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      04-07-2014, 04:19 AM   #1
Doc Hoy
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Replacement soft top

I posted this elsewhere and then realized it was probly posted at the wrong place.

Bought an 03 Z4 and wish to replace the soft top. Top is good but has faded from grey to olive drab.

Upholstery shop wants 1700.00 out the door.

I see the tops on eBay that are running 600.00 to 700.00.

Does anyone have experience with;

1) quality of these tops
2) ease of installation

Much appreciated.
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      04-07-2014, 06:56 AM   #2
Huz-Z
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I posted this in response to your other post:

www.autotopsdirect.com

They make a nice replacement top equivalent to OEM so they claim, at a fraction of the OEM price.
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      04-07-2014, 11:33 AM   #3
Doc Hoy
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Thanks Huz

It appears as though the installation is not that bad.

I think I am capable... I have a hammer.

.

.


. . . . Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk.
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      04-07-2014, 12:04 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Hoy View Post
It appears as though the installation is not that bad.

I think I am capable... I have a hammer.

.

.


. . . . Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk.
Glad to help!! I have never actualy done this work myself, but I am willing to bet that somebody on here has some knowledge of this task and may be able to provide some good insights for you.

Cheers!!
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      04-08-2014, 10:58 AM   #5
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Soft top replacement

How about it guys?

Anyone out there with experience at replacing the top?

Tnx,

Barry
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      04-08-2014, 11:36 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Hoy View Post
How about it guys?

Anyone out there with experience at replacing the top?

Tnx,

Barry
Hmmm. I wonder if the folks at Autotopsdirect.com could put in touch with some customers who have bought Z4 replacement tops, so you could talk to them about what is involved in doing your own install?
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      04-09-2014, 02:42 AM   #7
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Huz

Generally there are Youtube videos available but I could find none.

There is one for a Z3 but not Z4.

I am still in the research phase and I don't want to plunge until I get closer to the end. The deals on these tops are not going away.

Talking to the folks who sell the tops is a good idea. They prolly include instructions but I would hate to buy one only to find I can't put it on.

Talked to my neighbor who is a sports car enthusiast with a lot of experience on German cars and he has never swapped one out.
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      04-11-2014, 04:39 AM   #8
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Got hold of the guys at Autotopsdirect

I told the gent on the phone that I am fairly capable with tools, patient and careful. He would not commit so far as to predict I would be able to swap out the top.

He eMailed a copy of the instructions. I have all of the tools they mention.

In three cases, you have to drill out some top rivets. Actually the instructions say to chisel them off.

I think I may give this a try.

I'll take some photos if I do.
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      04-11-2014, 06:25 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Hoy View Post
I told the gent on the phone that I am fairly capable with tools, patient and careful. He would not commit so far as to predict I would be able to swap out the top.

He eMailed a copy of the instructions. I have all of the tools they mention.

In three cases, you have to drill out some top rivets. Actually the instructions say to chisel them off.

I think I may give this a try.

I'll take some photos if I do.
Good luck with the work!! BMW dealers are generally very adept at this sort of thing so in the worst case if you get stuck at some point, they can help you out of a jam. Maybe if you talk to them before you start, they could give you some good pointers.
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      04-12-2014, 04:15 PM   #10
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Yep....

I spoke to a upholstery shop gal and she said she would help out if I got myself stuck.

Going for the better fabrique in beige.
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      04-15-2014, 11:52 AM   #11
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Doc, can you post the instructions on here? Or if you'd rather not, can you email them to me? I'll PM you my email address if you want to go that route.
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      04-16-2014, 10:57 AM   #12
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I'll try

Here are the directions I received from Auto-tops Direct.
Attached Images
File Type: pdf BMW Z4 Convertible Top Installation Guide.pdf (1.11 MB, 3817 views)
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      04-16-2014, 03:06 PM   #13
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I think someone in the forum has done their and wrote a detail post about it.
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      04-17-2014, 02:05 AM   #14
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I'd be happy to read it.....

I did a search (half heartedly) and came up with nothing. Only vid I could find on the internet is for a Z3. (My next Bimmer)
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      04-19-2014, 02:47 PM   #15
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wow, very involved from those instructions... my beige top is getting dirty.. eventually ill have to replace it.. looks fugly
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      04-21-2014, 11:18 AM   #16
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Never on a Z4, but I've replaced tops on a Mazda Miata and a VW Golf Cabrio. The instructions you posted look thorough. Take your time, think things through beforehand, and you'll be fine! I found that drilling the pop rivets was much easier (and less damage prone) than trying to chisel them off.
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      05-05-2014, 09:06 AM   #17
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Wow that is an involved process. I think I would leave this job to a top specialist.

And thanks very much for posting this instructions.
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      05-06-2014, 11:25 AM   #18
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I bought the Z3.....

It needs a top too.

I am going to do that one first. Then tackle the Z4.
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      05-12-2014, 07:44 AM   #19
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WOW, those are some intense instructions to replace the top! Not a fan of rivets either....

Chris
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      02-05-2019, 07:49 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Hoy View Post
Here are the directions I received from Auto-tops Direct.
Old bump but I can’t believe I missed these instructions. Up to now I found member DIY on how to remove the entire top (or how to access the soft top motor) but not one for actually replacing the fabric.

Saved this down, thank you!!
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      07-25-2019, 09:03 PM   #21
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Doc Hoy- did you replace the z4 top yourself?
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      08-03-2019, 01:02 PM   #22
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I have had good luck with topsonline.com for my Alfa Romeo. Nice quality.

https://www.topsonline.com/model/Con...E85_Body).html

Doug
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