It is a special experience when you own a BMW E36 convertible. Down the roof, engine going, the road ahead–it cannot be beaten. However, having spent much time with one, you have likely thought that it is not always applicable. And there a hardtop makes all the difference.
It is not until their first winter, or even a couple of long highway trips, that many owners begin seeking a BMW E36 hardtop for sale. Covering the car is not only about that: it is about transforming the car into a totally different machine.
Before you settle on one, let’s take a stroll on what is really important.
The rationale behind the addition of a hardtop in the first place.
The greatest shock to the majority of the owners is the transformation that a hardtop gives the car.
The soft top provides flexibility. However, you also get a lot more wind noise, a little less rigidity, and a cabin that does not feel so closed. After you fit a hardtop, the car immediately becomes tighter, quieter and more planted.
It catches your eye on the highway. Conversations become easier. Music sounds clearer. The manner in which the car manages shaky roads seems more substantial as well.
It is not merely an accessory, it is a practical addition.
Not All Hardtops Are the same.
It is at this point that individuals usually end up erring.
Selling a BMW E36 hardtop, one can easily be preoccupied by either cost or color. But the true worth is fit and condition.
A befitting hardtop must fit the car. No cracks, no unsymmetrical lines, no unfamiliar sounds during driving. Unless it closes properly, you may have wind leaks or water intrusion in the rain.
Pay close attention to:
- The state of the rubber seals.
- The fixation points and locking systems.
- Any evidence of former repair or fissures.
- Alignment when placed on the car
A hardtop that is in good condition will be like it was supposed to be there. The bad one will be reminding you of its imperfections every time you drive.
OEM vs Aftermarket Options.
And there is the reason why original BMW hardtops are not out of demand.
The OEM hardtops are E36 specific. The figure, the seal, the filling–it is all in place where it belongs. You do not need to push anything or make it happen.
Aftermarket options may be less expensive, but usually they are compromised. Minor misfitting, inferior quality materials or seals that may not be so durable.
In case you are going to retain the car over a long period of time, then an original unit is often the more prudent choice. It spares you the trouble in the future.
Color Matching: Ideal or Practical?
Preferably, you will have a matching hardtop of the same color of your car. It has a clean, factory appearance most favored by owners.
However, that is not always simple.
Many customers repaint the hard top to fit their car. Some of them deliberately select an opposing color, such as black on silver or white. It adds a different personality to the car and does not look out of place.
There is no rigid law in this case. It boils down to what is right to you.
Storage Is Something People Forget
A hardtop is one that you do not just remove and lean against the wall. It is not as light as it appears and the form makes it hard to carry on your own. Unless it is stored properly, you might get scratches, dents or even damage to the seals.
The majority of experienced owners employ stand or ceiling hoist system. It preserves the hardtop and also makes it easier to install in case you need to re-store it.
Consider where and how you will store it before making a purchase. It is a little point, but it counts a lot in the long run.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, it is almost always yes, when you use your E36 frequently. The car is more usable in various conditions with a hardtop. It enhances comfort, lessens noise and even makes the car slightly more refined. It is in most respects a cross between a convertible and a couple.
That is why the E36 hardtop BMW is still in demand to sell even after these years. Customers who sample it do not come back.
E36 is already a well balanced vehicle. A hardtop does not alter its personality it fulfills it.
It enables you to use the car in a wider range of circumstances without losing the reason behind its uniqueness in the first place.
BMW Original Auto Parts distributes authentic BMW parts, such as rare parts like E36 hardtops, to allow enthusiasts to be original and to enhance practical use.
