Aftermarket top with zip in rear window?

[bradnic]

There's only a single top canvas now, 54348134876.

The manual and electric tops originally had differences - the electric top canvas had an extra bow. There were also versions with the zip out window, but you can't get them anymore. pics of the manual and electric top differences here

[jeffnhiscars]

brief update - I needed up buying the 54348134876 OEM top for big $$$ last year.. and it did NOT come with the zip out window. The other part number 54341468010 was NLA.

Info and pics of the OEM top here

I suppose the only way to get one of those now is to find a good condition original canvas and frame and take good care of it. my EM top has some small holes unfortunately from the electric top mechanism rubbing on the canvas.. there's supposed to be a cover over the main top motor, sleeve over the tonneau lid attachment rod and caps on the tonneau trim clips to prevent this. But lack of maintenance...

I haven't given up on finding a new OEM top with the original EM top specs though. Gonna check with BMW Classic and see if I can convince them to take the top I bought back.

Are you saying the canvas is different for an electric top ?

[bradnic]

brief update - I needed up buying the 54348134876 OEM top for big $$$ last year.. and it did NOT come with the zip out window. The other part number 54341468010 was NLA.

Info and pics of the OEM top here

I suppose the only way to get one of those now is to find a good condition original canvas and frame and take good care of it. my EM top has some small holes unfortunately from the electric top mechanism rubbing on the canvas.. there's supposed to be a cover over the main top motor, sleeve over the tonneau lid attachment rod and caps on the tonneau trim clips to prevent this. But lack of maintenance...

I haven't given up on finding a new OEM top with the original EM top specs though. Gonna check with BMW Classic and see if I can convince them to take the top I bought back.

[bradnic]

can anyone confirm that 54348134876 has the zip out window?
or is it 54341468010? I see very different prices for each

FYI 010 is NLA, and very few of the 876 left in Germany (8 as of early April 2017).

[bradnic]

can anyone confirm that 54348134876 has the zip out window?
or is it 54341468010? I see very different prices for each

[GT BMW E30]

I have been for a zip window top myself. I have a good condition window with both side zippers.

[jeffnhiscars]

I don't know about quick but I'd say yes, being able to swap it seems to have been the purpose

[jgilber0]

So was the intent of the zipper only to ease quick changeout of the window? If so, that's disappointing. My Corvair and my Miata both had rear windows that opened.

[jeffnhiscars]

These windows are not like unzipping your fly.

[jgilber0]

I like removing the window and driving with the top up, it's nice to be able to stow the window when putting the top down, but the biggest advantage is being able to change the window easily when it breaks or yellows.

[jeffnhiscars]

Th sun actually tightens the window but too much will also break it down sooner. As has been said, the real advantage is being able to replace it independent of the top itself.

Case in point I have a genuine OE top that came with a scratched up window.

[Streichholzschächtelchen]

My only idea at this point would be to poke around a miata forum looking for help.

[Poorhouse]

Is the only appeal of the zip in window the ability to easily replace it when it ripples or what not? Or are you guys wanting one so that you can basically take the window out whenever you fold so that it lasts longer?

The ability to replace it if there is a problem without replacing the entire top.

My back window is destroyed but the top is fine.
If I replace the top now would be nice to have the option to replace the window only if it ages faster than the top.

[mjposner]

I think the issue is sun exposure and bad folds. If you protect from teh sun and fold carefully with a soft cloth it should last a long time. Mine is original and still in good shape. Also, the oem zip ins are a bitch to replace.

Jgilbert0, I am in West Palm too.

[BaltimoreBimmer]

Is the only appeal of the zip in window the ability to easily replace it when it ripples or what not? Or are you guys wanting one so that you can basically take the window out whenever you fold so that it lasts longer?