Convertible Roof tear

Zuzu · 05-28-2009, 06:03 AM

Is this fault only with the midnight roof?

As I have this tear starting to appear on the inside of the lining and I have the midnight roof.

montrealvert128 · 05-28-2009, 09:36 AM

Hi Zuzu,
No. I have the black roof and I have the same issue as shown in posted picture.

jmcgraw013 · 05-28-2009, 11:53 AM

Here's pics of the same issue on my top as well as the wrinkles I have - my top is black (please ignore the lint and dust on my top, I haven't been able to wash her yet this week). I tried to look inside today and couldn't really tell what part is causing the rubbing from the inside. My SA is having a BMWNA rep come by their dealership soon, so I'll be taking it in so he can look at in person.

Add'l info: I took delivery of my car at the end of this January '09 with 27 miles. I now have about 3,700 miles - so 4 months. I put the top down at least once a day on average over the past two months (not so much in Feb and March) - when it's nice out, I raise and lower it several times a day when I'm out running errands (I don't like leaving it down at shopping centers, etc. if I'm not going to see it for a while) So all told, I've operated the top probably 100-200 times already.

warmtoes · 05-28-2009, 01:11 PM

I get wrinkles too when I leave the top down overnight but they eventually relax.

montrealvert128 · 05-29-2009, 06:11 AM

Among the members reporting the issue has anyone at this stage received an explanation from their dealer or BMW NA on what could be causing the tear appearing in most cases at the same spot?

amybang · 05-29-2009, 07:31 AM

I would say "in all cases" not "in most cases". All the photos, the spot is in exactly the same place. I haven't been in to the shop since I noticed when this thread was started a few days ago.

amy!

hot_ride · 05-29-2009, 12:05 PM

certainly bad news here... I'm going to check mine when I leave work. Can you all edit your post with #of months of ownership, and average up/downs of the top? maybe include the climate you're in -- all season good, or northern 4 season... I'd like to get an idea of when this starts.

amybang · 05-29-2009, 03:54 PM

I've had my car just over a year.
I live in Boston - northern 4 season.
The top is down, probably several times, on any day warm enough and dry enough. So March-Oct with a bell curve of frequency.

I didn't notice until this week when this thread started. And while there's evidence of rubbing, there doesn't appear to be a hole yet.

amy!

Zuzu · 05-29-2009, 04:05 PM

Same here ,as in until this thread made it evident,I didnt pay to much attention to it either.
I have also had the car 12 months in Sydney Australia and the top would have to come down most days here.

Amy, the hole will start to appear from the inside of the roof first at the point of rubbing. Mine has already started to fray and tear from the inside...NOT GOOD..

Have contacted the dealer and will take in next week for a inspection.

singular · 05-29-2009, 04:14 PM

I've had mine for just under three months. I didn't notice a problem until the first picture was posted.

Because the Northern California rains stopped a couple of days after I got my car, I've lowered and raised the top at least twice a day every day for the last three months (about 200 times?).

hot_ride · 05-31-2009, 08:19 PM

Update... same here, didn't notice until this thread highlighted the location. Took a closer look and seems there is a rubbing there. The odd thing is that I've examined it and I can't see anything rubbing when it open, closing, or closed... Don't feel like losing my car for weeks during the summer so I'll be taking it in towards the winter.

BMW NA
This is something quite serious as all owners in this thread are noticing it... might be time to investigate and issue a notice to the dealers as it appears to be something that they need to 'look at' for the owners that have called. The real issue here is that if this is a design flaw in the way the roof folds (as there are no apparent rubs), even a roof replacement is only a temporary fix...

amybang · 05-31-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot_ride

BMW NA
This is something quite serious as all owners in this thread are noticing it... might be time to investigate and issue a notice to the dealers as it appears to be something that they need to 'look at' for the owners that have called. The real issue here is that if this is a design flaw in the way the roof folds (as there are no apparent rubs), even a roof replacement is only a temporary fix...

Yeah, that's the rub...

amy!

montrealvert128 · 06-04-2009, 04:54 AM

It will take a couple of weeks before my roof is inspected due to travel.
Has anyone received at this stage from their dealer or BMW NA
an explanation for the problem and how it can be fixed.

hot_ride · 06-04-2009, 11:32 AM

Called up BMW and took it in for an inspection today. Mine's not that bad, but it's necessary to make them aware that it's happening. SA took some pictures and said that he would let me know. I'll post back when I hear...

eyackconnor · 06-04-2009, 09:40 PM

I've had my 128i Convertible for almost 1 year now. Top goes up and down many times during the week. Average 10-12 times a week. Weather here in Raleigh is mild, so I frequently open and close the top. Just today while coming back from lunch, I noticed a place on the top. What I thought was a rubbed area, is actually a small hole in the top. Location is on the driver's side. The passenger side looks fine right now. I've already contacted the local dealership to schedule a time to have them look at it. If you have any advise or have had any updates with your car, would you please send me any info? Thanks so much. Tomorrow, I'm going to take detail photos of the damage thus far.

