How to: Replace your Z3 roadster soft top.

[mfwaldner]

I am replacing my Z3 soft top and have read you detailed instuctions. i ordered a top and have everything I need...I thin k. In the instructions I received with the top they say you can remove the seal frame if you are very careful but I have doubts after reading your instructions. The problem is when looking at the BMW dealer parts database there are two parts sealing frame(which looks like the tack strip) # 51 71 8 398 104 at $122 and the Folding compartment gasket ## 51 71 8 397 931 which fits behind the sealing frame on the parts diagram for $78.00. Would you know which one I need to order. Both are custom orders and can't be returned. I don't want to get the tack strip because I don't think I will have to replace it. Also can I replace the top by just taking off the tack strip?

Thanks for any help.

[Pthurlow]

I am replacing my Z3 soft top and have read you detailed instuctions. i ordered a top and have everything I need...I thin k. In the instructions I received with the top they say you can remove the seal frame if you are very careful but I have doubts after reading your instructions. The problem is when looking at the BMW dealer parts database there are two parts sealing frame(which looks like the tack strip) # 51 71 8 398 104 at $122 and the Folding compartment gasket ## 51 71 8 397 931 which fits behind the sealing frame on the parts diagram for $78.00. Would you know which one I need to order. Both are custom orders and can't be returned. I don't want to get the tack strip because I don't think I will have to replace it. Also can I replace the top by just taking off the tack strip?

Thanks for any help.

I ended up purchasing the new sealing bow from turner performance. Getting the butyl tape off is a real pain. I ended up ordering the new frame as mine had cracked on removal, but it also would have taken me hours and hours to get the butyl tape off of it. In my opinion you should order the sealing bow as it along with the new butyl tape is what will keep the water out. Also be sure to use stainless staples when you attach the top to the rear frame.

[mfwaldner]

So to be clear on this I should order both parts the tack strip and the sealing frame?

[lokijibber]

Yes. That's what we did when replacing Brian's top.

[mfwaldner]

Thanks, I have ordered the parts. Can anyone tell me where the staples are used? Seems to me they would just hit the metal of the window well and pop out.

[lokijibber]

Thanks, I have ordered the parts. Can anyone tell me where the staples are used? Seems to me they would just hit the metal of the window well and pop out.

Where are staples called for? (sorry, it's been years since I've done this job, and I think I tried to block it from my head - maybe I need to read Vinci's writeup again).

[RedRedZ]

Where are staples called for? (sorry, it's been years since I've done this job, and I think I tried to block it from my head - maybe I need to read Vinci's writeup again).

The staples go into the tack strip. The tack strip is aluminum with a thick plastic insert, the staples go into the plastic.

[lokijibber]

The staples go into the tack strip. The tack strip is aluminum with a thick plastic insert, the staples go into the plastic.

Thanks! That certainly makes sense.

[extremebimmer]

Hello, I know this is an old post but I have a question that I am hoping someone here, might know the answer to.
It seems the proper (maybe only) way to do this is the "difficult way."
My question is if it is possible to completely swap out a Z3 convertible top all in one complete unit from one Z3 to another?
I know someone may decide to chime in just to say that this is a stupid question, so let me explain my logic first. I don't want to spend 20 hours or more removing the soft top (cloth/window) part from the doner car. It would be great if there is a way to just unbolt everything at the hinge of the convertible top frame. Then do the same to my car and simply bolt in the doner Z3 top complete, with a lot less fuss. These tops are now 20 years old as my Z3 is a 1996 so things are brittle and tend to break easily.
My apologies in advance if anyone else has already asked this question. I tried searching the forums and Google and there is no talk of this method at all.
Also it is starting to get cold here and I have to so this project outside. Any help, advice, etc...is very much appriciated in advance! ;-)

PS. The reason I even found a top from a 1997 Z3 in decent shape is because it is a two year old aftermarket soft top on a car that was taken off the road and parted out. I have no way of finding out who made the top otherwise I would get instructions from them. It might be too difficult to remove and put onto my car but the window and fabric are in great shape. Has anyone experienced removing and putting an aftermarket top back on with success?
It is not that I don't want to spend $400 for a used OEM top that I also found locally if it was the best option. I doubt even a BMW genuine top that is used will last more than a few years.
Next best and it seems only viable option is to try one of the $300 aftermarket tops online that come with decent instructions.


