Wanted Sadly, I need a new hood

[Mike F]

I need a hood for a 98 Z3. A gentleman in a pickup truck (with a back up camera...) backed into our Z and irrevocably damaged the hood. As you likely know, they are not currently making new hoods. I would like a high quality used hood or aftermarket. I'm struggling to find a source online, as is our insurer. Can anyone help?
Mike

 

[Althulas]

Where abouts are you based Mike? I’m presuming USA. You can update your bio to make answering more specific to you.

I did a quick Google and obtained lots of results. New roofs are even available on Amazon
Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for BMW 1996-2002 Z3, TwillFast II Canvas, Black, Plastic Window
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR14AQ4/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_35CDFDZ4K2HVA9N7PSR5

You will still have the trouble of fitting it but there is write ups of members fitting soft tops on here but need searching for but there is a guide here https://www.roadstersolutions.com/media/PDF/GAHH Install Instructions Z3 96-02.pdf

 

[Mike F]

Ah yes. I am indeed in the U.S. And I should have specified that I need an engine hood. I too did a search for "hood" only to realize it is a synonym for a convertible top. I attached a picture to show the damage. I'm still a little miffed... Thank you for your reply! This is such a friendly forum

 

[t-tony]

Hi Mike, so sorry to see you have had you car damaged. Here in the UK that would be enough to write the car off (Insurance loss that is) so I hope you can acquire a new one.

Tony.

 

[Mike F]

I probably could have written it off. Too much sentimental value though

 

[Althulas]

Sorry to see that Mike have you tried one of these services https://www.partrequest.com/catalog/hoods/bmw/bmw-z3 or had a look or put out a request on one of the Facebook groups?

 

[Mike F]

Althulas, thank you. I have seen those hoods. A few of them are from the same source about 5 hours from me. I may need to take a drive there. I have a bit of an aversion to Facebook, but you make a good suggestion. I'll have a look there as well.

 

[Mike F]

UPDATE! A new hood mysteriously arrived from Germany and is now proudly a part of our Z! Apparently they resumed production without fanfare. Thank you, everyone.

 

[Rickypoos]

UPDATE! A new hood mysteriously arrived from Germany and is now proudly a part of our Z! Apparently they resumed production without fanfare. Thank you, everyone.

Great news for you. But thought they were made in the US?

 

[Mike F]

Hmmmm. That I don't know. I was taking the word of the BMW dealership. Good question.

 

[Duncodin]

Great news for you. But thought they were made in the US?

Maybe once the assembly lines closed in the usa they just store legacy stuff in some big warehouse in germany as a centre for worldwide distribution.

 

[jsayer2221]

UPDATE! A new hood mysteriously arrived from Germany and is now proudly a part of our Z! Apparently they resumed production without fanfare. Thank you, everyone.

Same issue with my Z3 - woman backed into it in a drive-through and dented the front of the hood. Did you go through a dealership to manage hte repairs or was a body shop able to source the new hood for you?

Thanks for any update on this....
John

 

[Mike F]

We have a good body shop near me so I went through them...but they contacted the local BMW dealer to source a new hood and that's ultimately where the hood came through. I don't think you can go wrong contacting a body shop as long as you are confident in the work they do.

 

[jsayer2221]

Thanks. I will go that route and hopefully have the same success replacing the hood.