06-07-2019, 01:25 PM | #1 |
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How to maintain soft top?
I would like to know how you maintain and protect the soft top? Do you use a pressure washer? Do you use normal car shampoo? Every time you wash the car? Do you use something to protect the fabric? ,...
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06-07-2019, 01:46 PM | #3 |
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ABSOLUTELY NO to a pressure washer and no to car soap. You can obtain specific cleaners and convertible top conditioners directly from BMW. In North America, folks use a product called Raggtop as well.
http://www.raggtopp.com/ As your car is a new Z4 still under warranty, I would only use a BMW product purchased from the dealer where you bought the car - and keep the receipts!! That way, if you run into an issue with the top, you can show that you used a BMW product and nobody can say that you used a garbage top cleaner that caused damage. Replacing a canvas top is an expensive proposition and you do not want to do that out of warranty at your cost.
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BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package. Last edited by Huz-Z; 06-07-2019 at 01:51 PM.. |
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06-07-2019, 02:20 PM | #4 | |
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06-07-2019, 02:34 PM | #5 |
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I avoid washing the top whenever possible and don't use a pressure washer. I probably only washed the top on my last 'vert maybe once or twice in 3 years and even then, it was just a rinse.
I would think the less it gets washed, the longer it will last. Dave |
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06-07-2019, 02:57 PM | #7 | ||
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A good friend of mine destroyed the top motor on his E 85 Z4 through one use of a pressure washer. While there are quality cleaners and conditioners out there for your canvas top, if you ever do have an issue with the top, you will wish you had used the BMW product. The few dollars saved are not worth having that worry in my view .
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06-07-2019, 03:01 PM | #9 |
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06-07-2019, 03:07 PM | #10 | |
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And I will point out that my top motor is original and working after 13 years. My car has never been pressure washed. My buddy did that just once and a few days later the motor died. I recognize that the G29 may have a different motor design and placement, or that you really may be quite the Jedi master with a power washer, but do you really want to risk it? Your car and your call, but I wouldn't do it.
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06-07-2019, 03:40 PM | #11 |
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If you live in a dusty area like me that would be a bad idea. The trouble with dust buildup is when you open the top and it folds in layers, the abrasive dust particles trapped between the layers will act as sandpaper with the small movements caused by road irregularities. If your car is usually parked indoors and the top doesn't get that dirty, you can get away with simply rinsing off the top with water each time you wash your car then wiping the water off with a thick microfiber towel that will also help trap the dust particles.
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06-07-2019, 03:42 PM | #12 |
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06-07-2019, 04:00 PM | #13 |
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I washed the top on my Boxster every week for five years with soap. Once every year or two I applied top protectant. It looked good as new when I sold it.
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06-07-2019, 04:19 PM | #14 |
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I applied Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric Coat v2 when the car was new 8 weeks ago. I have washed the car about 4 times but only rinse down the top and don't use shampoo on it. The water just flies off and does not penetrate the top. The same when it rains, just flies off.
You just have to make sure you cover up the glass and paint when applying the coating, although I think that a microfibre cloth will remove any surface residue if you get it off before it dries. Highly recommended. |
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06-07-2019, 04:22 PM | #15 | |
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06-07-2019, 05:18 PM | #16 |
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Whenever I wash the car, i hit the roof with hose each time using the hose (pre-rince, rince, etc).
Generally, once I'm finished with the last pass of washing the body, I'll lightly and sporadically hit the roof with the soapy microfiber sponge wherever i know there to be "something" dirty, and then rinse it off as i would with the rest if the car. I certainly dont wash the roof like the car, rather just a touch and only where it needs it. That combined with the rinsing has (for me) walked the line between keeping it clean and wrecking the treatment on the fabric. This was my approach on the old E85's as well, and they held up pretty well. #My2Cents |
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06-07-2019, 06:02 PM | #17 | |
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I don't even use a spray head on my car. I use a foam gun to spray soap suds on it then wash with a micro-fiber mitt and soapy water. To rinse I used a hose end at low pressure and let the sheeting action draw the water off. All three of my BMWs are coated with CeramicPro.
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