Hey guys, I am a proud owner of a CPO M3! And needless to say I am everybit as satisfied as I hoped I would be. So many years of dreaming and investing, and the day finally came!

Well enough of my rant, I will probably save that for the new member hangout threads, the question I have is that are there any local products (IE. kragen, autozone, target etc.) that is sufficient in cleaning and protecting my convertible top? I've read several threads in this forum and have read the autodetail link that someone embedded in one of these threads and what they suggest was the 303 aerospace protectant, the raggtop protectant, or something from the dealer, now I don't mind picking some of those things up, but I was wondering if there was something more accessible. Also aside from the dealer protectants, is there a retail store that carries the other convertible cleaning/protecting products?

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

Rode & Schwalenbert Gmbn. (Germany) the world leading manufacturer of automobile convertible tops exclusively recommends Harrtz RaggTop Cleaners and Protectant. Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, these cleaning kits consist of two products:

1. Cleaner to remove soiling, stains and atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials. The best cleaners are formulated from low-pH (low alkalinity) and gentle enough for repeated use over years. They will rely on proteins and enzymes for their safe, but effective, cleaning power.

2. Fabric protector to re-proof and preserve fabric tops from the effects of water absorption, surface soiling and staining, and provide a sunscreen from UV radiation and subsequent fading. It has the best UV protection of any product on the market, and it repels dirt, grease, and oil. It doesn’t make your vinyl top glossy or greasy-looking. It will have the natural matte sheen of new vinyl.

(Available on-line or at larger Car care shops)

Alternative product- this is the fabric protector recommended by Glen Raven Mills (Sunbrella) and the Haartz Corporation, 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellence and stain repellence to factory new levels. It stops leaks, resists soiling and impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun's harmful UV rays.


(Available on-line or Boat Shops)

Thanks for your input TOWGT, but I've actually read that guide somewhere already, I was going to order the convertible top care kit from autogeeks, but what I was looking for was something more local. I am located in southern california, and was looking for shops that might carry the cleaner and protector on hand so I would not have to order it.

You mention a good point about the boat shops though, I am indeed going to give them a call but I was thinking if the fabric tops on the M3 comparable to boat fabrics and the last thing I want to do is use something thats harmful on my M3

Yea, try the marine shops. They often carry the 303 line, but you may have to order some of the products. AutoGeek is a sponsor and they are good to deal with, so you might consider buying from them.

Typical Fabric Top Composition:
Twill Fast™ II by Haartz, a three-ply composite comprising:

100% acrylic twill weave outer fabric
An electrometric twill weave inner fabric3. A homogenously dyed polyester / cotton dobby weave lining fabric

b) Fabric tops:
Fabric convertible tops (mistakenly referred to as 'canvas') are considered to be the best. These are not vinyl or canvas, but a laminate consisting of several components, a top layer of a solution-dyed acrylic textile, a middle layer of butyl rubber or urethane, and the poly-cotton headliner.

A Fabric top comprises a multi-layer composite outer fabric, an inner layer and dyed polyester / cotton-lining fabric, the acrylic textile is very UV resistant...that's why it's used in this application. However, it has no inherent soil resistance; it is only water resistant, not waterproof. These breathable fabrics are made `water repellent' by a chemical treatment process during manufacture. It repels (beads) water, resists soiling and impedes mildew formation.

The materials used on a convertible or a boats bimini top are almost identical as are the products used fo there care.

Detailing a fabric top- http://www.detailersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3910&page=2

Currently I use 303, I may try Raggtop when I run out

Is the 303 a cleaner or a protectant? If its a protectant I might head over to a outdoor/marine shop and pick that up instead of the kit.

Convertible Top Kits
303® Fabric & Vinyl Tonneau and Convertible Top Cleaner and 303® High Tech Fabric Guard (Protectant)