Soft top window thread

**KenZ8** · August 17th 2004, 02:58

Has anyone had a problem with clouding on the plastic window? It is very uniform, and getting difficult to see through on a sunny day. Any history on how BMW treats the problem under warranty?

**macfly** · August 22nd 2004, 21:08

There are several products available to clean the cloudy plastic. I use BMW's own soft top screen cleaner, you can buy it at any BMW dealer. (The very plentiful Z3 has the same problem, so it is a product that is in contsant supply.) It is quite amazing how well it works, the screen really looks like glass after cleaning.

**macfly** · April 23rd 2005, 17:38

These are the official instructions and illustrations for repairing the seal between the fabric and the plastic of the rear window panel. It is recommended that you use the original adhesive, which is available at most BMW dealers. It's called 'Terokal' and the part number is: 83190153050

**Dogsbreath** · November 30th 2005, 04:58

I know a number of people had trouble with the surround of their soft top window seperating. It happened to me about 2 months ago.

Of note - the glue that BMW used was still tacky - they are doing something wrong there. Regardless, I applied a very thin layer of 'Dap 100% Clear Silicone Glue for Aquariums' and pushed the surround back in. I then ran my fingers hard over the surround to work the glue into the fabric. I did not drive the car for 48 hours. It has held for over 800 miles and that includes driving at high speed with the top up and the windows down (which I believe was the event that precipitated the seperation in the first place).

This glue is cheap and it really appears to have worked. One advantage of the silicone is that if you do spill a small amount or some leaks out of the seam you are closing just wait a few minutes until the glue is tacky. Then you can rub the glue vigorously and it will come off the surface.

Dave

**Dez1** · December 5th 2005, 20:32

Thanks Dave. My top has bee separating just above the window. I plan to try your suggested solution rather than have the dealer try it. Dave D. Dez1

**Dogsbreath** · March 3rd 2006, 17:26

After 3 months my silicone glue has started coming apart. I will get the BMW guys to have a crack at it.

Dave

**macfly** · March 3rd 2006, 17:32

I think that this will be a constant issue with our cars, as the rubber lip is a little too little to give a good purchase for the glue.

**Rjay** · March 3rd 2006, 19:00

guess I will try the silicone idea, can't be any worse than the lousy dealer fix. I fixed my seatbacks myself and they have held fine ever since.

**Z8doc** · March 27th 2006, 20:52

issue but an issue of bad design of the rear window. The canvas top around the window is not supposed to be glued into place as the the window is "designed" to be replaced from time to time. IF the entire circumference of the top were glued down, then you could not unzip the plastic window and replace it (yes, there is an industrial zipper around the window that requires a special tool to unzip it, which is done from the inside of the car). The design flaw is that the rubber stripping is too small to catch the fabric adequately and every top made has too little canvas to "tuck it under" like it is designed to.

I saw a post somewhere where the person stated it was from the zipper protruding outward and that his dealer replaced his window and rezipped it flat and did not have a problems after.

I agree with Macfly that this will be a constant issue -- maybe the Club could help stimulate BMW to tackle this annoyance once the frame issue is over?

**hapc** · July 9th 2006, 22:27

Hi Friends

Again I ask for a little advice. I do not tolerate the sun and have never had the hardtop off of my car, but I am honestly worried about the soft top. Does the soft top come out of the car for easy storage? Should I do this and if so how is it done? Do you use the hardtop rack?

The other evening, right after sunset, I took my daughter for a ride in the Z8 and we agreed that it would have been nice to have the top down, so I am about to consider removing the top. My car dose not squeak or rattle and is wind tight. I won't remove the top if I will loose these attributes. How has the experience been on replacing the top? How is the car with the soft top up? Wind noise, etc? As a coupe, I think the car is just great and I don?t want to mess it up.

By the way, I have never even opened the big box that I believe contains the top rack the rack nor have I opened the heavy clothe packages that have the convertible stuff in them. If I wanted to sell the car, this might be a selling point ? still wrapped up NOS.

Thanks for any information or advise
Hap

**Z8doc** · July 9th 2006, 22:51

Z8 experience by NOT driving topless (the top of the car that is...

