Replacement Top for 1991 318iC?

[Zonker92]

Newbie here, no luck with a search:  My dad recently gave me his old, salvage-titled 318iC as a third car, because his knees are going out and he can't shift any more.

I like it fine but have no plans to sink much money into it; it's not worth much.  The top's getting kind of ratty and the rear window's very cloudy.

So anyway, how much is a new top for one of these things, and how hard is it to replace it yourself?  Does anyone sell good generic replacement tops?  Thanks.

[PS.  Tried to upload pix, but no joy.  Not sure why since I was within the size limits.]

[tampa e30]

BMW recently had a price adjustment on all parts and tops from the dealer go for $2000+ now (was around $850 6months ago). I just ordered a replacement top from Bavarian Auto for $600 and it will arrive on Monday. From the research I have done this top is second only to the OEM top and is a perfect fit. This is where Bavarian Auto gets there tops http://www.gahh.com/ There are three choices of canvas from the manufacture. After speaking with them directly I went with the Sonnendeck Canvas and was told to avoid Stayfast Canvas.

There is a video you can buy that is easy to follow for top installation, but I am having mine installed. I here it is not a easy job.

Hope this helps.

[tony92ic]

I ordered mine from world upholstry.

http://www.worlduph.com/bmwtops.htm

I am very happy with the top. I actually ordered  a cheaper vinyl version (like you get on mustangs, doesn't look like they carry it anymore). Looks fine, works great, is easier to clean than the canvas and was less than $300. The cabrio is my 3rd car as well so most of the time I leave the top down and if its not nice I drive something else. I drove it for 2 years nearly daily in the summer with no top at all. (At about 30mph all the rain goes over the top of the car. Stop lights suck. In heavy rain the wipers will push a little water over the top of the window into your lap.)

I bought a how to replace your top tape specific to the e30 on ebay for about $10. Looks somewhat straight forward. I do remember you need a hand rivet tool.  In the end though I had an upholstry shop do it for about $400. (After 2 years I realized I was never going to get around to it.) They also replaced the straps in that price, so I don't know what they used, but the top guys wanted $250 just for the straps.

3 years and no problems.

[Cobra Jet]

http://www.worlduph.com/topbmwinstructions.htm

[Zonker92]

Wow.  No replies and suddenly great information.  Thanks, guys!  Now on to my next thread, in interiors ...