BMW 2001 325CI, Manual

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Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
Cleaning and care of the convertible top
Care
The appearance and life of the convert-
ible top are highly dependent on its
proper care and operation. You should
pay particular attention to the following
instructions if your car has a light-
colored top.
Protect the vehicle from exposure to
intense sunlight whenever possible by
parking it in the shade. This will help to
prevent the paint, rubber and fabric-
covered parts from being worn out.
Never stow the convertible top in the
convertible top compartment when it is
wet, dirty or frozen, since this can
cause mildew stains and chafe marks.
To prevent mildew stains, do not keep
the convertible top enclosed in the
convertible top compartment for any
extended period of time.
If the vehicle will be parked for lengthy
periods in an enclosed space, be sure
that the convertible top is dry and that
there is adequate ventilation.
Clean off bird droppings immediately,
since they attack the convertible top
and cause the rubber seals to swell due
to their caustic characteristics.
Besides water, treat rubber seals only
with talcum powder, rubber care prod-
ucts or silicone spray, particularly when
they feel dry or tend to stick.
Eliminate noises such as squeaks with
lubricant spray.
Depressions and discoloration may
occur in the convertible top as a result
of improper maintenance and cleaning
or due to loading from excessive use.
The convertible top and its seams may
also develop leaks. These occurrences
are not covered by the warranty. For
repairs, please consult your BMW
center.
Washing your car
You can wash your BMW at an auto-
matic car wash. Brushless systems are
preferable.
If a brushless car wash is unavailable
and a brush car wash must be used,
modern systems with soft brushes are
preferable. Do not select the wax finish
option. The small amount of beading
wax always used in automatic car
washes will not harm your vehicle's
finish.
In the case of more extensive dirt,
which is definitely visible on light-
colored top materials, clean the top
with the BMW Convertible Cleaning
Set. Please proceed as follows:
Spray the convertible top with the
cleaning agent and then rub with a
well-dampened sponge using circular
motions until a foam develops. Then
you can finish washing the vehicle in an
automatic car wash. After washing your
vehicle 3 to 5 times, you should treat
the convertible top with a special
convertible top impregnating spray.
Please follow the instructions on the
spray can.