[Exterminador]

Does anybody know if using the convertible hardtop a lot decreases it's lifespan???

I live in Puerto Rico and we have top down weather all year and am curious to know what people's experiences have been with the verts.

[Alpine435i]

Everything eventually wears out. Something like that is a valid concern, but I doubt anyone will be able to quantify it. Use it as much as you like and enjoy it. Don't worry about it.

[Exterminador]

That's pretty much what I am doing. I basically put the top down every morning and afternoon or evening. I love the feeling!!! I guess you are right. Hopefully if it breaks it will do so before the warranty expires. Lol

[IM2C]

Yes.

[RoundelM3]

At first I thought this was a joke...the motors for the convertible tops (hard and soft) are designed for a specific lifecycle, but unless you are raising and lowering the top constantly to the point where it overheats, you'll never wear one out before the car itself wears out. No car manufacturer that builds a convertible is going to limit how often you can manipulate the top. Use and enjoy...just remember to put it up BEFORE it starts raining. :-)

[nicknaz]

for what it is worth, don't put any aftermarket things like "smart top". There have been a lot of roof faults in the E89 Z4 community, and the "smart top" seems present in all the issues.

Also, you will need to periodically lubricate the hard top to keep the squeaks away.

Good luck, have fun. drop tops are amazing for street driving

[Exterminador]

Originally Posted by roundel335

At first I thought this was a joke...the motors for the convertible tops (hard and soft) are designed for a specific lifecycle, but unless you are raising and lowering the top constantly to the point where it overheats, you'll never wear one out before the car itself wears out. No car manufacturer that builds a convertible is going to limit how often you can manipulate the top. Use and enjoy...just remember to put it up BEFORE it starts raining. :-)

I don't know why you thought this was a joke....design is one thing and reality is another. I was just interested to know what people's experiences were and see if there was any common knowledge or trend. I am sure that the replacement of that unit could be quite pricey.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by Exterminador

I don't know why you thought this was a joke....design is one thing and reality is another. I was just interested to know what people's experiences were and see if there was any common knowledge or trend. I am sure that the replacement of that unit could be quite pricey.

Think about it for a moment...some pretty smart engineers designed the entire car, including the folding top mechanism and motors. Do you really think that they didn't stress-test the components? Do you know of any premium-brand cars that have a history of failing convertible top mechanisms due to normal use? What would be the point of designing a convertible where you had to limit operating the top? I'm sure if you raised and lowered it constantly, you might overheat the motors, but even then, it would be covered by warranty. You have nothing to be concerned about, I'd say.