whip it out for you free of charge :D :D
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by firebobby » Wed Mar 22, 2017 9:37 pm

Cornwall1888 wrote:The new Mazda mx5 roof seems to be light and can be put back up from inside the car very easily in 2 seconds flat
Ah, but here's the problem, you bought a BMW Z4 with a power roof :poke:
I love my power roof, don't give a toss what people think, I think it's cool :thumbsup:
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cj10jeeper
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by cj10jeeper » Wed Mar 22, 2017 10:40 pm

Huz-z wrote:Doesn't the manual roof Z4 have a lighter construction roof material? For example, I don't think the insulating material is as heavy, which makes manual roof operation easier than it would be if the car had a roof identical to that on a power top car.
Yes - much lighter and doesn't have any insulation. UK are all powered and believe in the US that powered is an option
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Cornwall1888
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by Cornwall1888 » Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:12 am

Listening to everyone's points I suppose I either want a solid insulated super light weight manual roof or an electric roof that can't break

Given those things don't really exist I suppose because I live in Scotland and it's my daily driver I'd prefer the warm electric roof

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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by toolmanchris » Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:40 am

Cornwall1888 wrote:Listening to everyone's points I suppose I either want a solid insulated super light weight manual roof or an electric roof that can't break
Just had my motor relocated to the boot as it had failed whilst not being used over the winter. Didn't need a new one as the original just wanted freeing off. The guy that did it said he had done a lot of them recently and had managed to get all the motors to work without replacement. I really don't think I will have any more issues now the motor is not bathing in rainwater :D
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NickDE
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by NickDE » Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:30 pm

Yorkie Z wrote:It's a BMW!!! Manual roofs are for peasants dear boy :poke:
Oi, my E30 has a manual roof ! :evil:
I love it, even though it takes about 3 minutes to put down, and 1 minute to put up. I do have an electric aerial though :thumbsup:
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by vester86 » Fri Mar 24, 2017 11:31 pm

I loved the manual roof of my mx-5 & i do love the powered roof of my Z4. Nothing beats getting the roof down in a second or 2, but don't have to reach somewhere in the back to get the roof up again is also worth it.

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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by WLH » Sat Mar 25, 2017 1:32 am

cj10jeeper wrote:
Huz-z wrote:Doesn't the manual roof Z4 have a lighter construction roof material? For example, I don't think the insulating material is as heavy, which makes manual roof operation easier than it would be if the car had a roof identical to that on a power top car.
Yes - much lighter and doesn't have any insulation. UK are all powered and believe in the US that powered is an option
Correct, no insulation and no liner. I've only ever seen one and in order to get a manual roof you had to have the basic model with almost no options. Very few were sold with manual roofs.
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by wspohn » Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:16 pm

The original Fiat 124 was the one with the wonder roof - open the catch and dump it behind you, or reach back and pull it up and latch it while waiting at a stop light.

My MGC with a top that stows in the boot means you need to find a bridge to park under and have a helper to do the mechano set erection procedure, or else you end up running around the car like a dervish doing up alternate sides.
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by Ewazix » Fri Apr 07, 2017 7:01 pm

If you want to feel really smug over how easy a Z4 roof is I know someone who actually bought one of these :cry:
Not sure what happens when it rains and the side bars are at home :scratchhead:

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NickDE
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I'd prefer a manual roof

Post by NickDE » Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:37 pm

Ewazix wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2017 7:01 pm If you want to feel really smug over how easy a Z4 roof is I know someone who actually bought one of these :cry:
Not sure what happens when it rains and the side bars are at home :scratchhead:

https://youtu.be/VAxIDSFLuqA?t=48s

Words fail me. I thought my E30 roof was slow (but I still love it).
If you are worried about roof speeds and rain there is a simple approach - if you keep moving above about 30mph the rain blows over the top anyway so you stay dry. If you have to stop eg at traffic lights put up your golfing umbrella until the lights turn green. I learnt this when I spent six months with a Spitfire with no roof - no hardtop and no softtop. :D
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