For most of the 3 Series, BMW's first convertible line, the BMW convertible top was crafted from a durable German Sonnenland canvas. The first BMW convertibles, from the late 1980s, used a manual conversion method, but power tops were introduced in 1991. Both manual and power-driven BMW convertible tops included a large, plastic rear window, which was sometimes tinted green.

Different Materials for BMW Convertible Tops

Replacement BMW convertible tops are available in a variety of materials. The closest match to the original Sonnenland canvas is an American canvas called Sonnendeck. Sonnenland canvas tops used a tight weave surface fabric over a butyl rubber core, and Sonnendeck tops use similar construction, including a "dobby" weave in the interior of the top, for the closest approximation and an authentic look and feel.

A slightly cheaper alternative to Sonnendeck is Stayfast canvas. By using a canvas outer layer, Stayfast provides the look of more expensive tops, but at a better value. Besides BMW, it is commonly available for some convertible Porsche and Mercedes autos.

An alternative to canvas is high-quality vinyl. Many convertible tops, whether aftermarket or original, use durable vinyl in their construction. BMW convertible tops are available from custom auto and automotive interior shops, including online vendors.