My dilema: My Hardtop contact bushing for the HT is broken. The contact bushing for the body(the part that goes on the car itself) is good. This is the OEM part number:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BK93&mospid=47479&btnr=54_0184&hg=54&fg=15
#33 or PART #54218163055
-Now BMW-NA makes the other contact bushing(this is for the HT) into:
#31 or part #54218160149

Now my lock mechanism which is #31 is good, but the bushing is broken. I don't need the whole lock replaced. I "believe" the HT bushing is a seperate piece from the lock but here in the US you have to buy the WHOLE part -ask me how I know(I've gone to 2 seperate BMW stealerships and neither sells the HT bushing seperate).

Now being how everything is computerized they bring up the electronic schematic for the HT and see the same thing we (consumers) see. I had to plead with 1 stealership to have a mechanic come verify the part...The other 1 wouldn't do it cause they say BMW mechanics aren't allowed 2 leave their garage (BS how do they sleep or eat:mad )...n e way I think its a seperate part.

I just would like to know if ANY one has come across this problem. This is a fragile piece incorporated INTO the HT locking mechanism because its is what makes the electrical connection for the HT to get the lights & rear defroster to work. But due to the fact the HT is removable (prone to bumps, transfering, etc) this piece is more susceptible to being broken, AND it CAN be removed seperately from the locking mechanism. (meaning even if u can't get the lights/defroster to work you should still be able to lock down the top)...With mine the lights are dim and flicker because the passenger side is still good. Knowin this i don't turn on the interior lights for chance it might cause an eletrical spike/problems.

So for #33 BMW charges $30 including tax, for #31 they charge $165 minus tax. I can almost see paying $30 (already did proving my theory). But I can't stretch that $165+ for JUST a bushing...

N e 1 please aid in my quest to find this piece...I could fab a new piece out of the broken pieces, BUT it could be broken again. :help

I will try and take pics 2night

OK folx after searching the BF I found the part in question. :thanks: Palomino for the pic.

I, TIA, n e one who can provide some assistance. Again I need the driver's side.

Pelican Parts shows $29.50 for the part.


http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=54218163055&I1.x=7&I1.y=8

Pelican Parts shows $29.50 for the part.


http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=54218163055&I1.x=7&I1.y=8

UmMm That's what the dealer said, but it isn't. I been there- 2 different dealers. It's not the same part like the 1 I showed. THAT particular piece is part of the install kit for the CAR. F36 72 105 _ #2 (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8509704&postcount=4) <--This is what it lQQks like. If u lQQk in my 1rst post I thought it was the same part as well, but when it came in from the dealer it deff wasn't the piece I needed.

The part I list(and need) isn't showed on the pelican/oem. Its part of the HardTop, BUT it IS a seperate piece tho.:(

I think there are numerous Euro pieces the US didn't get ;)

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were saying the dealer was requiring you to buy both of those parts.

I think you're looking for the black plastic piece with the 2 electrical connectors that is part of the locking pin assembly. Without taking it apart, it looks like it probably sits on a 'ledge' on the pin so I'm guessing you'd have to remove it by disassembling all the pieces above it. Not an easy task to fabricate a replacement part yourself (and I'm big on that myself), but if it's broken anyway may be worth a shot.

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were saying the dealer was requiring you to buy both of those parts.

I think you're looking for the black plastic piece with the 2 electrical connectors that is part of the locking pin assembly. Without taking it apart, it looks like it probably sits on a 'ledge' on the pin so I'm guessing you'd have to remove it by disassembling all the pieces above it. Not an easy task to fabricate a replacement part yourself (and I'm big on that myself), but if it's broken anyway may be worth a shot.
:clap that is exactly the piece I'm talking @bout!:alright

I am sure I could build a better piece than BMW. There's alot of pieces on the HT that were broken when I bought it. This 1 is the most annoying because the rear window fogger doesn't work without the contacts touching. Its a common piece(I would assume) to get broken because of its delicate design.