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Thread: Official E36 Convertible Top Thread

  1. 07-30-2005, 09:55 AM #1
    bigbris1 is offline Back in the game
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    Official E36 Convertible Top Thread

    Searches only render tidbits so I decided to share some info a fellow member sent me regarding the E36 convertible top.
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  2. 07-30-2005, 09:57 AM #2
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  3. 07-30-2005, 09:58 AM #3
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  4. 07-30-2005, 10:04 AM #4
    bigbris1 is offline Back in the game
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    I have one more relating to the emergency release procedure but it is too large to attach here.
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  5. 07-30-2005, 03:51 PM #5
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    thanks great post please email me the big one when you have time
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  6. 07-30-2005, 03:57 PM #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigbris1
    I have one more relating to the emergency release procedure but it is too large to attach here.
    I'll host it. I'll email you through the forum. Reply with the file and I'll have it hosted.

    EDIT: Hosted.

    http://www.sqbimmer.com/dump/RAIniti...topunlocke.pdf
    Last edited by SQ Bimmer; 08-04-2005 at 01:41 PM.
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  7. 07-30-2005, 04:12 PM #7
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    I'm also looking for liner and top removal procedures so I can install the new straps I just ordered. If you have those that would be great. Thanks again for all the great information. These should be posted in the DIY thread as its lacking any vert info.
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  8. 07-30-2005, 08:54 PM #8
    bigbris1 is offline Back in the game
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    No prob.

    I just finished trying to reset my top again. When I do the reset procedure while the top is up, it opens all they way & the lid locks but it won't come back out.
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  9. 07-30-2005, 11:08 PM #9
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    Thanks for the post. I know it will come in handy in the future for my vert.
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  10. 07-31-2005, 05:01 PM #10
    geiz is offline Member
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    This is good stuff! Thanks!
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  11. 08-04-2005, 03:08 AM #11
    aak740il is offline Member
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    More info on convertible top

    I appreciate all of the pdf files concerning issues with the convertible top's proper operation. I would like to know how the hooks that go into the windshield can be adjusted. I also need more instructions on how to change the straps/tensioners. Thanks
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  12. 08-04-2005, 01:14 PM #12
    SecondBimmer is offline Member
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    If I could get those sent to me that would be great too.

    Especially a DIY PDF on replacing the top and or straps.

    any others that are too large to post or attach I'll take as well.


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  13. 08-04-2005, 01:42 PM #13
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    That last PDF file has been hosted, link found in post #6.
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  14. 08-04-2005, 02:21 PM #14
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    how much is a new top

    I am going to have to start looking for a new top for my car. I was wondering how much they cost with and without all the parts (so just cloth vs. cloth and parts). Also I am having a problem with mine currently, it is a manual top and when I go to close it the top wont go far enough for tooth on the passenger side to slip into the slot. The pin slips in but the tooth is to far back, is there anyway to adjust how the top sits?
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  15. 08-04-2005, 06:51 PM #15
    bigbris1 is offline Back in the game
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    Quote Originally Posted by Remmero
    I am going to have to start looking for a new top for my car. I was wondering how much they cost with and without all the parts (so just cloth vs. cloth and parts). Also I am having a problem with mine currently, it is a manual top and when I go to close it the top wont go far enough for tooth on the passenger side to slip into the slot. The pin slips in but the tooth is to far back, is there anyway to adjust how the top sits?
    If you are talking about the lid latch there is a pdf file on the top that explains how to adjust it. Mine was the same way until I realized that the cable was obstructed. Now it slips in like butter.
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  16. 08-07-2005, 09:11 PM #16
    Young328 is offline Member
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    Great post on convertible top

    Hi!

    Thanks for the great post! I am having problems with my top and thgis gives me a place to start. The BMW repair place wanted to start with replacing both motors and then see what happened. Is there a way you know of to test the motors for the convertible top?

    Thanks again,
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  17. 08-07-2005, 11:03 PM #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Young328
    Hi!

    Thanks for the great post! I am having problems with my top and thgis gives me a place to start. The BMW repair place wanted to start with replacing both motors and then see what happened. Is there a way you know of to test the motors for the convertible top?

    Thanks again,
    I wondered the same thing. The way I tested both of my motors was to open the top slightly, like you would on a semi-auto top to fold it down & then I did the reset procedure. The top folded away like normal so I knew both motors were good. My problem was microswitch related. I think if you do the reset procedure it will work partially even if you have a faulty microswitch somewhere.

    I replaced the lid latch/lock with the microswitch on the passenger side & now it actuates the trunk lock. I have to play around with it some more to make sure everything is working properly.
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  18. 08-25-2005, 08:26 AM #18
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    I though I'd add this DIY it's for an E30 top but very simlare to an E36 top replacement. I sure wish I could find something more detailed but no luck so far.
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  19. 09-11-2005, 08:24 AM #19
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    oops, didn't see this thread and I posted here instead in my old thread regarding total open/closure

    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=351931

    I hope you guys can help and maybe have suggestion for my earlier query in the thread

    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=351931
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  20. 04-08-2007, 11:59 PM #20
    warlok is offline Member
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    hi every 1 well i just found this thread since my top went crazy last nite, I try to reset the motors
    the first motor was easy to re-engage but im having a really hard time trying to engage the motor that moves the lid
    any tricks to reset this motor
    on a 323 ci 99???
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  21. 06-12-2007, 12:51 PM #21
    richardjjs is offline Member
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    Great help thanks - Replacing straps on fully automatic Top

    You say - Fold sides of top up but how do you do that

    What do you remove

    Many thanks

    Richard
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  22. 06-12-2007, 01:17 PM #22
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    Curious: Why is the official convertable top thread not in the official Convertable sub section?

    not to be an ass or anything..
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  23. 06-12-2007, 01:41 PM #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Maj.Malfunction View Post
    Curious: Why is the official convertable top thread not in the official Convertable sub section?

    not to be an ass or anything..
    LOL I was wondering too.

    There's actually still people that have not found the e36 vert specific sub-forum....
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  24. 05-19-2009, 07:01 PM #24
    gusgarcia257 is offline Member
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    thank you i think these pdf are going to help me thanks again.
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  25. 08-03-2009, 04:41 PM #25
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    1999 M3 E36 Vert plastic window and Mechanic in San Diego

    Hi All,

    Just picked myself up a 1999 M3 vert for pennies and reset the top by myself (very proud considering I can hardly open a can of tuna).

    A few questions for the crew:

    1. San Diego people: do you have suggestions on a good mechanic? I need some basic preventative maintenance (2 belts, replace flex joint, one power steering hose). Got quoted in around the $600s for the three items...

    2. The plastic window is gross and needs to go. I know shops will replace with BMW part for like 500 bucks, the whole top for over $1000, but I hear upholstery shops will custom fit a new window. Anyone have a good San Diego shop for that?

    Thanks a bunch!!

    A
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