)!!!

To answer your questions:

1] The hardtop comes off very easily and requires 2 people of reasonable strength. My wife is 5'2", 120# and can not lift the other side (to my satisfaction) for fear of her dropping it. The top is not particularly heavy but cumbersome and hence anyone of small stature will have some trouble manuvering it and tilting it to place it on the hard top rack.

2] The wind noise is more noticible with the convertible top up but I was quite surprised out how little there is compared to other convertibles I have owned in the past so I think it is fine. Wind buffeting is just "OK" with the top down, the wind screen (in one of those bags you mentioned) does help and with it on and the windows up, you can hear the radio pretty well and have a conversation with your passenger easily and experience minimal wind buffeting. I personally, LOVE my Z8 MORE topless, as it is truly a gorgeous car when the top is down and the boot cover is on!! (PS: if you are not going to use the boot cover and the windscreen - they are leather so do not forget to condition them every so often to keep them in good shape).

3] Then when convertible season is over, I put the top back on -- it's is just like getting a new car all again as it changes the look dramatically. Word of caution here though, when putting the hardtop back on, make sure the softtop is tucked inside nicely and away from the anchor posts of the hardtop. It is easy to pinch the top when putting the hardtop back on and put a hole in your softtop!!

4] Your post mentions removing the softtop? Not sure about this as I have never heard of anyone doing that? I really think there is no reason to, but I think you should make sure that the BMW cloth that came with the car is ON your softtop while it is stored and put away under the hardtop as the rear window is plastic and the cloth prevents scratching while stored.

5] I have had my Z8 for 3 years (38,900 miles) and only this past winter did the hardtop squeak. My dealer ship lubricated a few of the mechanical parts/locking parts and the squeak is gone. The only recurring problem I have had with the top is the softtop rear window seal, the fabric comes loose from the rubber seal and is a frequent common problem as every Z8 owner I have known has that problem. Since you bought your's used, I'd bet your soft top has had that problem as some point too. A problem BMW is not going to recall and something that it looks like we all will have to live with.

I personally think you are missing the best part of the experience without putting your top down. A nice spring, summer, or fall drive in the evening is PERFECT top down driving and an experience you should not deprive yourself of!! Send me your address and I will send you a big bottle of sunscreen (spf 50) and a big hat to help with the sun during the day!!

Hope that help--

**macfly** · July 9th 2006, 23:03

without the hardtop. If eating miles and long freeway drives is your thing the hardtop really seals in the cabin well, keeping the car almost silent on the inside. I kept mine on for the first year I had my first Z8 because I was constantly at the track with it, and I also didn't have a stand or a safe place to stow it, so I just left it on. It is a great coupe with the top on, but like the Doc says you are really not getting the greatest gift the Z8 has to offer with the top on, or up.

As you know we just did around 2,600 miles on the MITM drive, and I think I only had my top up thrice, and then only to take shade from the searing midday sun. For sunset and moonlit drives it is just incredible as a top down sportster. On the first day of the MITM drive Norcal and I took an after dinner spin from Furnace Creek Lodge in Death Valley up to Dante's Peak which looks out over the valley from 6,000 odd feet, and it was one of the loveliest top down night drives ever - stars and a crescent moon on a warm desert night suit the Z8 very well indeed!

Certainly a lot of wind and road noise gets into the cabin with the soft-top compared to the hardtop, especially on the freeway. However it isn't that bad, and being able to drop the top and enjoy the car as a convertible when the conditions are just right is sensational. Avoid the high sun, time your drives right, and I think you'll be delighted. The heated seats and the heater are easily a match for even the coldest of conditions, so fear not - try topless out of the sun, and see what you think.

The one thing that I really do recommend is this gadget, makes the whole affair so civilized and simple.

I also always leave my soft-top up when the car is parked. I learnt this from J?rgen at the Z8 Club, who told me it is the best way to preserve it. Not shut tight all the way, but just in the fully up position before the catches bite and clamp it shut, so the canvas is nicely stretched and breathing, but there is no pressure on the rubber seals.

