Convertible top not working properly?

BHAMDOC1973

MEMBER
2006 BMW 325
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
129,000 MILES

Bought it with the top issue, the top was closed, I found out the front latch motor was broken, replaced it, now it works, but not like it should. Opens fine even though a bit slower than it should. When it's time to close the rear lid opens like it should and the top starts to move very slowly. If I keep my finger pressed sometimes it will raise and close but it will take minutes and minutes, most of the time the motor will keep running but the top stays where it is at, about 10 inches above its resting point, then if I help it a bit it will rise, again slowly, but that is the heaviest point in its rise, is the I itial part. Fluid in the trunk motor is full. This is a soft top convertible.

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,462 POSTS

That sounds like a bad pump or a cylinder with internal leakage. Both would cause that problem. There is a pressure test for the pump but for some reason it isn't shown in our service information. I suspect that is something that is dealer only access, BMW likes to do that. I see you were on the E46 forum as well.
You might want to try https://www.tophydraulics.com/content/45-bmw-e46-info
They have some pdf files showing how the system is put together and offer rebuild services for the components. Just sit down before you look at the prices!