Cleaning an E46 soft top

ali · Post by **ali** » Sat Nov 10, 2018 2:34 pm

Whats the best method / way to do it.
Been 10 years since I last had a convertible and just bought an M3 one
Same roof as the Alpina , I know there are a few detailers and keen cleaners on here so what are the tricks to bring my roof back up to par before the hard top goes on for winter ?

hap · Post by **hap** » Sat Nov 10, 2018 2:43 pm

Getting some fleet there Ali
How's the m3 compared to the B3 which looks very nice 👍🏼

ade and liz flint · Post by **ade and liz flint** » Sat Nov 10, 2018 8:23 pm

The ultra proofer is spot on. Not used the others.

The recommended cleaning method I followed is to use washing powder as it's gritty, and a good stuff brush. Open the hood and get into the recess at the back when the roof fabric isn't taught. Obviously, rinse thoroughly and dry thoroughly before any renovation or proofing.

Good luck!

ali · Post by **ali** » Sat Nov 10, 2018 8:40 pm

Had a quick go today with the middle bottle of cleaner and the brush pictured but had to abandon ship after half hour as the rain came on !!
Looked like it made a small difference, got rid of most of the xanthoria parietina so will have to have another go or two before applying the dye and sealant

ali · Post by **ali** » Sat Nov 10, 2018 8:48 pm

hap wrote:Getting some fleet there Ali
How's the m3 compared to the B3 which looks very nice 👍🏼

Which B3?

Don't forget about the E30 too
Getting silly now
5 petrol beasts totalling 1600 BHP plus

The M3 couldn't have come at a worse time as 3 days after buying it I have been offered an Z3M Coupe and can't afford it
I think the B3 3.0 Biturbo is going to have to find a new home ASAP as I have always wanted a breadvan and this one needs some work so is right up my street

E46 M3 is surprisingly nimble for a soft top with a lot less scuttle shake than I'd imagined 76k miles and tight as a nut with Â£2k been spent on maintenance recently It has the manual box, something I always missed not having in my E46 B3
Outright acceleration I don't think there would be much in it between the two and due to the rag top the Touring does handle a bit better
Different cars for different purposes.
The B3 Biturbo is in a different ball park altogether from the 2 E46s so no point comparing them

Metrics · Post by **Metrics** » Sat Nov 10, 2018 11:01 pm

What a collection Ali! Blimey mate, where do you keep 'em all?!

Nice car that, especially being a manual. Enjoy!