Convertible Roadster
BMW Z3 1996 Convertible Roadster - is the top automatic or do you have to do it yourself?
Trying to find out if the top on these convertibles are automatic or if you have to take them down and put them up yourself.
Although later model years had the power top option, the 1996 did not. It will have a manual top. The power top became available for the 1997 model year on the Z3 with the 2.8 litre engine, and then across the range for the 1998 model year.
Because of the top design the rear window actually folds as the top goes down. Over time, this scratches the rear window, and a crease line becomes obvious in the plastic. Even if you have the power top, it's a good idea to use the protective blanket for the rear window that BMW sells. Since you have to hook this up manually, it makes the power top pretty much redundant.
The manual top is also very easy to put up and down, and is lighter and less complicated than the power top. I would prefer a manual top on this basis.
A couple of updates to clarify Brod's misconceptions:
With or without the power top, there are two clamps that need to released from the windshield header rail before the top can be dropped. The best way to tell, with casual observation, whether or not the car has a power top or not is to look for the power top switch, installed in the front or rear switch bank of the centre console.
There was no 1996 2.8. The car was released for the US market for the 1997 model year. There was no 1.8l in the US market at all. The power top option, while it may have been globally available, became available in the US market for the 1997 model year.
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Cheeky Summer Convertibles
As summer slowly approaches we start to see people getting brave and taking their convertible roofs down and enjoying the warmish British summer weather. With every manufacturer offering a convertible of some sort these days, I was thinking what would be a cool convertible? Something with more character and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to buy or maintain.
The first car that popped to mind is the New Fiat 500C. I've had the pleasure of driving the standard Fiat 500 and for a little car it's very nippy and definitely has heads turning. Also when it comes to the Fiat 500, there's a wide range of customised models you can get. Personally I like the Abarth 500C, the idea of trendy little car packed with power is quiet exciting. I'd recommend checking out the Fiat 500 at Fiat Sunderland dealership.
Another little car with a lot of character is the Daihatsu Copen Roadster. It's a car that you don't see much, but when you do it makes you take a look out of curiosity. The Copen is a cute car with swooping lines, built by Japanese car manufacturer; the car is almost retro yet very modern at the same time. Also for a 1.3litre car it has a fair bit of power and excellent fuel economy.
Still floating around is the Smart ForTwo Cabrio, probably not as cool or popular as it use to be but somehow it still gets people turning their heads. It's also a car that can be customised to suit your personal taste and definitely fun to drive.
Finally, I look forward to seeing this car hitting the UK roads sometime in 2010. The Suzuki Swift convertible; it's definitely a cheeky fun looking convertible. The concept pictures make it look quiet luxurious as well, Suzuki will definitely give their competition a run for their money with this model.
About the Author
This article was written for www.drivespringfield.com
