Are there more than one on the market and if so which one works best?
You can get one from the dealer that came preinstalled on later models. I'm not aware of any aftermarket pieces. I don't know how much the OEM version will cost you, or if it's even compatible with older tops.
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The liner is compatible with all tops. There were only 2 variations of the soft top, and the differences were in how the canvas attached to the frame, and the vents along the main rib.
I'd love to get an OE liner, but they are pretty pricey, if RealOEM's retail cost is any indication.
Current price on the top liner appears to be $372.68, part number 54318410992 .
My question of the day is, for those that either have this as OEM or have installed it on their Z3, how do you like it?
One of my few complaints with my '98 Z is the noise in the car with the top up at any speed over about 50 mph. When I replace the top I plan to install a liner, I'd like to know what the experience of others has been.
My 01' has an OEM liner and I find the ride quite pleasant cruising at 80mph.
I like it, when i had my e30 vert it didnt have a headliner and it made the interior feel "cold" ...it makes it feel more like a coupe then a ragtop. Id say do it if you have the money to throw around.
I never notice any top noise and ive driven up to 110 with the top up.
Check ebay, they have a couple of aftermarket liners for sale for $250. I've thought about buying one just to make the interior look finished.
My Z3 came with the liner so I can't tell you what the differences would be but mine is very quite at highway speeds and with the top up, the interior stays toasty-warm!
Also as others have said, the interior looks more finished. I'd buy one if mine didn't already have it.......
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I have a '97 with no liner.. took a trip Sunday and thought about putting the hardtop on just to cut down on noise and wish that i did. As far as the headliners, from what I have read there is a difference in the brackets or mounts with a certain (as usual) cut off date around "98-99. Cant remember where it was, but someone offered an aftermarket liner that was easy to install and looked great.. about $300 I think.
although the liner may keep warm air in in the winter, it may also make the car broil in the summer. I don't know about anyone else, but my silver w/black interior/top retains heat incredibly during the summer. I don't know if it's the color, interior materials, the liner, or just the fact that it's a black soft top, but even after turning on the a/c for a while, the air might be cool but the interior still has a bunch of heat in it.
otherwise my liner's held up fine for 8 years now, it's starting to droop a bit, but nothing really noticeable. I'm still on the fence with whether I'll get a liner whenever I replace my top.
I doubt the liner would made it any warmer in the summer. If anything, I would think it would help keep a little of the heat out. If it got any hotter in there, I am sure my WSM would catch the leather shift boot on fire some afternoons.
I'm pretty sure it's your top and interior color that's the culprit. The liner should help reduce the heat transfer. If I had a black top and interior, I'd buy one of those small covers that goes over the top and windshield unless I lived in a high crime area. I think I'd get as close to white for that as possible.
The part number I listed above is under the 1998 Z3 parts list, hope it fits. After I get it I'll post the answer to that question.
I have a 2000 M with standard oem liner. The only drawback is space. It reduces headroom and needs help clearing the windblox rear wind screen when putting the top down. Otherwise, it’s very cozy and quiet. After twenty years, the liner’s insulated backing(foam material) is deteriorating and starting to flake off. The rest of the top and liner still look great.
I have a complete black top assembly (replaced in Nov 2015) with charcoal gray headliner assembly (installed new in 2016) that I removed when I got my hardtop if anyone would be interested or want to see some pictures. A nice new headliner is awesome to have.
Would love to see it. Is the car a '98 or earlier? I am asking specifically about the year because my understanding is the headliner was only available mid-way through '99. I am trying to figure out if there is any difference in the mounting hardware or the liner just fits on all Z3's? The descriptions I see for the aftermarket headliners is that they are specifically for model years that had headliners. They don't say anything about retrofitting older models.
Thanks.
My 2000 Z3M has the headliner. I suppose it provides some noise and thermal insulation value...but it ruins the reason I own the car !
Greg
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