Leaking Convertible top

tsupler

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Grundy Virginia
#1
Hello, My 97 328iC is leaking in the lower corners of both sides of the rear window. It appears as just a small drip that is coming in. Unfortunately there are no dealers withing 2 hours of where I live. Does anyone have experience with this? Will replacing the plastic zip in rear window solve this problem. This is a new vehicle for me, the previous owner said it did not leak. I have purchased the cleaning and treatment package for the top from a dealership before I moved to this remote location. Does anyone know if using that conditioner for the top will stop a leak, I don't think so. I understood it to be something that helps preserve the top, but not stop leakage. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am a 40 year old guy who just started his first year of law school and definetly do not have the time to be chasing a leak. I love the car but hope I don't come to regret buying it. Thanks, Tim
 

carcus

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#2
I feel your pain, I had a little leak on the drivers side, front window. Hated the rain dripping on my uniform. I ended up using clear RTV silicone. Fixed it. Not sure if you can use silicone in your situation. Find out exactally where the leak is coming from with a hose. I use Blue Coral convert top cleaner and conditioner. Makes the top look nice but does not stop leaks. I have a 97 vert also. I have to take into consideration, the car is 6 years old. I guess I am lucky though, I can live with SMALL leaks, as I have seen brand new convert cars leak sometimes. Wish I could be more help.[:(]
 

tsupler

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#3
Thanks

Carcus,
Thanks for the feedback. My car is also the Samoa Blue with the dark blue top, very sharp looking, you obviously have good taste. I'm really just curious to know if my type of leak as described prior will be fixed by replacing the zip-out rear window? I hate to drop $300 + labor costs if that does not get it.

Tim
 

carcus

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#4
Re: Thanks

tsupler said:
Carcus,
Thanks for the feedback. My car is also the Samoa Blue with the dark blue top, very sharp looking, you obviously have good taste. I'm really just curious to know if my type of leak as described prior will be fixed by replacing the zip-out rear window? I hate to drop $300 + labor costs if that does not get it.

Tim
I would have it taken to a convert top place and do a leak test on it. I know Ebay sells replacement rear plastic windows for about 100 bucks with a return core. I really love the Samoa Blue also, you don't see many of them. I know what it feels like to have a top leak, especially stationed in Mississippi when the tropical storms hit. I have had a few leaks. One of the main leaks, always dripped on my uniform pants, front right drivers corner windshield seal, fixed with clear RTV silicone. Second problem I had was a broken inside tensioner string, replaced that myself with a combat boot lace, alot stronger and cost me nothing. I still have the original convert top also, believe it or not. Wish I could be of more help. Have a top place check it though. If it was a very small leak.....I would not worry about it, will not hurt anything.[;)]
 


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