Zuzu · 06-04-2009, 09:47 PM

This looks like it is going to be major problem with the roof and possibly a recall..

If you dont notice the rubbing you will deffinately notice a small hole apearing soon.

JHZR2 · 06-05-2009, 08:10 AM

wow... crazy.

the collective auto industry has made how many convertibles with cloth tops?

Granted, each one has slightly different geometry, but this should be a relatively established thing.

Curious if this is talked about on other BMW forums... Has everyone contacted BMW NA about this? My vested interest is that I desire to buy a 135i in the spring, and I'd sure like to see this resolved by then

warmtoes · 06-10-2009, 09:16 PM

Any updates on this?

Zuzu · 06-13-2009, 12:06 AM

Took the car into the dealers yesterday and they took some photos and said that they will get back to me..

montrealvert128 · 06-15-2009, 01:48 PM

Did anyone receive information on how BMW will solve this problem which appears to occur in 1 convertibles sold from Canada to Australia?

Zuzu · 06-15-2009, 10:29 PM

Still waiting...

hot_ride · 06-17-2009, 12:44 PM

So I called last Friday and spoke to the head tech and was told I would get a call from the SA on Monday. No call Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I finally decided to call him myself, he didn't know he was suppose to call me although he did find a note about it while I was on the phone. Told me that it had to be seen by the regional something or other. I'm assuming this is someone from BMW NA. He said he'd call me back with when this overlord would be there. I'll post again when I have an update.

Sounds like I'm getting the run around. Anyone else had any success or response?

