Can the rear window protector still be found?

Hwk-I-St8

Zorg Addict
American Zeds
Joined
May 9, 2022
Points
59
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster
I'm amazed that my car, bought new by my Dad, doesn't have that in the trunk or something. I just replaced my rear window and was amazed at how clear it is (they wanted me to wait a couple days before dropping the top).

I really want to keep it nice...any clue where I can find one? OEM would be great, but even aftermarket ones seem to be unobtainium. I may end up making one....
 

Paul Rice

Zorg Guru (V)
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British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Sep 7, 2013
Points
198
Location
Doncaster
Model of Z
Z4 2.5 E89 23
I'm amazed that my car, bought new by my Dad, doesn't have that in the trunk or something. I just replaced my rear window and was amazed at how clear it is (they wanted me to wait a couple days before dropping the top).

I really want to keep it nice...any clue where I can find one? OEM would be great, but even aftermarket ones seem to be unobtainium. I may end up making one....
I do know of one for sale but owner away till next Wednesday will pm you then
 

Mike Fishwick

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French Zeds
Joined
Sep 23, 2021
Points
109
Location
Daglan, France
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
The OEM protector is a chunk of very thick felt, which takes up a lot of boot space when the roof is up. I believe that it was standard in the USA. My home made protector is compact, effective, and makes a great pillow when camping!
Hood blanket in use.JPG
 

Eddie Zedder

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British Zeds
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Jun 10, 2015
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Megawatt Valley, Notts.
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Z3 2.0
The OEM protector is a chunk of very thick felt, which takes up a lot of boot space when the roof is up.
Are you thinking of the tonneau Mike?
OEM protectors are about the size of a piece of A5 paper when folded!
 

Devon Z

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British Zeds
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Jan 1, 2012
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144
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Brixham, Devon
Model of Z
99 2.0 Individual
They came as part of the hardtop kit originally, I kept the one from my first Zed which had a hardtop the elastic is getting a bit tied now. I had my roof replaced under warranty at three years because of marks and the dealer left a new one in the boot……it’s still in the plastic bag in a box somewhere in the garage..always good to have a spare.
 

Hwk-I-St8

Zorg Addict
American Zeds
Joined
May 9, 2022
Points
59
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster
The OEM protector is a chunk of very thick felt, which takes up a lot of boot space when the roof is up. I believe that it was standard in the USA. My home made protector is compact, effective, and makes a great pillow when camping!View attachment 347073
That looks pretty cool. Got any notes on it? What's in the "roll" and how big is it? I am very handy with a sewing machine.....
 

Hwk-I-St8

Zorg Addict
American Zeds
Joined
May 9, 2022
Points
59
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster
The thing that surprises me most is that everything was there when I got this except the original radio (Dad wanted something with satellite radio). If it came with it, I would have fully expected it to be there. He even had an OEM cover.
 

ChrisD

Zorg Addict
Joined
Nov 29, 2023
Points
54
Location
Evesham
Model of Z
M44
I suspect what did and didn’t come with the vehicle was down to the dealership he brought it from. Mine came with the window protector (no hardtop) and was just in the trunk along with first aid kit and protective wheel bag. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some dealerships omitted this or maybe added their own items - like your OEM cover - I’ve never seen that.
 

Pingu

Zorg Guru (III)
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Points
145
Top tip (possibly)...

If you lower the roof manually (loosen valve on pump), you can see that it is one of the roof bars that rubs on the screen when folding. Use some towelling (or similar) to prevent this rubbing may prevent the rear screen from being marked.

I also use a roll of pipe insulation to prevent creases. I wrongly thought that it were the constant folding of the plastic fatiguing the plastic that caused the marks. It's not, it's the roof bar rubbing on the screen when stowing the roof.
 

Hwk-I-St8

Zorg Addict
American Zeds
Joined
May 9, 2022
Points
59
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster
Top tip (possibly)...

If you lower the roof manually (loosen valve on pump), you can see that it is one of the roof bars that rubs on the screen when folding. Use some towelling (or similar) to prevent this rubbing may prevent the rear screen from being marked.

I also use a roll of pipe insulation to prevent creases. I wrongly thought that it were the constant folding of the plastic fatiguing the plastic that caused the marks. It's not, it's the roof bar rubbing on the screen when stowing the roof.
Hmmm....mine has the interior liner....would that stop the rubbing you're referencing?
 

Kenhayes247

Zorg Guru (I)
Supporter
Joined
Jun 17, 2019
Points
85
Location
Meissendorf, Germany
Model of Z
3
As already stated it’s the roof bar rubbing that causes the mark. I use a hand towel to protect the window when the roof is down. I lay the towel across the boot, open the roof and allow the towel to drop in across the length of the window. I also push out any creases at the same time. Cheap easy and quick.
 
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