l purchased a new Mk4 mx-5 icon at the end of August and I’ve noticed some issues with my roof that the dealer suggested was normal. I’m not so sure so could do with some advice.
At around 40mph onwards I am getting some wind noise in one specific place, at the fold area just by my right ear, which then increases the faster I go. At 70 it’s pretty noticeable, again, only at that exact spot. Not excessively loud, just excessively noticeable. The dealer test drove it and said no unexpected noise, suggesting the level I am experiencing is normal for the car. Also the roof is beginning to develop slight sag/ripple effect when the roof is up, visiable on the outside, as if it’s not pulled tight enough across the centre axes where it folds. Again, the dealer suggested this was as expected.
Ive not had a soft top before, but after driving for only 12 weeks or so, I didn’t exact these issues, let along to be told they are normal, espe as these issues were not evident at the tine of purchase.
Is the noise with the hood up or down? I get the impression that it’s with the hood up! Any chance of a photo (don’t ask me how) of the hood up with it’s “sag and ripple”?
The roof noise is when up, at the section above the ddrivers right ear, as seen in picture. The roof noise is not excessively loud, just noticeable and annoying at speeds beteeen 40-70mph. Some Facebook users have discussed roof sag and noise too, just wonderingred if anyone has raised the issue with a dealer?
Hi Lawl. Well I’ve checked my ND over, like you it’s my first soft top, I’ve compared it with your photos and come up with the following suggestions:
A) Noise - I don’t have the problem but looking at your photo the rear section of the trim you’ve highlighted is not as well aligned as it is on mine where the front and rear pieces are flush and level with each other, so that could cause turbulence and noise.
B) Roof ripples - When I look closely I can see some in a similar position to yours, maybe not quite so evident, but there. I put that down to the difference in tension in the hood material in line with the fixing points, and that which isn’t, not something I’m worried about though.
It does look a tad misaligned but so does mine. Wind noise is a fact of life with a soft top and a soft top will never ever be as quiet as a tin top. It may be that you are just not used to it. Like Roadster Robbie says, see if you can get a drive in another ND. If it is appreciably better and the roof joint is better aligned then it would be worth the dealer having a look. If not then as the dealer says it is probably typical of the car.
I have owned a number of soft tops over the years including a caterham and a 60s lotus. Rag tops are generally quieter with the roof down than the roof up an the ND is no different. Even so, in comparison, I have been surprised how noisy the ND is with the roof up. You could wipe the seal with some silicon spray to try and increase the sealing and this may reduce the noise a bit. Or just drive everywhere with the roof down unless it’s raining!
As mentioned it may not be taut enough, perhaps you could try an application of sealant ? Not noticed any particular noise with ours and it compares favourably (sound wise) with our Saab vert. Many convertibles suffer from creases at the folding points which may cause added noise!
Hi Mate, I’ve also got a new white Icon. Think any noise is just normal for a small rag top. Had three Mk 3’s the last being a 2.0L Sport. Now that hard noisy ride would drive you mad, if you were a perfectionist, as I suspect you might be? Just compared my top with your photo’s, they look pretty much the same. Had’nt really thought about it being a problem until I read your mail. Still don’t think it’s a problem, unless your roof is leaking. It’s also a bit too new for the drain holes to be blocked. I certainly wouldn’t be trying to fix it myself eg: sealants etc. You have a three year warranty… use it! An MX5 is not a Ferrari or Porsche, it’s a driving experience, a bit noisey and with some flaws, but worthwhile. Enjoy it and stop looking for perfection. Good Luck