Hello from Salt Lake City

[kewgblue]

Hello.

I have owned 3 BMW's before... but none with more than 2 tires! (all Motorrad bikes—I still currently own a K1600GT, so sweet) I just bought a beautifully maintained 2005 Z4 3.0i in Newport Beach on Saturday and drove it back to SLC. I wanted to say Hi, and also ask my fellow owners a few basic questions I had in my mind while driving back. Cool?

1. Is it recommended to always have the top UP while not driving in terms of long term maintenance? (Even in my garage overnight etc.) I would imagine it is similar to a nice pair of pants... hanging crisp on a hanger vs. folding them up on a shelf. No?

2. Cleaning / Care: The convertible top, upper matte black dash, and leather seats are 3 things that look like they need something different than the typical cleaners. Common suggestions for these items and even the rest of the Z4? I am in this for the long haul.

3. That MediaBridge any good?

Thanks everyone. So thrilled to be part of the community. Here is the newly purchased car in Death Valley, CA with my beautiful wife:

[Psychodo]

Originally Posted by kewgblue

Hello.


2. Cleaning / Care: The convertible top, upper matte black dash, and leather seats are 3 things that look like they need something different than the typical cleaners. Common suggestions for these items and even the rest of the Z4? I am in this for the long haul

Welcome!

I'm new to the convertible top as well but I've read that you'll want to clean and protect it with a speciality product.
http://www.autogeek.net/contopcleanp.html

The hard plastic and leather will need separate products.
I'm using lexol leather cleaner and conditioner (seperate products) right now and getting good results. Also have used Griots in the past, which works well but can be sticky if not fully removed. I've seen some posts here about leatherique but have not used it yet as it's fairly intensive to apply.
It's important to keep the leather hydrated to prevent cracking.

For the plastic I'm using griots vinyl and rubber dressing and have used Meguiars VLR.

Enjoy the ride!

[WAMz4]

Welcome to the club!
As far as keeping the top open or closed, I think its the actual motion that will cause the most wear. I try to leave it open as much as possible in the summer months, even over night in the garage, only closing it for bad weather or when I have to park where i cant see it for a long period of time (The mall or theater) But I leave it open for quick stops like a run into a store or cafe\restaurants where I can see it from my table.
The best and easiest cleaner and water proofing I've found is "303 Fabric Convertible Top kit". You can find it at any Boating supply store. They sell it for canvas boat covers and roofs.

[Vanne]

G'day mate, welcome to the joint. ; ) Enjoy your stay and if I may....

[StickMon]

Welcome!!!

IMHO

1) Keeping the top up when not driving cuts down on the dust in the interior. It's easy to hose the outside, but not so easy to clean the vents and the instruments.

2) Raggtopp on the top, 303 on the plastic, Gliptone on the leather, and 'Gummi Pflege Stift' on the rubber.

[kewgblue]

I did post a pict, dood. I can post more if you want. But, I have only had the Z for a day.

[Vanne]

Wow, hey my bad, it didn't show up initially.. at any rate mate, beaut car. Love white. Can we also get some pics from the inside and under bonnet? That would be great. Congrats on your acquisition. You will love it

[StickMon]

3) Dice Silverline Duo for sale in the classifieds.

[Finnegan]

Beautifully maintained is an understatement! Nice!

Congratulations and enjoy!

[imz4n]

IMHO, top up/down is as you prefer. The big part here is never, never leave the top down when is is wet or even damp. Always allow the top to dry in the up position. Products-- READ THE DIRECTIONS BEFORE YOU BUY/USE THEM. Some products can and will stain the paint if allowed to dry. Congrats on your purchase.