**hapc** · July 9th 2006, 23:11

Thanks Jeff and Andrew
I live in So Cal so I do have a nice big hat. I used sunscreen when I was riding a bike, so I won't ask you to send me any, but I appreciate the offer and the information. I actually bought my 03 Z8 new and took delivery in Jan of 03, but have never removed the top. I am assuming that the other top is down there.

She now has 8500 miles and I think I am about to remove the top. By the way, I just took delivery of my 06 Ford GT, and I don't need 2 coupes, so the roadster is looking better all of the time.

My wife is in Russia right now but as soon as she gets back, I think the top will come off - in fact perhaps I will ask a friend for a little help and have it off when she gets back. You guys convinced me - thanks again. I'll let you know about my experience.
Hap

**Z8doc** · July 9th 2006, 23:13

describing the experience of driving with the top down. You really are missing the best part of ownership.

As far as the EZ lift goes, I agree that it makes it very easy but my electric garage door opener conflicts with the space needed to have such a device and my garage bay is not long enough to use it with the car backed in so... I am left to do it manually.

Hey Mac, do the lift points on that EZ lift put pressure marks on the rubber seals OR the fabric area inside the top when you have it stored away? Just curious.

**macfly** · July 9th 2006, 23:58

Those big fluffy pads like the one you can see on the top are what the top sits on underneath, so no marks at all.

**hapc** · July 10th 2006, 00:02

Andrew et al
Since the back window on the soft top is plastic, are any of you using anything to proactively protect this window. Do you wax it or use any type of plastic preservative? Thanks again
Hap

**macfly** · July 10th 2006, 00:23

BMW make a protector which some owners got with their cars (I didn't) and they also make a cleaner for the plastic screens that is really good, you can get both through your local dealer.

Also this company makes both protectors and cleaners, I have thiers, both great too.

**SProZ8** · March 15th 2007, 03:25

The soft top rear window is beyond polishing. Salt air, sun and previous owner neglect has taken its toll. I've noted that BMW sells a replacement window that zips into the top. As there is no zipper slide, I assume there is a BMW proprietary tool required to remove the existing and replace with a new window. The alternate solution is to have a good top & upholstery shop replace the window with new eisenglass. Is there any member experience on this issue?

SProZ8

**KenZ8** · March 16th 2007, 03:36

by BMW and it's perfect again. They go through a proprietary sequence, and the top is like new.

**SProZ8** · March 17th 2007, 06:25

Got a cost from the dealer for a labor install cost of $900+, but recall on the other forum, one owner said it took him about 2 hours to install with a helper. Might have been a Z3 top though. I'll make a few more calls for install prices, as dealer labor costs seem to vary greatly, and I've not married to any yet.

**macfly** · March 17th 2007, 07:26

If you are in the Bay Area then I'd recommend Peter Pan, but other than them there isn't anyone in CA I've found that I love. Replacing the window is pretty easy if you at all mechanically inclined, but replacing the soft top is a devil of a job, and one also frought with dangers becuase if the coating on the magnesium frame gets even a little nick on it it will start to oxidize crazy fast.

**z84.6jim** · March 21st 2007, 14:21

Just had mine replaced at Main Line BMW in Bala Cynwyd Pa
It is labor intensive....took 2 men 4 hours......they had to restitch and glue and then because it was so tight, they had to put weight on the top in an almost closed condition overnight to stretch it so top could close.........It looks brand new!

**SProZ8** · May 9th 2007, 06:26

Finally replaced the rear window with a new BMW unit. Cost for the window thru BMW was $470+ tax and the local upholstery shop charged their regular BMW price of $75 for a seamless install. He complained the interior area was tight for working in due to the roll hoops. Looks clear. Rain tight? When's the next rain in SoCal.

Steve

**jdillane** · September 1st 2008, 16:18

I recently inquired at my local BMW dealer in Bloomfield Hills, MI about the BMW soft top screen cleaner. I was advised that they no longer carry the product!?!

In perusing the autopia car care web site, I came across Plexus Plastic Cleaner and Polish. Wonder if any have tried and what there experience has been. Or, any alternatives to recommend?

**macfly** · September 1st 2008, 17:05

It seems that BMW has indeed stopped selling it, I guess they no longer make plastic windowed cars, so it got deleted from their catalog. According to Roadster Solutions these are the products BMW recommends, in service bulletin 540500, to maintain the clarity of your rear window.

Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Detailer #18
A single-step solution that keeps clear plastic surfaces pristine. Regain the original crystalline clarity of plastic in need of restoration, using this convenient all-in-one product specially formulated by Meguiar?s. Simply spray it on and wipe it dry. You will safely remove surface contamination and achieve dramatic results on everything from window panels to instrument lenses.

Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner #17
Safely removes hairline scratches, dirt and grime. Clear plastic that has lost its clarity due to significant contamination and fine scratches should be treated using the two-step process. Meguiar?s non-abrasive, alcohol-free Plastic Cleaner aggressively cleans and removes scratches without harming the surface. Follow up with the #10 Plastic Polish for a perfect finish.

Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Polish #10
The finishing touch for maximum clarity and brilliance. Meguiar?s Plastic Polish provides the second step in the two-step restoration process for clear plastics. One easy application protects surfaces previously cleaned with #17 Plastic Cleaner. You will restore the natural brilliance, while leaving behind an anti-static coating that helps repel damaging dust and dirt.

You can order them from Roadster Solutions, scroll to bottom of this page.

**macfly** · September 1st 2008, 17:13

You could also try this one from Griots Garage, let us know what you find, and how it works.

**jawz** · September 2nd 2008, 04:37

I can vouch for the Mirror Glaze. It's used extensively in the helicopter industry to keep plexiglass clean and clear and works great on the plastic windows of both the Z3 and Z8. Amazing results.

**jdillane** · September 2nd 2008, 14:12

Thanks for the tip!

I will try the Maguire's and report back.

**thegunguy** · September 2nd 2008, 16:47

I use Maguires on the Z8. I really should do it more often, but when I use it, it does the trick.

Recommended!

**uphguy** · April 22nd 2009, 15:43

Just a thought about permanetly glueing down the edge around the rear window is that it might make it impossible to replace and ruin any chance at reinstalling a window it can be repaired .DO NOT USE silicone or super glue .A thin coat of contact cement is always plyable and easy to pry up when replacing a window .Don,t leave top stored down in garage when not use it causes permanent creases and if strings are broken or came loose it could possibly cut top

**z84.6jim** · April 22nd 2009, 18:44

use contact cement. I am having the same issue on a new top!

**uphguy** · April 22nd 2009, 19:03

I use contact cement to install tops and i put very thin layer on both sides and let it tack up and stick it flat and tuck under bead email if you want me to do it uphguy

**z84.6jim** · April 23rd 2009, 13:09

Originally Posted by uphguy

I use contact cement to install tops and i put very thin layer on both sides and let it tack up and stick it flat and tuck under bead email if you want me to do it uphguy

Hey UPH GUY...thanks for the info....where are you located?

**uphguy** · April 24th 2009, 05:45

Redwood city

**FWK-Z8** · April 26th 2009, 15:00

The bead around the window is part of the top, not the window, so whatever glue works on it will not effect window changing.

Roaster Solutions sells window protectors for Z8's

http://www.roadstersolutions.com/page42.html

They are great people to deal with

**uphguy** · April 26th 2009, 16:42

The bead around the window is sewn to the plastic window and half of the zipper. The other half of the zipper is sewn to the top. A new window comes with a bead to hide the raw edge of top when zipped together. The raw edge pulls away at the top of window because of being stored down, the double back tape also sewn in will let go because the top being bent in down position, permanent bonding is only a problem later when trying to clean surface and bonding raw edge top to new window edge, it takes a lot of time to clean well when other adhiesives are applied. It is easier to tuck edge of top in place when top is up with small plastic tool

**DanaC** · May 27th 2009, 19:03

Just an FYI -

The person posting as "uphguy" is the person who does all of my convertible top work. I have used him for nearly 30 years. There is no person I trust more to work on convertible tops.

