Has anyone replaced the cables on the latches for the boot/lid cover for the convertible. Mine will not cinch tightly so I am thinking that is the problem. Also I have to basically push down the top to compact it tightly in the storage. Anyone else have these problems or any ideas. Thanks.

Soumds like some of the parts need adjusting. Take a look at the file RAAdjustingbothconvertibletoplidlocks.pdf that can be found in this thread:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=488897#post5971922

thanks for the files

If you have a semi-auto top, I've found that turning the release handle so it lays flat helps with that. Maybe not your problem, but it makes for less "stuff" to have to be compressed in the compartment.

Has anyone replaced the cables on the latches for the boot/lid cover for the convertible. Mine will not cinch tightly so I am thinking that is the problem. Also I have to basically push down the top to compact it tightly in the storage. Anyone else have these problems or any ideas. Thanks.


I used to have the same problem. Material wasn't folding correctly and bunching up in the frame. Solution was to remove the springy rod that goes across (through) the top horizontally from near drivers window to passengers window. Straighten it out best you can, replace, and the folds will be more compact. At least that was the fix for me. Good luck.

I used to have the same problem. Material wasn't folding correctly and bunching up in the frame. Solution was to remove the springy rod that goes across (through) the top horizontally from near drivers window to passengers window. Straighten it out best you can, replace, and the folds will be more compact. At least that was the fix for me. Good luck.

yeah, mine is having that issue too. :(

i need to look at another vert to see how that thin rod is supposed to be attached. mine came loose and is causing the fabric to fold incorrectly. it can be temporarily fixed by assisting the fabric in folding properly on its way down, but that is such a hassle. :(

yeah, mine is having that issue too. :(

i need to look at another vert to see how that thin rod is supposed to be attached. mine came loose and is causing the fabric to fold incorrectly. it can be temporarily fixed by assisting the fabric in folding properly on its way down, but that is such a hassle. :(

There is a loop on the underside of each tension strap. rod goes through the loop, then into the sleeve which runs the entire width of the headliner, then through the strap loop on the other side. Here's pics, mine goes driver to passenger, though can't think it would matter. I put a little rubber cap on the sharp end of the rod to prevent top damage.

yeah, mine is having that issue too. :(

i need to look at another vert to see how that thin rod is supposed to be attached. mine came loose and is causing the fabric to fold incorrectly. it can be temporarily fixed by assisting the fabric in folding properly on its way down, but that is such a hassle. :(

Hmm not sure what (part(s)) you are talking about guys. Springy rod?

Hmm not sure what (part(s)) you are talking about guys. Springy rod?

Keep looking, you'll find it. It'll be above and four to six inches in front of the top of your head when sitting in the car. Sandwiched between the headliner and the outer skin. Half raise the top and it's obvious, as per the photos. It needs to be straight. They get an arc with age.

the pic posted is exactly the part that came loose in my car. the hardtop is on my car now, and theres another hardtop on my stand, so as soon as that one is gone, i plan on taking off my hardtop and fixing the roof so my poor 10 year old car wont look busted up when i put the top down. :)

....get an arc with age.

The metal pin or the straps?

The metal pin or the straps?

The metal rod (or pin). It keeps the headlinder taut (side to side), lined up to fold flat in the compartment. My headlinder used to bunch up in the rear side frames of the skeleton. I'd have to get in and out of the car to guide the folds. Simply removing, straightening and reinserting that rod made it all better. Now I just lazily sit and push the button.

The metal rod (or pin). It keeps the headlinder taut (side to side), lined up to fold flat in the compartment. My headlinder used to bunch up in the rear side frames of the skeleton. I'd have to get in and out of the car to guide the folds. Simply removing, straightening and reinserting that rod made it all better. Now I just lazily sit and push the button.

Ah cool. I'll check mine, although I have no problems with the headliner thus far *knock on wood*.

Well...I checked mine and it looks to have slid off the strap.

Also, I only had one on my driver's side.

So...!?

I never had problem with my headliner though.

Guys...I bought my 328 in October so I have had little time with the top being down. I am concerned when Spring arrives that I will need to do a lot of work. The pictures of the straps....mine do not look like that. Honestly...I dont see how you guys are getting into the top to get those pictures. Are you removing the headliner? Also...my cover is catching when raising and lowering. I have to use quite a bit of force to get it past the window. Its almost like my window is folding the wrong way. Any ideas????

Guys...I bought my 328 in October so I have had little time with the top being down. I am concerned when Spring arrives that I will need to do a lot of work. The pictures of the straps....mine do not look like that. Honestly...I dont see how you guys are getting into the top to get those pictures. Are you removing the headliner? Also...my cover is catching when raising and lowering. I have to use quite a bit of force to get it past the window. Its almost like my window is folding the wrong way. Any ideas????

The pictures of the straps...I opened the top maybe about half way. Straps are located directly above the front seats when the top is up. I'm not quite sure of what you're asking. Straps are between the headliner and the outer skin. All my brown rubbery crap is gone in the photo or else it would show up on top of the headliner. Whoops that's not quite right. Straps run the entire length of the top, one on each side.. The photo shows the elastic part, which is above the front seats.

Check this out, maybe it'll help you understand the straping better

Stupid me...after reading again...I thought it was just a clip, not a rod that goes all across the topliner.

I'll check that tomorrow.