leaking soft top

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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pete the joiner
Joined: Tue 12 Jan, 2016 20:59
Posts: 1

  Z3 roadster 1.9

leaking soft top

Post by pete the joiner »

hi just got a Z3 from santa
the soft top roof is leaking badly both doors at top of main windows
its going in to garage for some works next week
can the leak be repaired or will a new hood solve the problem
I will only be using the car about 1k to 2k a year at most
I have a garage for it and a car cover
wot u think
pete
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: leaking soft top

Post by peter2b »

if you put leaks into the search box top right there are loads of tips to help you
peter2b
deni2s
Joined: Mon 25 Mar, 2013 22:02
Posts: 761

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: leaking soft top

Post by deni2s »

Search for famous "A-pilar leak".
bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
Posts: 1733

  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: leaking soft top

Post by bertiejaffa »

Blocked drains (little grommet on windscreen)
Bad fitting roof (needs adjusting)
Replacement rubber

All things to look for - happy to help if you need more info
Here come the girls.....
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My //M Refurb
My First Zed Journal
z3lowey
Joined: Wed 03 Jun, 2015 09:47
Posts: 40

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: leaking soft top

Post by z3lowey »

One thing worth trying, try FABSIL. It's a water repellent treatment used on tents etc. This solved my water problem so worth a try:

I found that by treating the strip approx 8" wide from window edge to first stitiched seam worked. This makes the water bead off, like wax on paintwork, versus soaking in on main part of roof, and for me this has meant no further problems. May be worth trying before the other common fixes.

Good luck!
bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
Posts: 1733

  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: leaking soft top

Post by bertiejaffa »

x2 for tent waterproofer - many people talk about expensive Auto waterprrofing - I've always just gone for a large spray can of tent proofing from a camping shop and it works brilliantly
Here come the girls.....
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My //M Refurb
My First Zed Journal
Phil
Joined: Sun 09 Mar, 2008 10:43
Posts: 2697

  M roadster S54
Location: Solihull

Re: leaking soft top

Post by Phil »

Same problem but noticed that the 2 handles that lock the front of the hood in place weren't as tight as previous. A quick fix but I took it to my local independent, Autokraft, Earlswood and they sorted it very quickly and better still didn't charge me.
All our BMs go there for service and I always recommend them.
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
deni2s
Joined: Mon 25 Mar, 2013 22:02
Posts: 761

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: leaking soft top

Post by deni2s »

bertiejaffa wrote:x2 for tent waterproofer - many people talk about expensive Auto waterprrofing - I've always just gone for a large spray can of tent proofing from a camping shop and it works brilliantly
idk, but not using any waterpoofer at all works brilliantly for me for about 7 years of owning my roadster...
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