Thanks
Dana Caldwell
Service & Parts Director
Peter Pan BMW

**macfly** · May 27th 2009, 19:10

Great to know - I asked him if he'd post a complete soft top care overview a couple of weeks back, so hopefully he'll include all his details when he pops that up.

**zed_eight_eh** · March 6th 2010, 19:12

Originally Posted by macfly

There are several products available to clean the cloudy plastic. I use BMW's own soft top screen cleaner, you can buy it at any BMW dealer. (The very plentiful Z3 has the same problem, so it is a product that is in contsant supply.) It is quite amazing how well it works, the screen really looks like glass after cleaning.

Thanks, that's on the to-do list.

**dogdoc97** · October 30th 2011, 18:24

Just saw my top doing this, my bad, checked everything on the car but that! Can you have a interior palce redo the lip or just try the dealer fix; I am taking it in tomorrow as the new headlamp leaked after after I ahd it detailed....thanks, max

**Norcal** · October 30th 2011, 18:56

I think the dealer fix is the best option, but some of us have had it done a couple times at this point.

**dogdoc97** · October 30th 2011, 23:33

I had not noticed a zipper associated with the rear window in the soft top, can I see it from the inside of the car; what about a larger rubber molding to go higher up on the fabric??dogdoc

**macfly** · October 31st 2011, 05:30

You can see the zipper in the third post in this thread, and many of us have asked for a wider rubber flange from BMW, but so far it has fallen on deaf ears, and nobody else has come up with a suitable replacement idea, but it does remain in place pretty well once it is reglued properly.

**thegunguy** · October 31st 2011, 05:40

The zipper is glued shut. It's really just a alternative to stitching, making for "easier" changes of the plastic backlight. I've had mine fixed once, it's generally good for a few years. It needs it again, but bah. The only time the top's up is at a hotel or something on the road and up but slack in the garage. If it's not bad, you can tuck it back in with a plastic spade or interior trim tool.

All the cool kids have a little fabric hanging low on their Z8s.

**dogdoc97** · November 1st 2011, 00:04

After driving for a week a few items, that being one, the other was the NEW headlamp with moisture in it; hell they just put it in last week, washed the car and voila! dog

**dogdoc97** · November 2nd 2011, 03:33

The other day I finally get brave and take the hard top off,I then as instructed use the Allen wrench to tighten the top down, and away I go. Sometime later I lost my mind and I hit the top button thinking I am putting the windows down; the "top" dash ligh starts flashing and I realize it is no longer secured so I pull over and get the wrench and do it again, alarm on dash goes off and I am good...so the question is , when yo hit the top button to put it down does that automatically disengage the locking mechanism,did I break it, or do you NEED to use the wrench EACH time to loosen that center holding tab AND then push the button for it to retract, did I make sense? sorry...dogdoc

**thegunguy** · November 2nd 2011, 03:48

You lost me when you said you took the hard top off but used the wrench to tighten it down. If it's off, what are you using the wrench on? It's hard to follow your scenario. Can you describe this more clearly?

The soft top only uses the button in the console. The wrench has no use with the soft top. The hardtop uses the wrench stored in the driver side vent. The hard top does not use the button on the dash. If you press it, the top can raise under the rear deck, potentially damaging both tops.

I'm not sure what "center holding tab" you're using the wrench on, but there's nothing in the center of either top that uses a wrench. The only thing that I can think of is the pull down to engage the latches on the soft top. There's no need to use a wrench there.

There's an excellent description of both procedures in the operator manual.

**thegunguy** · November 2nd 2011, 04:00

I just remembered there's a manual release in the center of the soft top. This is for emergencies where the electric release won't dis/engage.

I'd take another look at the manual for the top operation. It's pretty clear.

**dogdoc97** · November 2nd 2011, 04:05

According to the manual you are to use the "Allen wrench" in the TOOL KIT, not the tool inside the hardtop;I had to read this over and over b/c I kept trying to use the hardop tool and it wont fit; there is a plactic cover over a hole in the soft top right in the middle,the middle being where it would be centered over the rearview mirror when locked in; you "pop" the tab out just like the ones over the visor, then you insert the allen wrench and turn clockwise to bring up the "locking teeth" (I will call them) up. Once the top is on the front you use the allen wrench in the CENTER piece again to lock those two teeth in place,as you turn it counter clockwise I recall you can see the top tightening down along the front; wish I had a pic to show...then snap your plastic cover over it again, did I lose you again, sorry.

