I recently set my heart on owning a 318ti with around 100k miles and a 5spd. I recently found what looks like a good deal on a 98 with 78k, but it has the California top. I am well aware of the maintenance and issues related to this top, but I am wondering more about the wind/road noise while cruising on the highway. Does anyone here find the extra noise to be very bothersome? is it easily drowned out by the radio? does it make it difficult to talk on a cell phone or have a conversation in the cabin? I am about ready to jump on this if the car is as good as it sounds, and this is the only thing holding me back. I will say this is my first BMW. I enjoyed the targa top on my 88 supra while I owned it, so enjoying and using it is not the question here, just worried it will be obnoxiously loud at times. Thanks for any input.
In short, no it will not be a problem with the top closed- I assume that is how you plan on cruising at 75mph. That said any time you replace steel with fabric you will have more noise. Cross winds produce more but I think that's true even w/o a soft top. We're not talking about a '68 Beetle- it's a '98 bimmer. Open top highway cruising is a different story but 50-60 is comfortable and you can open the rear windows to eliminate buffeting.
Now go drive and put the top back and revel in the coolest thing since sliced bread.
__________________ My Former Rides 1999 318ti Alpine White, Cali Roof, Dinan goodies 1996 318ti Hellrot California Edition
I got no issues while closed.. when open its ok too, up to a reasonable speed. It can get a bit much (specially on a windy day) above maybe like 60, but hey, its a huge freaking open top... so its understandable.
One thing though (!).. if it ever stops working while in open position - do yourself a (very expensive) favor - & DO NOT try pull it closed with your hands/pliers or similar!
California Roof Noise 
Linear Mode
