Need help with 97 vert top operation- not working
 

My 97 top is acting up.
Top up down rocker has a blinking red light. Front bow is not lifting and closing. Motor is not working. have to crank to close. I know a couple of micro switches on the header. anyone with suggestions

Hi sjheinz,

This is a 3 series I assume? Have you tried the reset procedure? it's pretty simple. with the top closed and the car off press and hold the "top close" button. then turn the key to the second position and wait 10 seconds. The convertible top should reset itself but if the motors or anything are messed up you may hear some ugly noises.

-Matt

FIXED. took the header cover off to examine the motor and wiring. Finding a micro switch on drivers side, i decided to back test and didn't have any continuity. switch not working. Good ole WD40 soak overnight freed up either the plunger or the contacts and next AM tested ok. Reassembly with a reset has me back in business. red blinking light on up down switch now out. Darn micro switches.
Careful if you are going to try to remove the motor as those bolts have vulcanized rubber mountings and just backing off the nuts will likely break that rubber. 18mm open end needed to hold nuts underneath. proceed cautiously.

thank you Matt for your reply. This fella has made a great youtube fix.
http://https://www.google.com/search?q=reset+bmw+convertible+top&oq=reset+bmw+co n&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0i512j0i20i263i512j0i22i30l7. 24682j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_sYlhY-7iGcS10PEPxvO9qA0_41