Replacing 1998 Z3 convertible top

I need assistance. My plastic window somehow got a 6-inch tear in it like someone poked a knife in it. Also, the rubber strip surrounding the window is peeling off around the corners. Is it better to try to replace the window? or replace the whole top? I see a new top on eBay for $350, which seems like a good price... is there a place that sells for less? And how difficult is it to install the new one? What's all involved? I'm fairly mechanical (retired engineer) but by no means am I an auto mechanic. The guy selling the top said it takes him about 6 hrs to install one when he does it at his shop. Does this sound reasonable?

its easier to replace the window, it zips in, the rubber is part of the window also.

When I bought my M Roadster last august the back window was pretty nasty greenish, and yucky I bought a new back window about $200.00 from a dealer in Orange County, it was a real pain in the rear to install. I did it by myself in the garage, I finally after several months bought an entire new top from Bavarian Motor Sports, just over $400.00 I think, and went to a local upholstery shop they installed it in about 8 hours for $350.00.:iceslolan

Has anyone replaced the top them selves? I just got my '97 Z3 yesterday and need to replace the top. BavAuto already has a top en route to me.

Look in the yellow pages under automotive upholstery I had mine done here in San Diego very good job for $300.00 out the door. It took them about 8 or 9 hours and that's their specialty. I wouldn't try it at home.

I took my car to 2 different 'top' people and they said its too warn out to just replace the window. So any recommendations on what type of top to get?