Z4 Cabriolet soft top

[Valor]

Dear all pardon me if this has been asked before, I've tried the search function but it returned no results. I'm currently looking at purchasing a Z4 cabriolet and was just wondering what the material for the soft top is and how easy is it to maintain. Will the soap used at the regular shell stations car washes be harmful to the soft top or am I looking at handwashing this car forever once I purchase it?

Thanks!

 

[ryan]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Dear all pardon me if this has been asked before, I've tried the search function but it returned no results. I'm currently looking at purchasing a Z4 cabriolet and was just wondering what the material for the soft top is and how easy is it to maintain. Will the soap used at the regular shell stations car washes be harmful to the soft top or am I looking at handwashing this car forever once I purchase it?

Thanks!

Hi there and welcome to the forum!

There are actually 2 dedicated cleaners for the soft top which you can purchase (which i recommend) from PML.

One is the cleaner (which is typical washing soap/formula)
The other is the impregnator, which basically waterproofs your roofing.

Don't wash it via the normal carwash services as it can wear down your roof's life span.

I typically don't wash my roof much. Probably once every 3 months, then apply the impregnator every 6 months.

 

[joseph]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Hi there and welcome to the forum!

There are actually 2 dedicated cleaners for the soft top which you can purchase (which i recommend) from PML.

One is the cleaner (which is typical washing soap/formula)
The other is the impregnator, which basically waterproofs your roofing.

Don't wash it via the normal carwash services as it can wear down your roof's life span.

I typically don't wash my roof much. Probably once every 3 months, then apply the impregnator every 6 months.

i understand the noise insulation will not be as quiet as a normal hard top but how bad is the noise level in Z4?Presuming u are traveling at 160KM

 

[v8rba]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

I had a 3.0 z4 previously. The sound proofing is pretty good for a cabriolet. But i did enjoy the sound of the engine alot, so i didn't mind its sweet sound.

 

[joseph]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

I had a 3.0 z4 previously. The sound proofing is pretty good for a cabriolet. But i did enjoy the sound of the engine alot, so i didn't mind its sweet sound.

at what speed u can start to hear the noise?

 

[ryan]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

How bad?

Sound is so objective that it's not funny

Stock Z4 sounds absolutely sweet!

But i just wasn't satisfied .. so I have added the following "sound" modifications..

GruppeM Air intake
Z4 Sound Induction Unit (comes stock with 3.0, but for my 2.5 had to add it in)
Eisenmann sport exhaust

Now it sounds quite fierce

160km/hr sounds quite alright if it's a stock setup..but again it's objective unless you try it yourself.

 

[joseph]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

How bad?

Sound is so objective that it's not funny

Stock Z4 sounds absolutely sweet!

But i just wasn't satisfied .. so I have added the following "sound" modifications..

GruppeM Air intake
Z4 Sound Induction Unit (comes stock with 3.0, but for my 2.5 had to add it in)
Eisenmann sport exhaust

Now it sounds quite fierce

160km/hr sounds quite alright if it's a stock setup..but again it's objective unless you try it yourself.

i do understand the noise level is very subjective to individual.I guess u are right,i had to test it myself to get a answer cos i'm stll un-decided between the roadster & coupe

 

[v8rba]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Yeah mine had the sound induction unit.....made it oh sooo much sweeter. I would say 160km/hr you could hear the engine significantly louder compared to a hard top but as for road noise......not as much as you might think. For a roadster, i think sound wouldn't be a major consideration, esp if you plan to drive with the top down.

 

[joseph]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Yeah mine had the sound induction unit.....made it oh sooo much sweeter. I would say 160km/hr you could hear the engine significantly louder compared to a hard top but as for road noise......not as much as you might think. For a roadster, i think sound wouldn't be a major consideration, esp if you plan to drive with the top down.

actually i tested S2000 but the noise is quite bad at 120KM

 

[Valor]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Thanks everyone for the fast response.... I just went to down a disposit for a 2003 Z4 today.... just to reserve it while the SE checks out if he can "break even" my impreza for me. I do hope it's not something i will regret anytime soon :laughlik:

Thanks for the advice on maintaing the soft top as well, will read thru them now.

 

[v8rba]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

There is no feeling like driving with the top down.....No words can explain!!! Do check on the steering......mine was a bit notchy after having it for 3 years. I also had issues with the rain sensor. If those stuff ok......you'll enjoy the ride for sure.

 

[Valor]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Ah ok where's the rain sensor I should look out for? the steering seems ok but going for another test drive once the STA inspection is over.

 

[ryan]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Steering has a bit of dead feel to it, but strange i didn't notice it anymore..

 

[v8rba]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

the rain sensor is just in front of the rear view mirror. Just watch out if it has "bubbles" as this will prevent the sensor from detecting rain droplets. I had mine changed 7 times by the agent as it was all problem with the way it was manufactured. finally got it ok.

Th steering is definetly a dead. I kinda like it though as it was a point and shoot thing....not much feel to it. Mine was a bit knotchy towards the end as i could feel the steering "clicking" every 15 to 30 degrees turn of the wheel. As if the electric steering sensor was about to go

 

[Valor]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Thanks a lot for your help!

Btw this impregnator thingy can only be bought from PML? Can I buy it from else where like carrefour?

the rain sensor is just in front of the rear view mirror. Just watch out if it has "bubbles" as this will prevent the sensor from detecting rain droplets. I had mine changed 7 times by the agent as it was all problem with the way it was manufactured. finally got it ok.

Th steering is definetly a dead. I kinda like it though as it was a point and shoot thing....not much feel to it. Mine was a bit knotchy towards the end as i could feel the steering "clicking" every 15 to 30 degrees turn of the wheel. As if the electric steering sensor was about to go

 

[kenntona]

Re: Z4 Cabriolet soft top

Btw this impregnator thingy can only be bought from PML? Can I buy it from else where like carrefour?

Only PML.

One other tip - keep a toothbrush and a small bottle of clean water in the trunk. If you kenna bird poo, scrub it off immediately.