Z4 windscreen - thoughts?

[robrwalker]

Hello community,

Looking to do a few things to my new 2008 Z4 3.0i. One thing is to add a windscreen. I have seen a clear plexi one on a website for around $200 and also a kinda see through one from bmw for about the same price.

Anyone out there have one? Opinion? When the air temp hits about 50 its too cold for my wife, but I think with the windows up and a screen in it will greatly reduce the cold air that is blowing into the cabin.

Thanks.
Rob

[caseysc]

Welcome, my friend, but you are late to the party. Do a search on windscreen.

[robrwalker]

caseysc

while i will do a search, and am always surprised at people who take the time to reply with not much in the way of help, i wrote the new post, because i was hoping for someone to comment with something new, perhaps after they have had the screen for a while.

[caseysc]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

caseysc

while i will do a search, and am always surprised at people who take the time to reply with not much in the way of help, i wrote the new post, because i was hoping for someone to comment with something new, perhaps after they have had the screen for a while.

I hear you. Like you I am always surprised when someone asks a question that has been beaten to death on here and every other forum and does not bother to do a key word search. Do it on Google, do it here, but educate yourself and then we can help you decide. As a "legal god" I'm sure that you understand that this forum cannot restart EVERY discussion had on this topic. Just guessing, but maybe 500 threads on this.

Having said that, IMHO, buy the Roadster Solutions acrylic model. To find out why, or why not, do the search.

[nlink720]

Why does it have to come to people being so disagreeable?

I got a great deal on the oem mesh windscreen an should get it on Thursday. I will let you know what I think.

The acrylic looks nice, but it takes up more space.

There is an oem fixed type that has a holder as well that snaps into the top of the inside of the trunk, but I just got the mesh since it was a deal, and just wanted it for my wife's hair.

I'll let you know my opinion, but cannot compare it to anything but the car w/o screen.

[caseysc]

Originally Posted by nlink720

Why does it have to come to people being so disagreeable?

I got a great deal on the oem mesh windscreen an should get it on Thursday. I will let you know what I think.

The acrylic looks nice, but it takes up more space.

There is an oem fixed type that has a holder as well that snaps into the top of the inside of the trunk, but I just got the mesh since it was a deal, and just wanted it for my wife's hair.

I'll let you know my opinion, but cannot compare it to anything but the car w/o screen.

Say, don't you have to replace the roll hoop's plastic enclosure to install the OEM windscreen?

[BimmerZ408]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

Hello community,

Looking to do a few things to my new 2008 Z4 3.0i. One thing is to add a windscreen. I have seen a clear plexi one on a website for around $200 and also a kinda see through one from bmw for about the same price.

Anyone out there have one? Opinion? When the air temp hits about 50 its too cold for my wife, but I think with the windows up and a screen in it will greatly reduce the cold air that is blowing into the cabin.

Thanks.
Rob

Hi Rob,

I have the OEM clear plexi from BMW, and had the dealer install it for me. I also had them install the trunk holder too, should I ever want to remove the windscreen. With my 10% discount being a BMWCCA member, the price wasn't too bad.

Also, I have driven in 45-55 degrees with top down, windows up and with the bun warmers on - and yes, the screen does help a great deal in cutting down the wind and cold air.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, and CONGRATS on your new Z post pics soon!

[robrwalker]

Thanks to all for the info.

nlink720 - will be interested to hear your thoughts on the mesh windscreen. please report back with your thoughts

BimmerZ408 - is the plexi one a bmw OEM? I thought the one from roadster solutions was the only one out there that was clear? any chance you know the part number? i may call my dealer to see if he has it. How much was it?

Thanks again to all. Will post some pics after I make a few mods, (tinting out lights, stubby antenna, and some new wheels)

Much appreciated.

[BimmerZ408]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

BimmerZ408 - is the plexi one a bmw OEM? I thought the one from roadster solutions was the only one out there that was clear? any chance you know the part number? i may call my dealer to see if he has it. How much was it?

EDIT: Sorry, I am wrong, it's mesh - not plexi, so you're right. It's been SO long since I've driven my baby (she's in storage), I forgot! lol It's NON-mesh behind seats, but the middle part is mesh.

Wind Deflector (main PN: 54 34 7 117 745) I don't recall right off hand what I paid, not too bad with my discount.

