New to the BMW game - Guidance Pls

[latch]

My wife just realized her dream (hopefully besides me) - '94 325ic with 70k (red or course).
I'm sure there will be many issues to come but immediate problems are a hood that won't stay open - a broken antenna and a very couldy rear window.

Are the shocks (for the hood) and antenna dealer items or is there some good aftermarket source for these type items. I noticed that I can get an entire new top on e-bay for abt $350 but that seems a little too easy. If I have to go that way - what is a good source, Besides the cloudy window. the only other flaw I can find with the top is the the last draw string grommets are broken. Can't imagine any fix for these but I thought I could ask.

I did use some "Black Magic" plastic cleaner on the window and the head light lens. Did a great job on the lens but not much help for the window.

Any guidance I can ge would be appreciated.

 

[Big Daddy]

Several of our sponsors will carry the hood struts and antenna. someone may even have a source for a top for your car. I use a vinly window cleaner than a polish on mine and it is perfectly clear. You might try some before replacing the top.

 

[Kirby]

Bavauto.com's most recent newsletter featured a new product designed to clean and rejuvenate the plastic headlight covers on the E36. It included a detailed "how to" article. Sorry, but I don't have the newsletter anymore, I don't remember the product name. You could call them and ask if it would be good for the rear window.

I purchased lift struts for my Firebird at Advanced Auto. They carry a selection, and had a cross reference of part numbers. Those struts are pretty generic so they may have the exact model you need.

 

[Scagg]

I just purchased a pair of hood struts off E-bay for about $30.00 I also ordered a "zip in" rear window for around $120.00. Both for my 1995 325i convert.