Ok just saw your last note; so maybe what I did was when I hit the button it DID release the locking mechanism and I do not need th wrench, but then how does it lock in place without it cinching it down without the wrench, do you hold it on there and hit the button again, I could not get it to lock without using the allen wrench> My friend and I read that thing over and over....

**thegunguy** · November 2nd 2011, 04:10

See my previous note. You're doing the manual close noted in the section on "In case of electrical malfunction". This is not the regular procedure for operating the top, and there's no tool needed. Try the manual beginning on page 41.

**dogdoc97** · November 2nd 2011, 04:12

good, cause that was a PITA! thnx, lost in Seattle, Max

**thegunguy** · November 2nd 2011, 04:16

There is a note in the manual that the manual top operation is for closing it only. If you used it to ever release the top, you might have damaged the mechanism.

**thegunguy** · November 2nd 2011, 04:18

It's also a good idea to download the manual form the PDF section. Makes for easier searching.

**ra0507** · July 31st 2016, 03:27

My BMW dealer says Meguires made the BMW product that they no longer carry - a 2-step process.

**TheJQ** · June 9th 2022, 16:56

Does anyone know what that fabric piece that covers the rear window when storing it is called and/or have a part number?

**boomster** · June 9th 2022, 17:45

Originally Posted by TheJQ

Does anyone know what that fabric piece that covers the rear window when storing it is called and/or have a part number?

REALOEM is your friend for questions such as this. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=54_0279

It is apparently called "Protective Cloth, rear window", however I believe it is no longer available from BMW. My BMW Z3M roadster has a virtually identical protective cloth, the only apparent difference being the length of the elastic straps which secure it. It is still available new https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...BoCOQIQAvD_BwE

If you know someone handy with a sewing machine they could possibly alter the straps to match the Z8 length.

**keith1998** · June 9th 2022, 17:57

Does anyone have the OEM part # for the soft top "window" replacement? Any idea of cost?

**dinoz8** · June 9th 2022, 18:21

Originally Posted by boomster

REALOEM is your friend for questions such as this. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=54_0279

It is apparently called "Protective Cloth, rear window", however I believe it is no longer available from BMW. My BMW Z3M roadster has a virtually identical protective cloth, the only apparent difference being the length of the elastic straps which secure it. It is still available new https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...BoCOQIQAvD_BwE

If you know someone handy with a sewing machine they could possibly alter the straps to match the Z8 length.

Correct...OEM cloth is NLA
But here's a non-logo'd version to check out...scroll down to Rear Window Guard/Protector - Z8

http://www.roadstersolutions.com/page42.html

**Musta10000** · June 9th 2022, 22:57

The Z3 window protector works perfectly without any modifications. I have one of each and yes, the straps on the Z8 one are just a little longer.

**ron's rocket** · June 13th 2022, 22:14

I've got the convertible top fabric separating at the window lip...Looks like the last posts here (10 yrs ago) advised using contact cement for the best fix. Is that still working for everybody with this problem? Thanks.

**Charles** · June 27th 2022, 17:39

Originally Posted by keith1998

Does anyone have the OEM part # for the soft top "window" replacement? Any idea of cost?

I am having some trouble wth the exterior soft top piping becoming separated. If you search the window replacement number (54347004457) now it appears it is glass.There is also a seal and molding parts. https://www.genuinebmwminiparts.com/...ss-54347004457

Has anybody done a glass replacement?

I found this place on eBay in the Netherlands that appears to have an OEM (Not BMW Part) plastic one.https://www.ebay.com/itm/132384547911 It is a little less than 1/3 of the cost for the BMW glass one.

Has anybody replaced their plastic window with this plastic one?

**Charles** · June 28th 2022, 15:34

Boomster replied, and I got an email, but do not see the post. Anyway, THANKS, BOOMSTER! I have sent an email to the Cabriowebshop to see if their separate zipper window has the BMW logo and will fit an original soft top.