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[magnetchief]

Hello, I know this is an old post but I have a question that I am hoping someone here, might know the answer to.
It seems the proper (maybe only) way to do this is the "difficult way."
My question is if it is possible to completely swap out a Z3 convertible top all in one complete unit from one Z3 to another?
I know someone may decide to chime in just to say that this is a stupid question, so let me explain my logic first. I don't want to spend 20 hours or more removing the soft top (cloth/window) part from the doner car. It would be great if there is a way to just unbolt everything at the hinge of the convertible top frame. Then do the same to my car and simply bolt in the doner Z3 top complete, with a lot less fuss. These tops are now 20 years old as my Z3 is a 1996 so things are brittle and tend to break easily.
My apologies in advance if anyone else has already asked this question. I tried searching the forums and Google and there is no talk of this method at all.
Also it is starting to get cold here and I have to so this project outside. Any help, advice, etc...is very much appriciated in advance! ;-)

PS. The reason I even found a top from a 1997 Z3 in decent shape is because it is a two year old aftermarket soft top on a car that was taken off the road and parted out. I have no way of finding out who made the top otherwise I would get instructions from them. It might be too difficult to remove and put onto my car but the window and fabric are in great shape. Has anyone experienced removing and putting an aftermarket top back on with success?
It is not that I don't want to spend $400 for a used OEM top that I also found locally if it was the best option. I doubt even a BMW genuine top that is used will last more than a few years.
Next best and it seems only viable option is to try one of the $300 aftermarket tops online that come with decent instructions.


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I’m doing exactly this.
Picked up a whole frame with a new aftermarket top fitted for $130.
Off of a Z3 in a pick&pull.



My winter break project come Dec


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[extremebimmer]

Yeah, I did confirm that this is definetly doable. I should have assumed that the entire convertible top can be easily removed as a complete unit.

If you are getting a new replacement top though, then you can keep it all intact. Is your frame and other hardware damaged? Otherwise if you are going to do all the work to recover with new fabric, why not just reuse your old frame etc?

My window fell completely out of mine so I have had it covered and stored away for the last several months. I found a top that someone put an aftermarket replacement fabric/window onto about 2 years ago that is in great shape. I have been told that the whole complete unit bolts in easy in about 5-10 minutes.

Anyone have any special pointers with this process? Should I replace anything while I have the top out that is cheap and easy while having the vert unit out of the car? Seals, gaskets etc...

I plan to at least clean things up.

Thanks!

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[Mr Bingley]

It is easier to swap the entire top assembly than to change just the cloth part. I've done it, and what I recommend is either doing it in the summer, or in a heated garage--things need to be nice and pliable, or else you're going to break some plastic. You want the donor top to come with a good sealing frame, or to get yours off in one piece and swap it. It's still a big job, and it still requires cleaning off the old butyl tape from the car and the sealing frame. I resealed mine with butyl tape and butyl caulk. However, I don't think I would bother with it if the donor top is of an unknown aftermarket origin, that would be wasted effort.

[Vintage42]

... is possible to completely swap out a Z3 convertible top all in one complete unit from one Z3 to another?... just unbolt everything at the hinge of the convertible top frame. Then do the same to my car and simply bolt in the doner Z3 top complete...

Yes.
Here is a post on removing the entire top assembly, frame with canvas, from a donor car to transfer to your car:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...4#post29128464
Here is a DIY on installing just new canvas, that includes dealing with the sealing frame etc:
https://webspace.ringling.edu/~dplassma/str/str.html

[extremebimmer]

Cool, that is perfect! Thanks!! ;-)

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[JacobDGAR]

I am really late to the party on removing and installing a new convertible top for a Z3. I have heard how great Vinci's write up is but I cannot seem to access the website that is linked at the start of the thread. Is the write located anywhere else? Thank you!

[rasmuw]

I have a pdf copy I can send. PM me with your email and I’ll send it to you.

[ValeriyL]

Not sure if you're going to see this anytime soon, but I'm attempting to replace my Z3 soft top and if you could email me a copy of the PDF I'd appreciate it.

[rasmuw]

ValeriyL--You'll need to PM me with an email address so that I can send the pdf.

[kurt141]

New to the forum...
Looks like I am not the only one replacing the roof on my Z3.
Could you please email me the PDF also.
Thanks

[rasmuw]

kurt141--You'll need to PM me with an email address so that I can send the pdf. I am unable to PM you, I think because you are new to the forum.

[SevoF]

Rasmuw,

I am new to this forum and would like a copy of the PDF for soft top installation if you are still willing to share it.

I just purchased a 1997 Z3 and will need to replace the top because it is leaking at the window area.

Unfortunately, the forum has not granted me privileges to send you a PM directly at this time. I can always create a junk email account and post it as a reply in this thread in order for you to send it to me.

Thanks, I greatly appreciate it

Cheers

[rasmuw]

If you post a junk email address, I will send the pdf to you. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until you are granted PM privileges. Whether they are dependent upon time, number of posts, or both, I do not know.

[SevoF]

Rasmuw,

I have searched around and I couldn't find what a new member has to do in order to gain PM access.

I still haven't been granted PM privileges yet, but once I do, I will contact you.

[MartyBtoo]

I believe you have to have made 10 posts before you get PM access.

[SevoF]

Thanks MartyBtoo. I will send a PM when I am granted access after the 10 posts