98 BMW M3 convertible aftermarket soft top?

- S
- sportrider90
  
  Contact options for registered users
posted
17 years ago

Mon, Feb 12, 2007 3:25 AM

Hello

did a search through the older threads for anything related to the M3 convertible rag tops....I'm thinking about buying a 98 M3 Convertible.

Are there issues with the soft top, besides the rear window fading? Do the soft tops have a tendency to "wear out" i.e. loose fit after several years, easily worn out tensioners, etc etc. (there was only 1 previous poster who complained about this, but wanted to see if anyone else out there had the same issues)

Also are there any aftermarket tops for the m3 convertible? tried a google search for this but came up empty handed, dont know if anyone else has some info, maybe a little known company making them....

last inquiry.....roll cages? is it good idea to install one as an extra support in case of a roll-over and to beef of the handling (due to the lack of a hard top and the roof support pillars)?

thank you in advance.

-phil

- T
- Tom Scales
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
17 years ago

Mon, Feb 12, 2007 12:29 PM

My 99 had major top problems and I believe they are common. The straps that actually pull the top back (inside the top) fail pretty regularly. It's not an inexpensive fix. I ended up selling it and buying an 03, but do miss it.

- A
- admin
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
17 years ago

Thu, Feb 15, 2007 4:57 PM

On power tops the tension straps can be an issue if the top mechanism isn't kept lubricated. If lubricated - the last rendition of the straps from BMW seem to be long lasting. Not exactly a DIY - but not rocket science either - a lot of grunt work to replace. The hint is if the top hits the rear deck panel when you try to open it. If it does - the straps are stretched.

Lots of them can be found on Ebay - quite common and rather inexpensive.

Not needed. There are popup roll-bars behind the rear seat and the front header where the front of the top fastens contains a roll-bar. Adding weight to the car with a roll-cage won't do a thing for the handling. Since the roll cage would bolt in place behind the front seats I see no way that it would stiffen the chassis.