[Hansaplastique]

Already found one of the answers I was looking for;

"German canvas is made of a polyester blend, and the American canvas is made of a cotton blend. That is the biggest difference. As far as quality, BMW tested the American canvas for years for fading and quality, and determined that the American canvas held up to the German canvas the same. They started to use the American canvas in 1994, and continue to do so."

Also the glass window is smaller;

"The glass window is smaller than the original plastic window, so that it will fold properly."

Oh and the do not support DIY installation - it will void warranty ...