Boomster said he used them to replace his soft top, and he has been happy with it. It had the zipper window and BMW logo, and they advertise it as OEM and original. You can go direct, or here is the eBay link for the full soft top. BMW Z8 Cabrio 100% ORIGINAL softtop hood with zipper window OEM E52 54347008765 | eBay

**Charles** · June 28th 2022, 15:45

Originally Posted by ron's rocket

I've got the convertible top fabric separating at the window lip...Looks like the last posts here (10 yrs ago) advised using contact cement for the best fix. Is that still working for everybody with this problem? Thanks.

I was also advised by my soft top upholsterer that a glue will not hold as the piping is "J" shaped and is under the fabric, so the piping not only tore at the ends, but also ripped along its length. If you glue it back, be careful, as you could make a real mess and possibly make it so you would have to replace the whole soft top, because you could no longer zipper in a new window.

I have a separate email to Dana Caldwell (former Peter Pan BMW), now at BMW of Fremont ([email protected]) to see if the BMW part that is "glass" is really glass (that won't work as it can't fold). Also see my other recent posts on a potential replacement window or soft top in this thread.

The only other alternative I have seen is by GAHH, which my guy says is a good make that he uses, but the window does not zipper, and there is no BMW logo.

**Charles** · June 29th 2022, 20:21

Cabriowebshop confirmed that their separate zippered window did not have the logo, but they could supply a soft top with a logo window. They have been very helpful and responsive in communications.

Dana Caldwell called me (thanks Dana!) and confirmed the BMW soft top window (54-34-7-004-457), which is listed as “Back Glass” with “Other Names: Rear Window HS54200,” is the zippered window.

So current good options are the BMW window with logo at about $1500, the Cabriowebshop logo-less window at about $500, and the Cabriowebshop full soft top with logo on window for (if it is the one they show with logo on ebay) about $2500 - $2600 with shipping.

Installation of a window alone is less than the full soft top, but confirm that your soft top is in good shape with a soft top upholsterer.

**2112** · July 4th 2022, 14:54

I need to bite the Bullet and replace my rear window.🤐

**Charles** · July 7th 2022, 15:19

Shout out to GetBMWParts. Best Price and are ordering one of two BMW branded Z8 soft top windows available for me, which are in Germany. Had option to expedite shipping, but can be patient. BMW of Northwest would have been a bit more expensive, but would do it too. Some of the other places with good prices either did not respond, or would cancel the order, saying the part was NLA or "on back order" even after I confirmed to them two were available. One finally admitted they would only sell it if it was available in the US. One local dealer wanted a lot more for the part. Buyer beware; just keep plugging away and hope to get a reputable seller. Fingers crossed.

**Musta10000** · July 7th 2022, 21:45

Charles - They have always been great with my purchases including the replacement convertible top window a few years ago. Good communication and personal service along with great prices.

**Charles** · July 30th 2022, 20:35

Finally got my new Zipper Window in (see thread above for purchase info from BMW vendor), and was amazed at how much a new, clear window made the car look so brand new. The BMW stamp is also much more clear. Installation labor was $300 plus tax at Motor Cars Made Mint (Jason - 214-575-7102), if you are in or near Dallas, TX.

Thread: Soft top window thread

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Soft top window thread

It is easy to clean....

Plastic Rear Window re-glue instructions.

Soft Top Window Fix

DAP Silicone adhesive

Soft top window

Thanks for the update....

mine has seperated again, 4th time

It is my understanding that this is really NOT a glue

Soft Top

You are truly missing the best part of the....

It becomes a very different car...

Thanks Jeff

Macfly is right on all accounts ... as usual when

No marks at all.....

Window protection

yes to both...

Soft top window replacement

I've had mine replaced

so are you saying

Reglue window

where are you located?

top help

Window bead is sewn to window not top

So is there a new fix for the fabric coming away from that rubber lip?

Where is the zipper?

Took it in today.

Help on operation of soft top please!

Correct!

ok will read it again.

Replacement Softtop Window - Glass

Soft Top Window