details on California roof

[Frby98]

Thinking seriously about a 318ti, and have seen some postings on the California roof. But, have very little details on it.

Other than a bigger hole, can someone give me some details:
- is it a cloth material?
- how does it operate?
- propensity to leak?
- how rare is it (I saw the questionnaire posting, looked like 15-20% of forum members, but what % of production)?

[1996 328ti]

Same material as a convertible. It needs to be sealed, not sure how often.

Electric motor

I had one for 2 years, never leaked.
Others have reported leaks and a gear that sometimes breaks requiring a new motor.

1998 California Roofs had a popup windscreen that reduced the cabin noise slightly.

No way of knowing how many California Editions or Open Air Roofs have been sold.

[pdxmotorhead]

Rareity,,, ?

Well a completely unscientific pole,,, Portland Oregon, I've seen just over a dozen ti's that I recognize, of that 1 is a Cali top. And the guy went to California to get it...
Its the only one I've actually ever seen in person. I suspect the bulk of them were sold in CA and AZ based on the ads I've seen.

Dave

[pnosker]

Canvas top similar to the convertible roofs. It has an internal headliner though. It slides back while folding up onto itself, maybe overlapping to a total of 7-8". I've never had a leak. It's a 1997 with 135k on it. I think it's extremely rare. It was offered from 1996+ I believe as a BMW Individual option for most of its life. I would imagine 2-5% are cali tops.

[Frby98]

you guys are awesome - sounds like a champ - now I just need to see one!

[pnosker]

Here are some pictures where you can sort of see the california top on my car.

Here's one rolled back: http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/model...california.gif

[zzdelta]

The california top is notorious for breaking. The motor and main mechanism lasts, but one small plastic gear brakes in the motor assembly which requires the replacement of the motor. Just be careful with buying a cali top TI because it can lead to an expensive $400 part.

[pnosker]

Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that. One of the gears in mine stripped. I had to buy a new motor $$$$$. I think it's an issue with the lubricant on the sliding mechanism however as I now spray down with white lithium grease every so often and haven't had any of the issues I did before. Just keep it well lubricated and you shouldn't have an issue.

[Mike ti]

Wish I could have one.

[mmosquera89]

I have one too, enjoying every drive of it, although I am noticing lately that it tends to go back slower than usual :/

[elfhearse]

I've found that the "303 Fabric Protectant" is the best treatment for the fabric top...excellent water repellant, long lasting.

I don't drive above 50mph with it fully open...too much wind turbulence beating on the top/mechanism above that speed.

[kwayocu]

I have a 96ti cali top, i love it..... period. I use scotch guard to seal the canvans twice a year, more depending on the weather. no leaks, and i dont really have that much issue with cablin noise with it open at any speed. I would recommend skipping the car washes with high pressure sprayers. It was my understanding that the cali tops were only made in California hence the name and are very rare....

[vsonix]

Originally Posted by mmosquera89

I have one too, enjoying every drive of it, although I am noticing lately that it tends to go back slower than usual :/

probably worth re-lubricating it perhaps?

in Europe to the best of my knowledge we never had retractable top ones either so all in all they are pretty rare I think, although maybe not 'valuable' rare for a while longer.

[mmosquera89]

I'm gonna do that sometime soon actually, but I rarely even use it since I do notice that my headliner is sagging even more. What I meant is mechanical wise, but I don't have that prob anymore.

[Mike ti]

There just needs to be one of these for sale in Florida, not California. >.< Always wanted a ti, and I've always wanted a convertible at some point. Two birds one ti. Ah, wishful thinking.