Looking after a fabric convertible roof

pjs · 03-17-2013, 08:05 AM

Have replaced the 330d with an S5 cab and will do a write up in a week or two. In the meantime, for those of you that have had drop tops - what the best advice and tips for cleaning, protecting and keeping them in tip top condition? And getting rid of bird crap? Any particular products you'd recommend?

Kerr · 03-17-2013, 08:21 AM

Have a look here.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ht=convertible

There is a few links to read more advice on caring for it.

Get some pics up of the new car. Nice cars.

Hotcoupe · 03-17-2013, 08:22 AM

Renovo - You've not mentioned whether it's new or previously owned,none the less, you'll find all you'll need here:

http://www.renovointernational.com/

I used quite a few of their products on the wife's old mini cab,good gear

It's also sometimes cheaper on the Bay.

S5 cab Paul,guess the wind is not a problem

Jon D · 03-17-2013, 08:27 AM

I used the AG two-pack clean and protect system on my F12, but I was very disappointed as water did not bead on the surface.
I then tried BMW's own kit and, after two months, the water is still beading like spilt mercury - very impressive.
My local detailer advised me not to use shampoo as it contains oils and waxes, so I just use a soft brush and water whenever I wash the car - same procedure for removing bird crap.

pjs · 03-17-2013, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerr

Have a look here.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ht=convertible

There is a few links to read more advice on caring for it.

Get some pics up of the new car. Nice cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Renovo - You've not mentioned whether it's new or previously owned,none the less, you'll find all you'll need here:

http://www.renovointernational.com/

I used quite a few of their products on the wife's old mini cab,good gear

It's also sometimes cheaper on the Bay.

S5 cab Paul,guess the wind is not a problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon D

I used the AG two-pack clean and protect system on my F12, but I was very disappointed as water did not bead on the surface.
I then tried BMW's own kit and, after two months, the water is still beading like spilt mercury - very impressive.
My local detailer advised me not to use shampoo as it contains oils and waxes, so I just use a soft brush and water whenever I wash the car - same procedure for removing bird crap.

Cheers guys, need to do a little bit of shopping me thinks. Quick pic below

mowflow · 03-17-2013, 05:01 PM

I used remove on my z4. When I got the car the roof had a little bit of green fungus around the lower sills etc. Renovo applied with a tooth brush sorted it. I read loads of info on detailing world and decided the Renovo route was the simplest and safest, the roof will stay clean as long as you park sensibly and Renovo around once a year.

With the z4 I avoided the products that sealed the fabric. The roof on the z4 was a 2 layer job. The canvas outer isn't supposed to be waterproof. The layer below is so the outer layer has to be breathable. Check if your roof is the same as a lot of modern cabs are and therefor sealing is generally not a good idea.

ed330D · 03-18-2013, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon D

... I then tried BMW's own kit and, after two months, the water is still beading like spilt mercury - very impressive.
My local detailer advised me not to use shampoo as it contains oils and waxes, so I just use a soft brush and water whenever I wash the car - same procedure for removing bird crap.

+1.

I also used a BMW outdoor cover, not a full cover but one that just covered the roof and windows.

The roof looked like new when I sold it, after 4 years being stood outside.

Jon D · 03-18-2013, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed330D

...I also used a BMW outdoor cover, not a full cover but one that just covered the roof and windows...

That's a good idea. I've had a look on the BMW accessories website but I can't find it; I'd appreciate a link if you have one - thanks.

quattrogmbh · 03-18-2013, 11:51 AM

Gtechniq I1 - http://www.gtechniq.com

ed330D · 03-19-2013, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon D

That's a good idea. I've had a look on the BMW accessories website but I can't find it; I'd appreciate a link if you have one - thanks.

I only have the part numbers for the 2007/8 Z4.

The full "car cover outdoor" is: 82 15 0 148 891 @ £115 in 2007.

The half-cover "tarpaulin" is: 82 15 0 151 568 @ £75.

Although described as a tarpaulin, the half-cover I had was exactly the same soft material as the full cover.

Both covers are for the roadster, not the coupe.

Hope this helps.

03-17-2013, 08:05 AM	#1
pjs Colonel 274 Rep 2,774 Posts Drives: i8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NORTH iTrader: (1)	Looking after a fabric convertible roof Have replaced the 330d with an S5 cab and will do a write up in a week or two. In the meantime, for those of you that have had drop tops - what the best advice and tips for cleaning, protecting and keeping them in tip top condition? And getting rid of bird crap? Any particular products you'd recommend?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-17-2013, 08:21 AM	#2
Kerr Brigadier General 112 Rep 4,021 Posts Drives: BMW M235I Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Aberdeen iTrader: (0)	Have a look here. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ht=convertible There is a few links to read more advice on caring for it. Get some pics up of the new car. Nice cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2013, 08:22 AM	#3
Hotcoupe Major General 192 Rep 6,110 Posts Drives: Don't know yet! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List November 2008 335D ... [8.34] 2007 335D [0.00]	Renovo - You've not mentioned whether it's new or previously owned,none the less, you'll find all you'll need here: http://www.renovointernational.com/ I used quite a few of their products on the wife's old mini cab,good gear It's also sometimes cheaper on the Bay. S5 cab Paul,guess the wind is not a problem __________________ ================================= Never argue with an idiot on the internet. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2013, 08:27 AM	#4
Jon D Brigadier General 224 Rep 3,016 Posts Drives: 2022 840d Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I used the AG two-pack clean and protect system on my F12, but I was very disappointed as water did not bead on the surface. I then tried BMW's own kit and, after two months, the water is still beading like spilt mercury - very impressive. My local detailer advised me not to use shampoo as it contains oils and waxes, so I just use a soft brush and water whenever I wash the car - same procedure for removing bird crap.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2013, 05:01 PM	#6
mowflow Colonel 62 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: Golf 7R Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (2)	I used remove on my z4. When I got the car the roof had a little bit of green fungus around the lower sills etc. Renovo applied with a tooth brush sorted it. I read loads of info on detailing world and decided the Renovo route was the simplest and safest, the roof will stay clean as long as you park sensibly and Renovo around once a year. With the z4 I avoided the products that sealed the fabric. The roof on the z4 was a 2 layer job. The canvas outer isn't supposed to be waterproof. The layer below is so the outer layer has to be breathable. Check if your roof is the same as a lot of modern cabs are and therefor sealing is generally not a good idea. __________________ Daily Golf R Project Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-18-2013, 11:51 AM	#9
quattrogmbh Captain 23 Rep 635 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Location iTrader: (0)	Gtechniq I1 - http://www.gtechniq.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote