Operation, maintenance -> Hardtop ? roadster for Your BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

108nHardtop* – roadster  
The fabric top does not have to be  
removed even in winter, when the  
hardtop is normally in constant use. In  
order to prevent water spots and  
mildew stains, the fabric top must be  
completely dry before it is stored in the  
convertible top compartment.  
Two people are necessary for the  
installation and removal of the hardtop.  
Work with extreme caution during this  
operation to avoid paint damage and  
damage to the body and hardtop.  
Installation  
Rotate the cover panel which is located  
in the right and left trim panels behind  
the seats in the direction of the arrow  
until the opening for the hardtop mount  
is completely free.  
You may purchase a hardtop lift* from  
your BMW center. This accessory is  
especially designed to facilitate installa-  
tion and removal of the hardtop.  
Hook the protective fabric on the  
convertible top linkage (arrow).  
Open the convertible top and fold it  
down in the convertible top compart-  
ment, refer to pages 40 and 44.  
Remove the hardtop from the protec-  
tive cover. Clean any dirt and dust from  
the contact surfaces between the  
hardtop and the vehicle body in order  
to protect against abrasion.  
When doing this, make sure the rear  
window is laid down evenly and free  
of creases. To prevent the rear window  
from being scratched, position the  
protective fabric in the window fold.  
Position the hardtop on the mounts with  
the assistance of a second person.  
Do not install the convertible top cover.  
Lower the side windows and remove  
the rod antenna if necessary to avoid  
damage.  
 
Hardtop* – roadster  
109n  
Removal  
Reverse the above procedure for  
removal of the hardtop.  
The two screws of the front  
hardtop fasteners remain perma-  
nently in the windshield frame of your  
vehicle to prevent their loss.<  
Following the initial delivery of the  
vehicle, or after the hardtop has been in  
use for an extended period, closing the  
convertible top requires increased  
effort. You may find this operation  
easier with the assistance of a second  
person. Following that, the convertible  
top should remain closed for at least  
12 hours.  
Using the wrench from the onboard tool Turn the right and left locking levers of  
kit (fastened to the jack with a Velcro®  
strip), turn the screw (arrow) two to  
three turns into the windshield frame on  
the right and left sides.  
the rear hardtop mounting fasteners in  
the direction of the arrow to the stop.  
The rear mounting fasteners are  
locked correctly when the locking  
levers engage audibly and point to the  
rear of the vehicle.<  
Finally, tighten the screws in the wind-  
shield frame (refer to the left column)  
and secure the wrench in the onboard  
tool kit.  
After you have driven approx.  
30 to 60 miles (50 to 100 km),  
check the front hardtop fasteners to be  
sure that they are seated securely.<