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2002 330Ci Convertible; ZF 5 Speed
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63 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I’ve been wondering why nobody even makes one-off hardtops, especially with the market for them?
Is it some legal thing with BMW, a patent thing, or maybe just nobody cares enough to put in that much work for something with small demand?
 

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1980 733i, 2006 m3
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956 Posts
I’ve been wondering why nobody even makes one-off hardtops...
I don't know the answer, but it would be cool. With used ones over $2000 now it seems like there is some room for profit. Do you have any ideas for design? I sure don't need back seats, so a roadster style. Or there was that Vette top in the 80s that made it like a wagon. Fun.
Heck, I would be happy with accessories for a hardtop. Roof spoiler, maybe rear window louvres.
 

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With used ones over $2000 now...
What they get listed for and what they sell for are not related. When you see them on EBay, they usually get relisted 4-5 times before the seller just gives up. The problem is of course is that shipping is just cost prohibitive. A buyer also then learns they need to fork over $300 (up $100 in just the last 6 months) for the hardware and then install it if they intend to drive their Cabriolet to the seller's location. And finally, if the color doesn't match, that's another $600 to paint.
 

· OEM ///PLUS
2003 M3 6MT Slicktop
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26,579 Posts
not really a market for it. that and the E46 hardtop is already pretty nice looking and has nice features.
as MrMcar said, the E30 hardtop wasn’t very clean looking and a company in Germany (Wiesmann) made some really nice ones. but small numbers and shipping was crazy expensive.
 

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I live where I could drive practically year round with the top down, and that's the main reason I bought a convertible. If you live where top down days are rare, and it's your only car, I could rationalize having the HT. I have one on my M Roadster, but that's because it was sold with the car when new.
 

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2002 330Ci Convertible; ZF 5 Speed
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63 Posts
Discussion Starter · #9 ·
Do it man!!! the market wants it, or at least I do
I might have to do it, I’d definitely be way over my head but it would definitely be a learning experience at the very least! I’ve just started taking CAD classes at college, so maybe I could get something rendered up one day
 

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2002 330Ci Convertible; ZF 5 Speed
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63 Posts
Discussion Starter · #11 ·
i can't believe this, please provide me some links....

2400 + 1000 shipping, EBay.


2800 local pickup, eBay, flood damaged


4000 local pickup, eBay, needs headliner redone

Good hardtops can definitely be found, but not easily. I got lucky and grabbed one for 1100 local in alright condition. There is definitely a market for aftermarket tops, should I or someone else figure out how to do it.
 
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