July 12, 2001
By: Nathaniel Hollywood

Windscreen Intro
This article review TopDown's windscreen.  This product eliminates turbulence in the cockpit formed while driving with the top down.  I will preface this by saying I own a 1999 Z3, which I purchased new.  I used the factory windscreen, and was mildly satisfied with it; I then upgrade to this one.  Briefly, this is one of the best purchases I've made so far for my beloved Z3.  This windscreen cost $164.

TopDown's windscreen attaches to the roll hoops on the later model Z3's, on a total of 6 points, using Velcro-based fasteners. This windscreen is made of clear 1/4 inch Plexiglas.  When installed, it does not shift or rattle.  I ran my car up to 100 mph, and it didn't flex or move about.

Winglets
What's unique to TopDown's windscreen are the winglets, flaps folding out extending coverage, blocking the turbulence between the car door to the outside seat edge.  Typically, every other windscreen mounts onto the seats, which blocks only the turbulence that enters between the seats.  Therefore, occupants are protected on one side, the inside seat edge.  TopDown's windscreen with winglets prevents turbulence on both the inside and outside edges of the seats.  The winglets fold out, sealing the gap from the outside edge of the seat to the door windows.  Then, the winglets can be folded back in, so the windscreen can remain in place when the top is placed back up. All-in-all, these winglets are a great idea that really provides a lot of performance.

Performance
The biggest fan of this windscreen is actually my wife, who has long hair.  Without any windscreen in place, her hair blows around terribly.  With the factory windblocker I was used, the turbulence is still moderate, and my wife's hair still swirls around somewhat. With no windscreen, she's tolerant of driving top down for 15 minutes.  With the factory windscreen, she's tolerant of driving top down for 60 minutes.

This is the only windscreen that my wife doesn't mind driving around all day with the top down; her hair no longer swirls about.  For me, with this windscreen in place, I can talk clearly on my cell phone, hear my expensive stereo system, and cruise at night gazing at the stars out without freezing.  With the factory windscreen, I could do these activities, but to a lesser degree.  This windscreen provides much better performance, hence a better top down driving experience.

The windscreen also comes available with a high quality vinyl satchel, which I use to store my windscreen when not attached to my car.

Conclusion:
I'm glad I purchased this windscreen  It has the highest performance of all windscreen available for the Z3, it looks good, and it doesn't impede the rear view..  I would recommend this product for those considering purchasing a windscreen, or as an upgrade to the factory windscreen.  The only knock I have on this product is that it works only for the Z3's with the roll hoops.  It's a great product, and I wish it could be made available for all Z3's.