Time to replace the soft top on our 2000 Z-3 due to age and a leak over the passenger window. Recommendations please: Go with the factory replacement ($$$$$) or is there something better out there? Thanks.....
Replacement top for Z3 I had mine replaced by a great auto upholstery guy in Ambridge, Pa. He installed a beautiful aftermarket top on my 1998 Z3 for $800. Same fabric as original and no leaks after a year. His name is Dave Bollman and his numbers are 724-266-4153 and 724-266-4969. My car will be at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand prix this month if you want to see his work.
How bold are you? Its not really all that complicated to replace the top yourself if you can find the time. The window rubber trim can be replaced if you feel its not sealing well enough, however I bet a good application of gummi-pfledge will plump up that seal and fix the problem for you. Also, the top can be adjusted to close more tightly if necessary. Here are the door seal prices: Part Number: 54318397657 List Price Core Price Your Price Convertible/soft top - Frame and components - Window guide - Front Front Left 1996 - 2002 $67.80 $0.00 $54.24 Part Number: 54318397658 List Price Core Price Your Price Convertible/soft top - Frame and components - Window guide - Front Front Right 1996 - 2002 $67.80 $0.00 $54.24 Part Number: 54318397659 List Price Core Price Your Price Convertible/soft top - Frame and components - Window guide - Center Center Left 1996 - 2002 $52.05 $0.00 $41.64 Part Number: 54318397660 List Price Core Price Your Price Convertible/soft top - Frame and components - Window guide - Center Center Right 1996 - 2002 $52.05 $0.00 $41.64 Part Number: 54318397661 List Price Core Price Your Price Convertible/soft top - Frame and components - Window guide - Rear Rear Left 1996 - 2002 $85.13 $0.00 $68.10 Part Number: 54318397662 List Price Core Price Your Price Convertible/soft top - Frame and components - Window guide - Rear Rear Right 1996 - 2002 $85.13 $0.00 $68.10 If you decide to replace your convertable top, Derek did a great write up on his web page. http://webspace.ringling.edu/~dplassma/str/str.html Here is the list of parts necessary to replace the top yourself. OE top - (BMW part number varies, based on color) Sealing frame - - (BMW 51 71 8 398 104) Rivet set - - (BMW 54 31 8 407 994) Rivet gun - - (I'm not sure what die the rivets require, but my Craftsman gun came with one that worked) Double-sided tape - - (BMW 54 11 2 290 978 or 3M 2175C) 3/4" x 1/8" butyl rubber tape - - (BMW 83 19 0 153 321 or generic equivalent from an R/V supply place) T25 and T40 torxdrivers - - (A T40 socket is best, but you can make due with a driver) Upholstery clip tools - - (VIM Tools #DT6200. You can work without them, but they make life a lot easier. Electric drill and bits - - (1/8" bit and/or smaller) COVER, FOLDING TOP DUNKELBLAU 1 54312693153 COVER, FOLDING TOP KLASSISCHROT 1 54312693154 COVER, FOLDING TOP DUNKELGRÃœN 1 05/1997 54312695654 COVER, FOLDING TOP SCHWARZ 1 05/1997 54318411121 COVER, FOLDING TOP BEIGE 1 05/1997 54318411122
Z3 Soft Top Wilconltd..... Thank you for your reply. I appreciate the effort you put into answering my question. The forum should make your response a "sticky". I've printed it out and will put it in my Z3 book of knowledge. I'll start with the window rubber trim and proceed from there. Again, thanks for your effort.
BMW used to provide Gummi-Pfledge (Translated Rubber Maintenance) which was amazing good stuff at keeping the rubber seals conditioned. I am rather upset that BMW no longer carries it. 82 149 407 015 However they now recommend the Wurth products. I would strongly recommend you give this a try first. The rubber does dry out, and conditioning older rubber usually causes it to swell up a little bit which may help with your sealing issues. Available from various retailers... http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=08930128 Or http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einszett-rubber-care-stick.html
"Rubber care," actually, just like it says there on the tube. Also note there's no 'd' in pflege, that's an artifact of mispronunciation--roughly, it's "GOOM-ee pFLEH-geh" (hard 'G' only). No matter what you call it, it was great stuff and I'm almost out. Thanks for the info about Wurth's version!
