[Timdon]

What do you guys use to protect the soft top ? There’s so much choice. And the weather in the uk is terrible. Sun wind, rain and salt.Cheers 👍

[SpeedyATL]

I use only BMW products on my car; in this case their top cleaner and sealer. Don't plan on using anything else as I don't want BMW having any grounds to say something might not be covered by warranty because I used something aftermarket. I'm willing to overpay a bit to avoid any issues down the road as in my opinion, BMW will always choose the most profitable solution for them, which is to deny any claim if they possibly can.

[Pprior]

Never had a convertible- how frequent does the top need treated? I’m having my car ceramic coated I assume the top can have this as well since they put it in fabric / leather interior

[SpeedyATL]

My plan is to clean with a soft bristle top brush once a month with water and bmw solution. And seal using bmw sealer once a year. In the interim use plain water and a lint roller as needed.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by Timdon

What do you guys use to protect the soft top ? There’s so much choice. And the weather in the uk is terrible. Sun wind, rain and salt.Cheers 👍

As with painted surfaces, dirt is the enemy, causes premature wear. Rinse it with plain water when you see dust or dirt. Using only plain water helps to preserve the sealant. Use a soft top cleaner with very gentle scrubbing when rinsing isn't enough. Use sealant when the water no longer beads. Folks will swear by a particular brand but the truth is all of the major brands (Raggtop, 303, Chemical Guys, Griot's, etc.) do a good job so pick your poison. Some protectant/sealants may last longer than others. I haven't tested but FWIW I use Chemical Guys. Despite what others may claim, BMW won't void the warranty on the top because you didn't use BMW brand products and you're not likely to have any issues until you're out of warranty anyway.

From the owners manual:

"Cleaning the convertible top

To remove heavy contamination, especially for light colored convertible tops, use a special convertible top cleaning agent.
Proceed as follows when cleaning:
1. Spray the convertible top with the convertible top cleaning agent. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Make the convertible top cleaning agent foam up using a well saturated sponge, moving it in circular motions.
3. Rinse vehicle with ample amounts of water or finish washing the vehicle in the car wash. Follow notes regarding automatic car washes.""Do not treat the convertible top with wax. Ensure that a cycle without wax or a special convertible program is available to avoid damage to the convertible top.""
Treat the convertible top with an impregnating agent after it has been washed three to five times. Suitable solvent cleaners and vehicle care
products are available from a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop."

[Timdon]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

As with painted surfaces, dirt is the enemy, causes premature wear. Rinse it with plain water when you see dust or dirt. Using only plain water helps to preserve the sealant. Use a soft top cleaner with very gentle scrubbing when rinsing isn't enough. Use sealant when the water no longer beads. Folks will swear by a particular brand but the truth is all of the major brands (Raggtop, 303, Chemical Guys, Griot's, etc.) do a good job so pick your poison. Some protectant/sealants may last longer than others. I haven't tested but FWIW I use Chemical Guys. Despite what others may claim, BMW won't void the warranty on the top because you didn't use BMW brand products and you're not likely to have any issues until you're out of warranty anyway.

From the owners manual:

"Cleaning the convertible top

To remove heavy contamination, especially for light colored convertible tops, use a special convertible top cleaning agent.
Proceed as follows when cleaning:
1. Spray the convertible top with the convertible top cleaning agent. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Make the convertible top cleaning agent foam up using a well saturated sponge, moving it in circular motions.
3. Rinse vehicle with ample amounts of water or finish washing the vehicle in the car wash. Follow notes regarding automatic car washes.""Do not treat the convertible top with wax. Ensure that a cycle without wax or a special convertible program is available to avoid damage to the convertible top.""
Treat the convertible top with an impregnating agent after it has been washed three to [...]

Thanks guys

[SpeedyATL]

Just remember, from my brief bit of research the top is about $7500 plus labor to replace as I don't believe you can buy just the outer fabric portion, so....

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

I use only BMW products on my car; in this case their top cleaner and sealer. Don't plan on using anything else as I don't want BMW having any grounds to say something might not be covered by warranty because I used something aftermarket. I'm willing to overpay a bit to avoid any issues down the road as in my opinion, BMW will always choose the most profitable solution for them, which is to deny any claim if they possibly can.

I was actually just looking at getting some of the interior cleaner to use on my seats (Ivory). Where do you see the top cleaner/sealer on their website? I'm shopping under the accessories and filtering on my model. See a bunch of cleaning stuff for interior/exterior, but nothing for the top.

[SpeedyATL]

Bought it directly from my dealer. But i did just buy the bmw leather conditioner with UV protection from amazon.

BMW Leather Care Set with Uv Protection https://a.co/d/iEJEzhF

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

Bought it directly from my dealer. But i did just buy the bmw leather conditioner with UV protection from amazon.

BMW Leather Care Set with Uv Protection https://a.co/d/iEJEzhF

Cool, thanks. I'll have to ask them about it when I pick my car up.

[Christos]

Another question:
Is there any maintenance required on the mechanical mechanism, like lubing up?

[Westside Guy]

Folks, you should read some of the threads in the "Cosmetic Care & Detailing" forum. You will find some great suggestions for the care of your soft tops and interiors.

https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=954

[BEAR-AvHistory]

FWIW. My two long term convertibles 2004 330Ci ZHP & 2013 135IS, about 10 years each, lived on the driveway. Roofs got washed with the rest of the car using car wash soap, usually Maguiars.

No visible damage/wear when sold - no special treatment.

For guys worrying about a warranty there is no way to prove one way or another what you used or did not use on the roof.