05-28-2009, 06:03 AM	#23
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	Is this fault only with the midnight roof? As I have this tear starting to appear on the inside of the lining and I have the midnight roof. Attached Images
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05-28-2009, 09:36 AM	#24
montrealvert128 New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Hi Zuzu, No. I have the black roof and I have the same issue as shown in posted picture.
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05-28-2009, 11:53 AM	#25
jmcgraw013 Private First Class 9 Rep 117 Posts Drives: '11 135i Cv Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (1)	Here's pics of the same issue on my top as well as the wrinkles I have - my top is black (please ignore the lint and dust on my top, I haven't been able to wash her yet this week). I tried to look inside today and couldn't really tell what part is causing the rubbing from the inside. My SA is having a BMWNA rep come by their dealership soon, so I'll be taking it in so he can look at in person. Add'l info: I took delivery of my car at the end of this January '09 with 27 miles. I now have about 3,700 miles - so 4 months. I put the top down at least once a day on average over the past two months (not so much in Feb and March) - when it's nice out, I raise and lower it several times a day when I'm out running errands (I don't like leaving it down at shopping centers, etc. if I'm not going to see it for a while) So all told, I've operated the top probably 100-200 times already. Attached Images __________________ '11 135i Cabriolet Crimson Red, CPO, Savanna Beige Lthr, High Gloss, Shadowline DCT, Prem Pkg, Sp Pkg, Value Pkg, Sirius, Alarm, CA, 264's Last edited by jmcgraw013; 05-29-2009 at 04:20 PM.. Reason: Add'l info on top age and # of openings
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05-28-2009, 01:11 PM	#26
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	I get wrinkles too when I leave the top down overnight but they eventually relax. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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05-29-2009, 06:11 AM	#27
montrealvert128 New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Among the members reporting the issue has anyone at this stage received an explanation from their dealer or BMW NA on what could be causing the tear appearing in most cases at the same spot?
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05-29-2009, 07:31 AM	#28
amybang ... and Orca too! 29 Rep 845 Posts Drives: 128i Convertible (AW/CR) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Belmont, MA iTrader: (0)	I would say "in all cases" not "in most cases". All the photos, the spot is in exactly the same place. I haven't been in to the shop since I noticed when this thread was started a few days ago. amy!
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05-29-2009, 12:05 PM	#29
hot_ride Private First Class 10 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	certainly bad news here... I'm going to check mine when I leave work. Can you all edit your post with #of months of ownership, and average up/downs of the top? maybe include the climate you're in -- all season good, or northern 4 season... I'd like to get an idea of when this starts.
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05-29-2009, 03:54 PM	#30
amybang ... and Orca too! 29 Rep 845 Posts Drives: 128i Convertible (AW/CR) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Belmont, MA iTrader: (0)	I've had my car just over a year. I live in Boston - northern 4 season. The top is down, probably several times, on any day warm enough and dry enough. So March-Oct with a bell curve of frequency. I didn't notice until this week when this thread started. And while there's evidence of rubbing, there doesn't appear to be a hole yet. amy!
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05-29-2009, 04:05 PM	#31
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	Same here ,as in until this thread made it evident,I didnt pay to much attention to it either. I have also had the car 12 months in Sydney Australia and the top would have to come down most days here. Amy, the hole will start to appear from the inside of the roof first at the point of rubbing. Mine has already started to fray and tear from the inside...NOT GOOD.. Have contacted the dealer and will take in next week for a inspection.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2009, 04:14 PM	#32
singular Captain 21 Rep 935 Posts Drives: BSM 135i ppk cab Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I've had mine for just under three months. I didn't notice a problem until the first picture was posted. Because the Northern California rains stopped a couple of days after I got my car, I've lowered and raised the top at least twice a day every day for the last three months (about 200 times?).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2009, 08:19 PM	#33
hot_ride Private First Class 10 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Update... same here, didn't notice until this thread highlighted the location. Took a closer look and seems there is a rubbing there. The odd thing is that I've examined it and I can't see anything rubbing when it open, closing, or closed... Don't feel like losing my car for weeks during the summer so I'll be taking it in towards the winter. BMW NA This is something quite serious as all owners in this thread are noticing it... might be time to investigate and issue a notice to the dealers as it appears to be something that they need to 'look at' for the owners that have called. The real issue here is that if this is a design flaw in the way the roof folds (as there are no apparent rubs), even a roof replacement is only a temporary fix...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2009, 04:54 AM	#35
montrealvert128 New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Any news on root cause of convertible roof tear? It will take a couple of weeks before my roof is inspected due to travel. Has anyone received at this stage from their dealer or BMW NA an explanation for the problem and how it can be fixed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2009, 11:32 AM	#36
hot_ride Private First Class 10 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Called up BMW and took it in for an inspection today. Mine's not that bad, but it's necessary to make them aware that it's happening. SA took some pictures and said that he would let me know. I'll post back when I hear...
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06-04-2009, 09:40 PM	#37
eyackconnor Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 128i Convertible Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Same issue ~ Torn hole in exact location on Driver's side I've had my 128i Convertible for almost 1 year now. Top goes up and down many times during the week. Average 10-12 times a week. Weather here in Raleigh is mild, so I frequently open and close the top. Just today while coming back from lunch, I noticed a place on the top. What I thought was a rubbed area, is actually a small hole in the top. Location is on the driver's side. The passenger side looks fine right now. I've already contacted the local dealership to schedule a time to have them look at it. If you have any advise or have had any updates with your car, would you please send me any info? Thanks so much. Tomorrow, I'm going to take detail photos of the damage thus far.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2009, 09:47 PM	#38
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	This looks like it is going to be major problem with the roof and possibly a recall.. If you dont notice the rubbing you will deffinately notice a small hole apearing soon.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2009, 08:10 AM	#39
JHZR2 Major 74 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 91 E30, 11 135i cv Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	wow... crazy. the collective auto industry has made how many convertibles with cloth tops? Granted, each one has slightly different geometry, but this should be a relatively established thing. Curious if this is talked about on other BMW forums... Has everyone contacted BMW NA about this? My vested interest is that I desire to buy a 135i in the spring, and I'd sure like to see this resolved by then
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-10-2009, 09:16 PM	#40
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	Any updates on this? __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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06-13-2009, 12:06 AM	#41
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	Took the car into the dealers yesterday and they took some photos and said that they will get back to me..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-15-2009, 01:48 PM	#42
montrealvert128 New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Did anyone receive information on how BMW will solve this problem which appears to occur in 1 convertibles sold from Canada to Australia?
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06-15-2009, 10:29 PM	#43
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	Still waiting...
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06-17-2009, 12:44 PM	#44
hot_ride Private First Class 10 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	So I called last Friday and spoke to the head tech and was told I would get a call from the SA on Monday. No call Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I finally decided to call him myself, he didn't know he was suppose to call me although he did find a note about it while I was on the phone. Told me that it had to be seen by the regional something or other. I'm assuming this is someone from BMW NA. He said he'd call me back with when this overlord would be there. I'll post again when I have an update. Sounds like I'm getting the run around. Anyone else had any success or response?
	Appreciate 0 Quote