Z3 Roadster (E36/7) Do late-model Z3s leak in the rain?

The only thing I did NOT like about my '96 Z3 was the way the convertible top leaked in the rain. Was there any improvement in this with later models?

Where did it leak from? There are plenty of remedies for this. My friend has a '96, and it does not leak.

it leaked at the top of both windows. The fabric did not cover the frame, and I was told by three places that the frame was bent and it couldn't be fixed. Since then, I have junked the car, so don't bother trying to help me fix it...but I assumed that this was just a problem with convertables in general, so I adjusted to it (didn't drive it in the rain, kept it covered). But is this not a system problem with ALL Z3's?

No.

Originally Posted by maceisthemax

it leaked at the top of both windows. The fabric did not cover the frame, and I was told by three places that the frame was bent and it couldn't be fixed. Since then, I have junked the car, so don't bother trying to help me fix it...but I assumed that this was just a problem with convertables in general, so I adjusted to it (didn't drive it in the rain, kept it covered). But is this not a system problem with ALL Z3's?

No it's not a problem, your car was busted.

No leaks.

Your frame was bent. NOT normal.

Originally Posted by maceisthemax

The only thing I did NOT like about my '96 Z3 was the way the convertible top leaked in the rain. Was there any improvement in this with later models?

When I bought my 2001 Z3 it was obvious the roof on the passenger side had been leaking for a while. Very soon after purchase my roof was slashed, requiring a new top. That's when I saw this thread re the leaks:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=254611

Following the directions, I sealed the plugs with Gorilla glue. No more leaks. Just like when there's a leak in the basement, where you find the water is rarely where it's coming in.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by maceisthemax

The only thing I did NOT like about my '96 Z3 was the way the convertible top leaked in the rain. Was there any improvement in this with later models?

I test drove a 2001 Z3 that had a wet seat and wet floor. All Z3s can all leak with age, deterioration and damage.
Water entering from the rear of the top or the 3rd brake light shows up in the trunk and battery well.
Water entering from the top of the windshield, the A-pillar, side windows or door panel seals shows up on the floor and sometimes seat.

There are many threads on locating the source of leaks and fixing them:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1308616
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1365003
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1816807
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63033
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=4739195
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=254611