Yes, I have found the two adobe pdfs on this topic and have reviewed them until I was blue in the face. Needless to say, for those of us who are a bit slower than the rest, the illustrations are virtually useless. Would someone be willing to shoot photos of the hardware installed relative to the car so I can see where to even begin trying to install these items when they arrive?
Sorry to be the snail of the bunch, but I just can't visualize where the hardware goes when I am looking at my car. Is the main mounting hardware location just behind and to the outside of each seat under a rubber cover? I think I get the part where it mounts to the windshield. Also, can I get the long torx tool from a local hardware store? Thanks.
The Hankster
I have some pics I can post up after work. Someone will probably get em up sooner though.
T-40 wrench with long handle. Don't buy from the rapist that sells them on ebay.
The install is very straightforward. You will need to remove these two foam trim pieces (PITA every time I've done it) and bolt the rear brackets in their place.
Alignment is a bit more work. I am still waiting on my alignment gauges so I can do the job right. I have a slight air leak right now, and I haven't been able to adjust it away.
Vinci, is the air leak at the front of the hardtop?
cnigizbleevng, pics would be most appreciated! Thanks.
The Hankster
Yeah. Passenger side. The driver side is sealed nicely, but I can't seem to shift anything around enough to tighten up the tiny gap on the passenger side. It doesn't seem to be enough to let water in (tried spray bottles and garden hose), but it still howls above 35MPH.
When you're getting the air leaks in the front, the best remedy is to get the hardtop positioned a bit further forward. You can loosen the two bolts on each rear metal bracket and shift the whole bracket as far forward as you can--then retighten them.
If that doesn't work, removing the small metal plates from the front of the hardtop (under the cast iron 'sockets') will in effect lower the front lip of the top and seal it as well.
As far as where the foam spacers are, you can see them in these images. Remove the foam pieces and the metal brackets will install in that area. Note on the drivers side pic the piece is a plastic/foam combination in those cars that have the hydraulic softtop. Its foam like on the passenger side in older years.
Last edited by cngizbleevng; 01-27-2009 at 10:58 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Stuff. I got stuff.
Hey Terry, try lowering the rear a bit, see if that makes the front seat better, your HT looks kind of high in the rear.
Since you have a 96, you will need to do some electrical work for the defroster switch. Look in your fusebox to see if you have the red relay
Your hardtop installation kit should contain these items
You also need the pre-99 power switch
Most of your work will involve removing the rear console and seat belt tower trim to get to the power cable which is under the carpet in the softop well
Look inside trim panel hole in the rear of the center console to see if your car has the power supply for the defroster -if you have the red relay in your fusebox, then it is probably there. It will be wrapped in black foam tape and will match the pre-99 power switch that you hopefully ordered in addition to the hardtop mounting kit. Once you unwind the brown power line you will notice that the black three hole plug does not match the socket in the wiring harness in the installation kit. You have to make a splice into the power harness using the three small electrical prongs that came with the installation kit
Attaching the hardtop mounts is pretty straightforward once the foam pieces are out of the car. There are three mounting points per side but only bolts supplied for two
this is the passenger side bracket installed
Once you've made the electrical connections, attach it to the driver's side bracket using the supplied connectors. Make sure you've reinstalled your driver's seat before inserting your key and testing the connection with pre-ignition or else you will trigger an ABS light
Once these connections are made, the initial top fitting is really a matter of trial and error at the four mount points. There is vertical and fore/aft adjustability at each point and unfortunately you just have to keep fiddling to get it right. Unless you have at least one, preferably two patient and strong backed helpers, consider getting a hoist to raise and lower the top while you make adjustments. Sorry I didn't take too many pics of that phase of the install. PM me if I can help in any other way
Last edited by KBH22102; 01-29-2009 at 10:10 PM.
Kelvin
Nice info there, KB! Good contribution.
Just a public thank you KBH for the time and willingness to post this. It is very much appreciated!
The Hankster
Great job KBH, Im gonna have to cut and paste that one into my Z files for when i get home to the CONUS to put my HT that awaits me on!
Most of this post is only relevant to owners with cars that have manual tops (pre-98, or is it 99?) If you have the electrohydraulic top, then all the power connections are already there from the factory and you don't have to take apart the rear console
Kelvin
Guys, so since I have a 2000, electric top M roadster, all i need is the top and a defroster switch?
The brackets and all that stuff is already there?
Unless a hardtop was previously installed on your car and still has the brackets, etc., you'll need a kit or at least a minimum of the necessary parts to be able to mount the top. Most of the wiring necessary will already be there.
Thanks, now I'm searching for the PDF's...can't seem to find anything. Where are these that everyone talks about?
Initial install instructions
http://bimmerfest.com/forums/attachm...8&d=1183088553
First fitting instructions
http://bimmerfest.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1146498801
This old KBH22102 thread has a lot of good info in it. Follow the link in post #11 for a list of part numbers. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1130773Guys, so since I have a 2000, electric top M roadster, all i need is the top and a defroster switch?
The brackets and all that stuff is already there?
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