I just picked up the car and when I bought it there was a small line of stiches on either side of the rear window that were missing, ~2" long.

Within a month that 2" line has grew to nearly the entire side and needs repair.

The rest of the top is in good shape.

Although both upholster shops I took the car to said they need to remove the top to sow the stiches back in. ~$750, 700 of which is for the removal and replace of the top.

Is there any way I could stich the top myself?
What sort of thread or needle should I use?

Not sure I understand where the repair is. But if you can get the fabric to join together, and the stitches did not tear out because the fabric was too old i see no reason to not try sewing it together. Do it with the top partially up and try to match the thread to the original. Get a nice strong needle as the canvas is tough to get through. Talk to someone over 16 at a fabric store and they can tell you what type of tread will be best. Beg or pay someone to help because if you have to climb in and out of the car to do the stiching it is going to take you forever. Dont forget your thimble. Pushing the needle through is going to hurt if you don't use one. Needle nose pliers to pull the needle through also.

I would suggest a bonded black polyester it will not dry rot like the cotton thread they use in the tops!!!!

That's the news I wantes to hear!!

Basically the window just can unstiched or they disapeared. The stiches did not rip though the fabric and I can pull the peices back together.

Should I use a curved or straight needle?

This question is for mitch...I have the same problem with the rear window becoming unstitched where can I find the black polyester? And can you go into a little detail about the process. Thanks

I used fishing line doubled up and a straight needle. needle nose pliers are a must. ive pretty much gone all the way around the window@!

This question is for mitch...I have the same problem with the rear window becoming unstitched where can I find the black polyester? And can you go into a little detail about the process. Thanks

You're in Philly - Fabric shops galore down below South Street - on 4th.
Or -BEST OPTION - Everything you could ever need for sewing -
5th & Fitzwater St - SE corner. -- again, just 2 blocks South of South St -

Didnt have a chance to run up to south street. I used black gorilla tape for the mean time screw payin the stealership to fix it ($750-$800). Once spring breaks I'll fix it the right way. Question though, it looks like you live locally. Where are some BMW meet ups around here. I'd like to meet other people with verts too get some advice on things and appreciate some nice rides.

-Tom

Yeah, I tried to have a vert meet back in sept. Had 3 people show... looks like we should schedule another one soon, maybe January?

i had the same problem and just bought a new one

I just stitched in a rear window on a friends 96' 328. Her rear window fell out complete with the zipper assymbly. So, I just stitched in a new sheet of clear plastic I bougt on-line (same quality and thickness as the OEM window). It looks factory and it doesn't leak (I sealed it with black silacone). I think the whole job cost $11.

$7 for the clear plastic

$3 for the Black Upholstrey Thread

.99 for the Upholstrey Needle Set