is BMW OEM wind deflector really reduces air turbulence ?

[BugsBunny]

Hi, am looking into buying the BMW OEM wind deflector. My SA (who owned a Z4) warned me about the effectiveness of the wind deflector. He told me that it does not bring much difference in terms of turbulence inside the cockpit while costing approx $500.... I plan to use it mostly on the highway (75-85mph).

I guess I am looking at some feedback from you guys. Thanks.

[tranquility]

I got the deflector as part of the 'Executive Pkg' here in Canada. It has a noticeable effectiveness vs w/o one but not sure if it is worth $500 to get it as a standalone.

[ManiacGT]

It does work... but I really only feel the difference over 60mph...

[InsanePineapple]

At highway speed you'll feel it. With it on and the windows up, I can still have a normal conversation with the passenger without shouting at 80mph.

One annoying thing is that it darkens the rear view. So if you have tint on the rear window and the top is up, it makes the rear view too dark. That is to say, I only put it on when I have the top down AND plan to drive on the highway.

[InsanePineapple]

You might look into this one as well:

http://www.roadstersolutions.com/page69.html

Not OEM, but it's clear so it doesn't darken the rear view, and it's a lot cheaper.

[jparnes1]

Def helps reduce wind turbulence. You can get a better price from one of the dealers that offer discounts, like www.bmwmercedesparts.com. Probably 25% less.

[BMWZ4RIDER]

I have the BMW OEM Deflector installed. Went for 80 MPH ride on the highway Top down today and with the windows down and the deflector in place the wind and notice is acceptable. Put the window and and at 80 MPH, the reduction in wind and noise is excellent with the deflector. This was my 1st real test paying attention to the wind and noise, top down. I would recommend the deflector.

[TitanTim]

I have the Roadster Solutions deflector and very pleased with it







Tim.

[jparnes1]

I used a solid deflector like the roadster solutions one and my experience was not good. the problem is that at highway speeds, the air coming over the windshield hits the deflector and bounces back into the cabin. On cool days I was always getting cold air blowing on the back of my head and neck. The OEM version is mesh which lets much of the air through.

[TitanTim]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

I used a solid deflector like the roadster solutions one and my experience was not good. the problem is that at highway speeds, the air coming over the windshield hits the deflector and bounces back into the cabin. On cool days I was always getting cold air blowing on the back of my head and neck. The OEM version is mesh which lets much of the air through.

I didn't go OEM as it looks fugly

Tim.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by TitanTim

I didn't go OEM as it looks fugly

Tim.

No it doesn't.

...and it's really telling why BMW wouldn't do a clear/plastic deflector, seems like a no-brainer to do that, but, obviously it's for effectiveness and safety issues that they went w/ the mesh.

[CeEl]

My car came with the wind screen, but the dealer didn't install it. Wondering if it is as useful for speeds below highway-speeds?

[STOOF]

i just sold mine a few days ago and i must say putting the top down the last few days without it sucks lol

[jparnes1]

Where you been Stoof? Long time no hear! Thought you might have sold your Z

[juhap]

Originally Posted by TitanTim

I didn't go OEM as it looks fugly

It's a matter of opinion of course.

Just because I think any solution involving double-side tape or suction cups makes a car look cheap, doesn't mean it's a fact

[TitanTim]

Originally Posted by tranquility

No it doesn't.

...and it's really telling why BMW wouldn't do a clear/plastic deflector, seems like a no-brainer to do that, but, obviously it's for effectiveness and safety issues that they went w/ the mesh.

Yes its a no brainer that I can see clearly when reversing

[TitanTim]

Originally Posted by juhap

It's a matter of opinion of course.

Just because I think any solution involving double-side tape or suction cups makes a car look cheap, doesn't mean it's a fact

Your correct and my opinion is the OEM deflector looks ugly and not in keeping with the rest of the car. I didn't say it makes the car look cheap

With regard to double sided tape and suction cups, I've had no problems with the Roadster Solutions deflector at high speeds, it looks great, safety wise you can see through it whilst reversing etc, plus its not a rip off price compared to OEM for the simple job it does.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by TitanTim

Yes its a no brainer that I can see clearly when reversing

Unless one is visually-impaired, one can easily see through the mesh. I'm pretty sure that the BMW engineers know what they are doing. There is no glare at all unlike some plastic thingy.

Like I said, it should have been a no-brainer to put something clear and non-mesh as a deflector, so the very fact said engineers decided to go the opposite route and use something else, i.e. the OEM one, means that such clear/non-mesh method is not as effective and/or safe.

Also, not sure how easily-removable these aftermkt deflectors are, that is another consideration. Don't want something glued there permanently esp during cold weather when top-down is not appropriate.

[TitanTim]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Unless one is visually-impaired, one can easily see through the mesh. I'm pretty sure that the BMW engineers know what they are doing. There is no glare at all unlike some plastic thingy.

Like I said, it should have been a no-brainer to put something clear and non-mesh as a deflector, so the very fact said engineers decided to go the opposite route and use something else, i.e. the OEM one, means that such clear/non-mesh method is not as effective and/or safe.

Also, not sure how easily-removable these aftermkt deflectors are, that is another consideration. Don't want something glued there permanently esp during cold weather when top-down is not appropriate.

I'm not sure they did when designing it as they forgot to design something more in keeping with the rest of the car Unless you have x-ray vision its impaired which ever way you look at it. For me personally the clear deflector is a much better solution. As for removing it simples, it just slides out but then you would hardly need to as opposed to the OEM deflector which looks better folded out the way. Anyways this is going off topic, I'm sure some prefer OEM whilst others prefer a better solution.

[tranquility]

^It's not impaired at all unless your eyes are wracked...and as to the 'better' way, it's definitely not the clear/plastic thingy for effectiveness and safety issues, rather, it's still OEM, like it or not.

[zibawal]

is it retractable?

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by zibawal

is it retractable?

No, remove by hand.