BMW Z8 2000, Owner'S Manual

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Caring for your vehicle
Cleaning and care of the
convertible top
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 vehicle 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 attacked.
Never fold up the convertible top and
store it in the convertible top compart-
ment when wet, dirty or frozen, as mil-
dew stains and chafe spots may result.
To prevent the formation of a crease
in the rear window and to avoid mildew
stains, do not leave the top folded in the
convertible top compartment for long
periods.
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.
Never use sharp-edged objects to
clean the rear window of snow or ice.
If using a deicer spray, make sure that
none of the spray comes into contact
with the convertible top. Because of the
risk of damage and discoloration, do
not apply adhesive tape, stickers, or
similar materials to the window or cover
with plastic film.
Dents and discoloration may show up
on the convertible top because of im-
proper care, cleaning or as the result of
excessive usage. The convertible top
and its seams may also develop leaks.
These occurrences are not covered by
the warranty. For repairs, please con-
sult your BMW center.
Special wash for the top
In the case of more extensive dirt,
which is especially visible on light-col-
ored 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 mo-
tions until a foam develops. Then you
can finish washing the vehicle in an
automatic car wash. After three to five
washings the convertible top should be
treated with a special impregnating
spray. Please follow the instructions on
the spray can.
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