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| Article Breakdown
|
May 23, 1999
By: Robert Leidy
| Pros: | Better visibility, Good at blocking wind, Cost, Blocks/reflects sound, Makes installing the boot cover easier |
| Cons: | Blocks access to rear storage area (for those without the subwoofer), Blocks access to the area behind the rear console when the top is up. |
| Cost: | $85 includes shipping (from www.roadster.8m.com) |
My first Z3 was a 1997 1.9, and one of the first "accessories" I wanted was a windscreen to cut down on the amount of back draft that was hitting the back of my head. My desire for the windscreen was greater than my patients when I learned that BMW's windscreen was available in Germany but not in the US. Even the Atlantic ocean could not keep me away from that windscreen, I had a Z3 owner in Germany purchase the windscreen from his BMW dealership and mail it to me.
Once that 1st windscreen was installed I was forever a windscreen fan. However when I traded in that 1997 1.9 for a 1998 3.2 the old windscreen wouldn't work with the new Z3 because of the roll-hoop rollbars. BMW had a new windscreen for the roll-hoops, so without hesitation I purchased the new BMW windscreen when I ordered the car. The new design didn't stop wind as well as the original design but it was good enough and since the only other alternative was no windscreen at all it was a easy purchase decision.
I've spent over a year with the BMW roll-hoop windscreen, and I have to admit that a year later I'm concerned about the amount of wear the BMW windscreen is showing. In some places the black material has faded to a yellowish brown, it appears to be sagging in the middle and the single support rod that runs inside the top of the windscreen has torn the material in a couple places. It still functions as well as it did when it was brand new but it is starting to look worn and ugly (at least to this owner).
As luck would have it another windscreen option opened up for me. A Z3 owner named JD was contemplating purchasing the BMW windscreen, but there were some aspects of the BMW windscreen that he didn't care for. After a discussion on the Z3 message board JD set out to make a clear Plexiglas windscreen on his own. When word spread of his clear windscreen plans several other Z3 owners expressed an interest in his efforts. One thing led to another and now JD is in the windscreen business. After watching the $100~$150 BMW windscreen wear over the first year I decided to try JD's clear windscreen.
