1996-2002 BMW Z3 Replacement Convertible Top
1996-2002 BMW Z3 and M Roadster convertible tops are manufactured in the USA using the original patterns and specifications to the original vehicle. Our BMW Twillfast II (Sonnendeck) canvas is from The Haartz Corporation. This was the original material used on the Z3 and M Roadster. It is a premium quality topping with 100% dobby weave lining fabric.
WINDOW:
Includes a new plastic window with a very slight tint similar to the original. The window is sewn into the convertible top for strength and durability. Finish trim piping is included around the outer frame of the window as shown in the above image.
FABRIC:
Manufactured using first quality American Twillfast II cloth/canvas with a dobby (crisscross) inner lining. The canvas topping is a three-ply composite made of a twill weave outer fabric, a rubber inner layer and a polyester/cotton lining fabric. The material is the same as the original BMW top and since the topping material was manufactured in the same factory that made it for BMW, you can be sure the color, texture, look and feel will match.
TECHNICAL REDESIGN:
This convertible top incorporates the 1998 BMW technical redesign to address some deficiencies in earlier models. The three improvements include:
(1) adding relief pockets in the quarter panels,
(2) adding a stiffener inside above the window, and
(3) adding elastic straps above window to support the tension straps.
These improvements fit all model years of the Z3 and M Roadster.
Back plastic window has a bit of a rippled look to it in the center. Have called their sales & so called “customer service” (JOKE) line, as well as their tech support line several times! No one EVER answers the phone!! Although suggests that your call is VERY IMPORTANT to them & someone will call you back!!! Good luck with that one!!! 😩🤬🥴 The top overall that I had professionally installed looks great otherwise. Let’s just hope it holds up long term & doesn’t leak; as I’m sure their one year warranty is probably meaningless!!! Only good experience was they shipped it out right away and I got it the next morning. They have horrible reviews from way too many dissatisfied customers; and an F rating with the BBB!!! Wish I had read ALL the bad reviews before I chose to spend $700 with them!!!😱
I purchased the Twillfast top for my wife’s 1996 BMW Z3. This product fit absolutely perfectly. I recommend replacing the tension cables but unfortunately this supplier does not offer them. Sourced elsewhere. I do wish the rear window was a zip in like the factory top had. Great top.
Great top fits perfect
The top was perfect. Zero issues. The install guide was good but not perfect. Here are some tips:
1. When removing the old top and directed to cut between the rear window and trunk with a box cutter, be careful to not cut the two webs attached to the back hoop. It’s just behind the top fabric. I almost cut it and was trying not to.
2. When removing screws on the old top use a magnetic bit or put something to catch them. I lost two down in the rear body.
3. Keep your doors open when you are wrestling with the rear bow with the staples. I had my door shut and got some scratches.
4. I’d recommend attaching the screws that line up the top with the new cable bracket before you stretch and glue the front edge instead of just after. They have to line up, so do them first.
5. Don’t freak out over how tight the top is when you first latch it. It gets easier to latch in just a few hours as it stretches out.
Took 12.5 hours, but I could do a second one in 8 now that I know what to do.
I am in country New South Wales in Australia and I ordered my soft top on Thursday and it was delivered to me on the following Monday. Yes, it was expensive for freight but that is better service than I can get for a delivery from Sydney, just 2 hours away. Well done guys. I am yet to fit the top so I am unable to comment in that regard.