Convertible top not working

Tiny
REZA GH
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BMW 323
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Hi,

My convertible top is not working. The fuse is fine, motor seems to be fine, but I think the previous owner disengaged it somehow.
Is there a manual for me to check everything step by step?
Many thanks.
Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 10:49 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

We use online manuals offered by Alldata.com and Prodemand. Here is a link that shows how to go about purchasing a manual.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-repair-manual

Do me a favor. Try this initializing process to see if it resets it. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

__________________________________________

Initializing EM convertible top after emergency release (convertible top unlocked)

Connecting up drives:
Both drive units are unlocked and access in trunk is not possible (electrical forced locking of trunk lid).

Picture 1

Open side windows.

Turn central handle and raise convertible top over dead center point, microswitch (S4) cuts in (convertible top not overstretched).

Picture 2

Raise clamping bracket into upright position.

Picture 3

Open convertible top cover manually and store in convertible top box - micro-switch (S3) cuts in (convertible top stowed away).

Picture 4

Close convertible top lid (closing brackets must locate in locks on left and right sides).

Picture 5

Have second man press down convertible top lid in center (1) and right side (2) until microswitch (S6) (electronic forced locking of trunk lid) engages and trunk lid (3) can be opened.

Caution!
Convertible top lid and trunk lid must not make contact with each other when opening (risk of damage).

Picture 6

Installation:
Before engaging the drive units, push unlocking lever fully back (Bowden cables fully retracted). If necessary, raise the seat.

Picture 7

Removing left luggage compartment trim,

Push motor (A) for convertible top drive upwards, engage and allow to locate.

Note:
In tooth-to-tooth setting (motor cannot be engaged), press down convertible top gently and engage motor.

Picture 8

Pull motor (B) for convertible top lid drive inwards, engage and allow to locate.

Note:
In tooth-to-tooth setting (motor cannot be engaged), press down convertible top lid gently and engage motor.

Close luggage compartment lid.

Initialization without diagnosis:

Prerequisite:
Convertible top stowed in convertible top box and drive units connected up.

Turn ignition lock into "0" setting.

Move convertible top switch into "open" position and hold down.

Turn ignition lock into "R" (radio setting) setting.

After approx. 10 seconds, the convertible top lid starts to close.

Picture 9

Convertible top switch can now be released and initialization procedure runs. Initialization is completed approx. 0.5 seconds after the convertible top lid has finished closing.

Note:
The initialization sequence can only be interrupted by turning the ignition lock into setting "0".

Now completely close the convertible top (perform function check).

Picture 10

Initialization with diagnosis:

Prerequisite:
Convertible top stowed in convertible top box and drive units connected up.

Initialization, refer to BMW diagnosis system.

Emergency actuation of convertible top:

Open side windows and left door.

Push left front seat forwards and fold down.

Note:
No-one must be sitting on the rear sitting on the rear seat at this time.

Picture 11

The release lever is located at the left under the rear bench seat in position (1) (rest position). If necessary, lift up rear bench seat.

Pull release lever forwards with grip into position (2) until both drive units disengage audibly.

After being released, the release lever returns to position (3).

Caution!
When drive units are disconnected, only drive with convertible top closed (it is then not possible to lock the convertible top lid).

The convertible top lid and convertible top can now move freely.

Installation:
Before engaging the drive units, slide release lever fully back into position (1) (engagement not otherwise possible) and allow bench seat to reengage.

________________________

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 5:59 PM

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