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BMW Z4 Care and Maintenance
Talk about maintaining and caring for your Z4.
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I am thinking of buying a Z4 roadster (or perhaps a 3 series convertible)sometime in the next couple years, but I just thought of something that might prevent me from doing so. I have some health issues that won't allow me to wash the car on my own, so I'd have to rely on automatic washes. But I was thinking this might be a problem with a convertible top. I have no experience with convertibles.
Any advice? Would I be ok with automatic washes, or should I forget about the soft top convertible route?
Thanks!
The key is not to use any of the wax or "paint sealant" treatments... Just opt for the basic wash.. Soap and water only..
Ask around... and find out where the BMW and Mercedes owners take their cars... There is a lot of variance in quality and care between the car washes..
Ask the BMW dealer.. mine gives free hand washes on Saturdays, if you don't mind the wait..
regards,
kyfdx
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The "no car wash" recommendation I got was probably overkill. It didn't bother me, because I like to wash the car by hand about once every week or two, and have a hose handy in front of our house. But that would be an unfortunate reason for you to have to forego a convertible. So you might want to check BMW's recommendations and see what they say. And, as the Host suggested, there are a fair number of dealers that offer free hand washes if you buy (or get service) from them.
The appearance and life of the convertible top are highly dependent on its proper care and operation. You should pay particular attention to the following instructions if your car has a lightcolored top.
Protect the vehicle from exposure to intense sunlight whenever possible by parking it in the shade. This will help to prevent the paint, rubber and fabriccovered parts from being worn out.
Never stow the convertible top in the convertible top compartment when it is wet, dirty or frozen, since this can cause mildew stains and chafe marks.
To prevent mildew stains, do not keep the convertible top enclosed in the convertible top compartment for any extended period of time.
If the vehicle will be parked for lengthy periods in an enclosed space, be sure that the convertible top is dry and that there is adequate ventilation.
Clean off bird droppings immediately, since they attack the convertible top and cause the rubber seals to swell due to their caustic characteristics.
Besides water, treat rubber seals only with talcum powder, rubber care products or silicone spray, particularly when they feel dry or tend to stick.
Eliminate noises such as squeaks with lubricant spray.
Depressions and discoloration may occur in the convertible top as a result of improper maintenance and cleaning or due to loading from excessive use. The convertible top and its seams may also develop leaks. These occurrences
are not covered by the warranty. For repairs, please consult your BMW center.
You can wash your BMW at an automatic car wash. Brushless systems are preferable.
If a brushless car wash is unavailable and a brush car wash must be used, modern systems with soft brushes are preferable. Do not select the wax finish option. The small amount of beading wax always used in automatic car washes will not harm your vehicle's finish.
In the case of more extensive dirt, which is definitely visible on lightcolored top materials, clean the top with the BMW Convertible Cleaning Set. Please proceed as follows:
Spray the convertible top with the cleaning agent and then rub with a well-dampened sponge using circular motions until a foam develops. Then you can finish washing the vehicle in an automatic car wash. After washing your vehicle 3 to 5 times, you should treat the convertible top with a special convertible top impregnating spray. Please follow the instructions on the spray can.
How are the BMW convertibles (3 series and/or Z4) in the snow? Ideally I will keep my 4wd pickup and get the convertible as well, but that may not be an option. I live near Chicago, so snow has to be a consideration. I'm concerned mainly about the RWD of course, but also about excessive cabin heat loss.
Thanks again!
I can't really speak for snow buildup, as we haven't had more than an inch this year... but, the cars are designed as a 4-season car.. (ground clearance may be a problem in a Z4, in heavier snow). I have winter tires on mine (and on my previous 3-series sedan). I heartily recommend them...
As you can see from the BMW literature copied above.. a black top is much easier to keep clean and stain-free...
regards,
kyfdx
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RWD in snow has issues but is manageable. Keep the traction control on and take it easy when accelerating.
If you are real concerned, you may want to get winter tires. If you have a truck, winter tires seem like an extravagance to me.
What is the best way to keep the flat black interior looking like new? Should I be using the car care equipment that BMW list in the book or use just plane water and very mild soap when needed?
I know since most people don't drive these cars often I'm sure I'm not the only person who has encountered this issue.
SI B54 14 07
Special Roofs
November 2007
Technical Service
SUBJECT
Soft Top Slams Down on the Cowl when Closing
MODEL
E85 (Z4 Roadster)
SITUATION
When the soft top is being closed, the front section of it slams down on the cowl.
CAUSE
Toward the end of its travel, the soft top is moving too quickly.
CORRECTION
Install 2 elastic straps to the soft top frame.
These elastic straps run from the rear bow (just above the rear window) to the main bow (in the middle of the closed soft top)
Each strap is secured to each side of the rear bow using the same fastening hole as the tension strap, and secures to the main bow using the outermost headliner fastening point.
PROCEDURE
Install 2 elastic straps per repair instruction RA 54 34 217.
NOTES:
^ It may be helpful to remove the soft top canvas cover, but this is not necessary for the repair.
^ It is necessary to remove the front half of the headliner. This also allows for the necessary access to feed the elastic strap from the rear bow to the main bow.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
54 34 7 184 482 Elastic Strap 2
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Please refer to the latest KSD for all applicable labor operations and allowances.
If the appropriate labor operation is not contained in KSD, then a work time labor operation should be used.
Defect Code: 54 31 13 01 00
I find it hard to believe that the dealer had not noticed any water issues when they changed out the motor about 9 months earlier.
Has anyone else out there seen any similar problems? Any ideas what it would cost to rewire the entire car from the firewall back (including all electronic components). It doesn't seem worth the cost. The current value of the car isn't that high. Even if I change out the electrics, it will only come back if I can't stop the water from getting in. The car has never been driven in the rain since I have owned it.