Wind Deflectors

Tearoom

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This question has probably been asked before, but I really can't be arsed to look back through all the pages to find what I'm after.
I own a pre facelift Z3 with no roll bars and would like to know which is the best wind deflector to get.
I must admit I'm not a great fan of them because they look awful, but I understand they do a job and Mrs Tearoom always complains about the wind. ( not always my flatulence)
I have seen pictures of ones that fold down when not in use, but would appreciate your views on the deflectors that you use and if you would recommend it.
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Low Rider

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Personally I like the wind deflector which fits over the hoops but that would mean you would need to purchase the hoops and short rear centre console and plastics costing approx £375 plus the hassle of installing them.
 

Jack Ratt

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I have a pre facelift wind deflector somewhere in my garage attic. It was in good condition when I put it away so it should be ok now. It came with my car but I've since fitted roll hoops.

I'll get it out over the weekend when I get home if you're interested
 

Low Rider

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I have a pre facelift wind deflector somewhere in my garage attic. It was in good condition when I put it away so it should be ok now. It came with my car but I've since fitted roll hoops.

I'll get it out over the weekend when I get home if you're interested
That's would be the easiest way to go
 

Jack Ratt

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@Tearoom if you decide you want one and if mine fits, I'll measure the distance between the pins, as Gaz has suggested, and you can have it for £50. We can arrange a place to meet and I'll have a drive up the road from Truro.
 

hard top

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As Gaz states above, there are two different ones with pins at different distances and then also the Type 1 that is mounted on the turrets.
 

Jack Ratt

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I'll take a photo of mine and post it here at the weekend
 

Tearoom

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I assume the different sizes will reflect whether it is a wide body car or not?
Mine is an M44 so narrow body.

The other part of the question is, is it any good and is it easy to fit?
 

GazHyde

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I assume the different sizes will reflect whether it is a wide body car or not?
Mine is an M44 so narrow body.
The internals are the same irrespective. For some stupid reason there are 2 different sizes...
 

Tearoom

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The internals are the same irrespective. For some stupid reason there are 2 different sizes...
Doh, I thought the Germans were more efficient than that. I blame those pesky Americans who built the car. lol.
 

Tearoom

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This one looks most suited to my car as it has the holes on top of the pillars.

BMW_Z3_4_1024x1024.jpg
 

Tearoom

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I took the plunge and bought a kit (windschott) from Just Roadster Ltd for £145.
It took myself and a friend just under an hour and a half to fit. But it was definitely easier with two.
This meant we didn't have to remove the central glove box, just unscrewed it and whilst one person slid it forward it allowed the other to unscrew the plastic housing at the top of the seatbelt pillar.
I was able to remove the moulded foam fitting to expose the "roll bar" tube, then it was a case of inserting the expandable bolt into the tube which acts as an anchor for the brackets.
As I say, it took us about 90 mins (including cup of tea)

I have tried putting the roof up with the mesh in situ, it will do it but it is a bit tight. The mesh part just detaches with a couple of thumb screws, so I will remove it every time I put the roof back up.
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Tearoom

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Found a youtube film of the same item

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lwxoX40a7w


Looks like they had a similar fitting already so only had to swap over.
When I removed my gromits at the top of the seat belt pillar I could see the foam moulding underneath and had to remove that first.
Essentially after that it was the same procedure.
 

Paul Rice

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I have tried putting the roof up with the mesh in situ, it will do it but it is a bit tight. The mesh part just detaches with a couple of thumb screws, so I will remove it every time I put the roof back up.
Have you tried positioning the mesh forward of the brackets as shown in the earlier example, the roof should go up and down without fowling the deflector?
 

Tearoom

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Have you tried positioning the mesh forward of the brackets as shown in the earlier example, the roof should go up and down without fowling the deflector?
No I haven't, I might give that a try next time. Well spotted.
 
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