To view more info on it:

http://accessories.bmwusa.com/ItemVi...&productId=587

[caseysc]

Did a search on windscreen:

http://www.zpost.com/forums/search.p...=6840839&pp=30

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sea...archid=8751436

[TopDown]

This is the best windscreen I've had on a roady
http://www.roadstersolutions.com/page69.html

[Hawker 800XP]

Originally Posted by TopDown

This is the best windscreen I've had on a roady
http://www.roadstersolutions.com/page69.html

X-2. Also, get the Roadster etched decal.

[robrwalker]

Thanks so much for the info. Will compare to the plexi one and make my decision soon.

Again, thanks to all those who offered HELP. I appreciate the input

[rc'Z]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

Thanks so much for the info. Will compare to the plexi one and make my decision soon.

Again, thanks to all those who offered HELP. I appreciate the input

Food for thought, I had the factory mesh unit on a Mini Cooper. It worked great down to the mid 40's. One thing good about it I could leave it installed year round and flip it up when I wanted it. The roadster with the windows up sometimes does not flow a lot of air into the cabin. The mesh screen will let a little air flow in when it is warm, for instance you want to use it in the morning when it is cool and still have it in place in the afternoon when it is warm. I would think, not having owned one, that the sold will block the air better, but is a double edged sword, may not let enought air flow into the cabin when it is warm. I don't know what it will do when the windows are down and air flowing into from the front and being blocked from escaping by the solid, if it does do that.

None of the other blogs that you should have searched for, seem to address the solid versus mesh pros and cons. I would like to hear both ways and have not bought one because I'm not sure what the differences are.

BTW, you can get a mesh unit that straps on and off rather than the solid mount part, cheaper also, but doesn't look as good.

[caseysc]

Try this link:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=z4+windscreen

[JamesinIT]

I too have the one TopDown has and its awesome!

[robrwalker]

Thanks all - going to order the Roadster Solutions one this week.

Much appreciated.

[TopDown]

Originally Posted by robrwalker

Thanks all - going to order the Roadster Solutions one this week.

Much appreciated.

When it arrives, follow the install directions carefully. You want to get it right.

[JamesinIT]

I also found that a little 303 or armor all helped slip the rubber bits that go in the roll hoop go in a just a bit easier...

[rc'Z]

Originally Posted by Hawker 800XP

X-2. Also, get the Roadster etched decal.

I'm assuming that you have the etching, does it cause a glare or blind spot at night when car lights hit it; rear sight blind spot? I think the etching looks cool, just wonder about the saftey aspect of it. Thanks.

[wasupdu]

You don't need a windscreen, and IMHO they look absolutely ghey.

A cell phone conversation can be had on the highway at 80mph+ if you switch over to the handset (from bluetooth) with very little trouble. If absolutely necessary you can raise the windows (don't raise 'em if yours are tinted...lol). The windscreen looks ridiculous IMHO. I tried the clear windscreen on mine for about 3-4 weeks and not only was I skeptical, but I caught a ton of sh!t from my coworkers with the "old man screen" on my car. No thanks if you ask me.


edit: Your woman's hair can be put up, and if not....tell her to STFU if you're riding top down at highway speeds. My wife loves to ride top down (sometimes not even talking about her hair) so I really don't know what you guys are complaining about. Turn on the heated seats if you're referring to cold weather. Top down for just over 80 miles in 24-28 degree (F) weather....heater blastin'

[caseysc]

Originally Posted by wasupdu

You don't need a windscreen, and IMHO they look absolutely ghey.

A cell phone conversation can be had on the highway at 80mph+ if you switch over to the handset (from bluetooth) with very little trouble. If absolutely necessary you can raise the windows (don't raise 'em if yours are tinted...lol). The windscreen looks ridiculous IMHO. I tried the clear windscreen on mine for about 3-4 weeks and not only was I skeptical, but I caught a ton of sh!t from my coworkers with the "old man screen" on my car. No thanks if you ask me.


edit: Your woman's hair can be put up, and if not....tell her to STFU if you're riding top down at highway speeds. My wife loves to ride top down (sometimes not even talking about her hair) so I really don't know what you guys are complaining about. Turn on the heated seats if you're referring to cold weather. Top down for just over 80 miles in 24-28 degree (F) weather....heater blastin'

A little insecure about your masculinity, aren't you? I just do what makes ME feel good. Everybody else can can say or do what they want. When I hear stuff like that, I just tell them I'm waiting for the "pop". You know, that sound your butt makes when you pull your head out of it...