Keeping Your 3 Series Origami Top in Tip Top Shape

Originally Posted by 1zamboni

This is the replacement of my e93 328i once the buy back is completed.

Great news! Did you have to pay the difference in value? Or, did BMW comp you?

It was suggested we post a link to how to clean our rain drains here. This may not be the complete story; I just noticed them while cleaning the seals today and hope clearing the drain(s) will cure my own top's water leak:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=7280204

Originally Posted by anE934fun

Great news! Did you have to pay the difference in value? Or, did BMW comp you?

Have to pay the difference once I receive the refund from BMWNA.

I use EZ detailer on the weather seals. It works great.

EZ detailer extend the life of the seals

Hard to find though

Thanks Nordic Kat and fun2drive for the very informative tutorial on maintaining and protecting the seals on a retractable top. Too bad the previous owner of my 2007 335i E93 didn't read this forum.

After a 6 hour rain storm, I left work and found a small puddle of water in my front passenger’s seat. There is a crack in the front seal. There is no rain in the forecast (knock on wood) for the next 8 days, and I have the part on order from www.tomkinsonbmwparts.com ($100 cheaper than the dealership). The installation looks fairly easy, but I haven't been unable to locate any DIYs for seal replacement. Can someone recommend one? My main concern is how do I remove the old adhesive from the top? It is black, and a very sticky. Thanks.

Sorry I don't know of any and the Bentley is useless on this. I would suggest this. Go to the dealer and ask to speak to the tech that does the work on hardtops. Usually one of two techs are trained to be able to work on these. Ask them. Most of the guys are really helpful and want you to keep the car. My take on this type of sealant is that you don't remove it you add some to it. Typically Acetone can remove virtually any sealant (not RTV).
We are fortunate to have a master BMW tech: DSXMachina
Since you have time send him an PM and see if he can help you with how to do this.

Thanks for the help. I'll send him a message.

Originally Posted by fun2drive

Typically Acetone can remove virtually any sealant (not RTV).

Yup try goof off then acetone (nail polish remover).

Was the rain A-Pillar rain drain cleaned already? Just before you go replacing seals etc. I'd do that and try to seal the crack by melting/ gluing it (RTV/ Silicoln may work)

Thanks Nordic Kat and fun2drive. I'm a new owner of a 2013 and these forums are great! I like to work on my cars but these BMW's are a different animal and BMW is very reluctant to let any info out. Can't even buy a service manual.
One thing I noticed, (unless a didn't see it) is lubrication of the trunk lid hinges. Has there been any issues here? There is a plastic cover over them that is easy to remove to lube them.

Your thoughts!!

ML

I think after Kat and I put this together we understood that those hinges should be lubed as well and made comment about that. I think we even have or had a few pics of those too. Thus any substantial hinge should use Wurth, other smaller hinges really the owners call.
The Bentley manual is about as good as you can get outside of discussing the problem on the forums...

Great thread!
but correct me if im wrong or thinking of a different "paste" but isnt Krytox also used as a CPU thermal Paste? If its the one im thinking of then the MacPro 2006 edition uses it and its known to cause cancer lol. Rubber gloves may be best when applying if its the same stuff.

Originally Posted by jgamble093

Great thread!
but correct me if im wrong or thinking of a different "paste" but isnt Krytox also used as a CPU thermal Paste? If its the one im thinking of then the MacPro 2006 edition uses it and its known to cause cancer lol. Rubber gloves may be best when applying if its the same stuff.

Don't know about Krytox for CPUs. But the Kyrtox for E93 top seal lube is at most a skin irritant when properly used. The Material Safety Data Sheet for Krytox GPL 205 is at this URL: http://msds.dupont.com/msds/pdfs/EN/...35804e560f.pdf The Hazards Identification section mentions it may cause slight skin irritation and redness. If you experience skin irritation/redness after application of Krytox GPL 205, definitely stop applying it with your bare fingers. Somehow, I suspect the occurrence of skin irritation is pretty rare.

Originally Posted by anE934fun

Great news! Did you have to pay the difference in value? Or, did BMW comp you?

Received a phone call today from BMWNA have to turn in the car this Friday and glad to see the matter finally resolved and move on.

Originally Posted by jgamble093

Great thread!
but correct me if im wrong or thinking of a different "paste" but isnt Krytox also used as a CPU thermal Paste? If its the one im thinking of then the MacPro 2006 edition uses it and its known to cause cancer lol. Rubber gloves may be best when applying if its the same stuff.

Let's stop this myth before it starts. CPU Thermal Paste is very different; it's a white somewhat chunky material. Totally different consistency and I am sure it's properties are vastly different.

Originally Posted by anE934fun

But the Kyrtox for E93 top seal lube is at most a skin irritant when properly used. The Material Safety Data Sheet for Krytox GPL 205 is at this URL: http://msds.dupont.com/msds/pdfs/EN/...35804e560f.pdf The Hazards Identification section mentions it may cause slight skin irritation and redness. If you experience skin irritation/redness after application of Krytox GPL 205, definitely stop applying it with your bare fingers. Somehow, I suspect the occurrence of skin irritation is pretty rare.

Nitrile gloves won't hurt when applying Krytox, but heck most shampoos/ foam baths irritate my skin if I spend more than a hour in the bathtub and I am barely allergic to anything.

1Zamboni
Now post those pics of that beautiful M3 E93!!!

The buy back is completed gone is the 328i E93 and here is the replacement.

Gorgeous!

Awesome Kevin!!

Originally Posted by MP3_E46

Let's stop this myth before it starts. CPU Thermal Paste is very different; it's a white somewhat chunky material. Totally different consistency and I am sure it's properties are vastly different.




Nitrile gloves won't hurt when applying Krytox, but heck most shampoos/ foam baths irritate my skin if I spend more than a hour in the bathtub and I am barely allergic to anything.

Just making sure lol. I work with CPU krytox (it doesn't look the same as the photos) and there are huge warning labels when working with it. Glad to hear its not the same stuff though

I have a tube from Amazon and plan to try it this weekend as compared to Gummi Pfledge...

My service advisor gave me the Wurth & 3M spray but have not got a chance to use it.

All 3 good products I own but have not used the Wurth rubber care product...
Gummi and silicon spray always useful for seals and squeaks...

Thanks Nordic Kat and fun2drive and all the others who have posted great info on convertible top care.
Love my car and this will help me to take better care of her.

Shakatak