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Do the tops ever wear out?

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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Kamuela
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by Kamuela » Mon May 15, 2017 7:18 pm

I'm used to Miata tops dying after a decade or less, others, similar. I've replaced a few, not fun. Top replacement is a discussion topic on those fora, yet not here, where it's about the hydraulics but not the top fabric. Do the BMW tops have some secret ingredient, or do they never ever wear out? Mine's got a few shiny spots but otherwise like new.

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NickDE
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by NickDE » Mon May 15, 2017 8:04 pm

One of the many advantages of the Z4 Coupe is the roof never wears out !!
I have no clue on the Z4 roadster roof. I do know that E30 roofs can last 20 odd years if looked after. Or 5 if not handled properly. The E30 roof is also a lot bigger and has more folds and creases than a Z4.
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buzyg
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by buzyg » Mon May 15, 2017 8:32 pm

Mot yet heard of one wearing out, for sure they will one day. But who knows when. enjoy. :D
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D4dawg

Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by D4dawg » Mon May 15, 2017 8:44 pm

[IMG]http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a49 ... dluvba.jpg[/IMG]

I had my detailer redye and seal mine
As new now

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cj10jeeper
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by cj10jeeper » Mon May 15, 2017 8:51 pm

Very rare to hear of fabric problems on a Z4 unless seriously abused or neglected. Many are now well over 10 years, some 14 and most look near new. A few have used renovating treatment but that's to retain very dark black
Clean it and apply protector every year and it'll be fine
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kis
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by kis » Mon May 15, 2017 9:16 pm

NickDE wrote: Mon May 15, 2017 8:04 pm One of the many advantages of the Z4 Coupe is the roof never wears out !!
I knew somone would say this! :lol:
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by wegras » Tue May 16, 2017 11:10 am

Mine is ten years old, fabric pristine but do have to keep an eye open for rub marks when hood is down and may fret against rear valance of hood bay
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coaldust
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by coaldust » Wed May 17, 2017 8:25 pm

kis wrote: Mon May 15, 2017 9:16 pm
NickDE wrote: Mon May 15, 2017 8:04 pm One of the many advantages of the Z4 Coupe is the roof never wears out !!
I knew somone would say this! :lol:
a roadster with a hardtop looks as good if not better, whats the big deal with this coupe shite? gorgeous sunny day bang the roof down turn the music up and love it. coupe psh
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exskydiver
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by exskydiver » Sat May 20, 2017 4:23 am

As a really new owner I need as much help as I can get. You mentioned a protector for the top. What do you use? How often do you apply it? Clay? What is that all about? What is the favoured brand of wax/polish?

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sw4nny
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by sw4nny » Sat May 20, 2017 5:14 am

Autoglym soft top kit .
2 bottles cleaner and protector
About £18 does a decent job if the roof is already in fair condition.
If its starting to get mould you may need something first ,Milton sterilizing fluid I have used in the past ,use a weak solution first with a good scrub with a toothbrush and nail brush this seems to do the trick.
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by bz4kev » Sat May 20, 2017 5:16 am

[quote=exskydiver post_id=1424942 time=1495250605 user_id=21376]
As a really new owner I need as much help as I can get. You mentioned a protector for the top. What do you use? How often do you apply it? Clay? What is that all about? What is the favoured brand of wax/polish?
[/quotes I use renovo once a year should do the trick clean stain and seal with regards to clay you degrease car I use washing up liquid in my water rinse then set about it with a clay bar and lube it removes imperfections from the paint plenty of vids on you tube suggest you take a look then the chose of wax is entirely up to you I use auto glym then detailing spray after that get good results but always looking for better 8)
2004 z4 30i auto Toledo blue stubby Areo front back sideskirts and rear spoiler M/// MFSW DLV exhaust mod mma tips vanos overhaul 108s refurbed ram air scoop E46 M3 heated seats clear rear lights M/// sport black grills

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Pabby1980
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by Pabby1980 » Sat May 20, 2017 12:59 pm

D4dawg wrote: Mon May 15, 2017 8:44 pm [IMG]http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a49 ... dluvba.jpg[/IMG]

I had my detailer redye and seal mine
As new now
Could you give a bit more info about this mate? How much was it....where did you get it done etc?

Thanks. :)
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D4dawg

Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by D4dawg » Sat May 20, 2017 1:12 pm

Pabby1980 wrote: Sat May 20, 2017 12:59 pm
D4dawg wrote: Mon May 15, 2017 8:44 pm [IMG]http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a49 ... dluvba.jpg[/IMG]

I had my detailer redye and seal mine
As new now
Could you give a bit more info about this mate? How much was it....where did you get it done etc?

Thanks. :)
But a problem buddy
It was detailed so roof washed and dried off at same time
The roof was then given 3 coats of hood dye
Then left over night to dry and then sealed with 1 coats of svisswax sealant :)
Looks like new and loving the jet black look

He's in Reading so depends where you are buddy

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Pabby1980
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Do the tops ever wear out?

Post by Pabby1980 » Sat May 20, 2017 1:18 pm

[/quote]
But a problem buddy
It was detailed so roof washed and dried off at same time
The roof was then given 3 coats of hood dye
Then left over night to dry and then sealed with 1 coats of svisswax sealant :)
Looks like new and loving the jet black look

He's in Reading so depends where you are buddy
[/quote]

I'm in the Midlands. I was going to say i can travel, but it would seem like i'd also have to factor in hotel costs if it needs to be left overnight to dry.

It does look fantastic though so might be worth it.

Do you mind if i ask how much it cost?
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