It seems to be a temp issue with the new tops. My original 2004 top(style 1) NEVER had the problem, no matter how dirty, cold or long it had been since I last lowered it.

The first time I tried it with the new top, it had the problem, but it was below 50 degrees. The manual says not to lower the top below 32 degrees or it might cause damage. But the newer tops must be tighter or made of tougher material so that if it has been cooler(50 degrees or less) and it has been awhile since you flexed the material, the motor has a hard time folding it into the storage area.

That's just my theories based on what has happened.

 

Did the dealer say anything.

 

never had a problem with my top not going down, but it does sometimes makes a noise like it would (thonk), but then just powers through it. haha, as long as it works right?

 

Ive never had the problem, I have dropped the top at about 28 degrees, my top is going in for replacement in a week..

 

What year is your car? My 04 never had a problem until they replaced the top in Nov.

 

I'm in the market for a 2005 350z convertible and it kind of worries me how a couple of you all said you "changed" your tops. Is there something wrong with the top that made you guys change it?

 

I wouldn't go used. It looks like the new 2007 top is a different material.

04, 04.5 and maybe 05 and 06's have the tops where the separation tends to occur at the seems.

I saw an 04 on the lot that had some Dr. Frankenstein hack sewing job done on it.

If you go new, they will replace the top for free if something goes wrong. Other option is to get a used but certified pre-owned with a lengthy warranty.

It's about $2500 to get the top replaced on your own.

 

The top on my '04 ZR has never been changed. 45k miles. That may be because I garage my car after getting to work (this is my DD) and garage it overnight @ home. I keep the top treated w/ meguires tech protect. I know I might get flamed for using tech protect on a soft top, but it has worked very well, kept the top BLACK and soft, and I have zero separation @ the seams.

 

p.s. I should have added that I have to wipe the outside of the rear window after each up/down because I get grease/polymer lines. IMHO a small price to pay for top longevity.