convertible power top woes w/ my 91 325ic.

joetekk · 09-01-2003, 01:39 PM

So as of this weekend, I'm a happy owner of my first ever BMW (1991 325ic). It's a great car and I'm thrilled...

My only problem in this purchase is an outstanding issue w/ the power top: it does not move the top up/down, it's just making a clicking sound as if it's jammed or off track.

This morning I spent some time digging thru the entire system... turns out one of the mechanical gear systems in the back (specifically the one that lifts the lid, not the one that moves the top) is not engaging right, the motor gear doesn't align w/ the mechanism when it's engaged, and there isn't a way to adjust it.

So... looks like I'm gonna have to buy a new assembly, and I'll probably just do both so I have piece of mind.

But a convert to the manual system, eh? I'm open to that... anyone care to comment?

I'd really appreciate some advice from anyone that's seen this ordeal before.

Cheers,

Joe

blw · 09-02-2003, 05:54 PM

I currently own a completely manual E30 convertible, and have previously owned both a semi-auto Z3 and a fully-auto E46 convertible. The powered ones are a LOT more convenient, and I think you'd miss having the semi-auto system if you converted back to manual. (BTW, sure you have a '91? I'm pretty sure that the auto systems arrived first in 1992.)

Jared at Pelican Parts · 09-03-2003, 12:18 PM

Thats what im thinking too. I havent seen an E30 with a electric top. Every one I've ever seen has been manual.

joetekk · 09-03-2003, 04:30 PM

Well, it's a power top y'all -and a 1991, not 92. I think I read somewhere that it was an option in 91 and then in 92 it was standard.

Never the less, it looks like my current objective is just to get the motors replaced. And I expect it to be pricey...

Any suggestions on where I should turn? Can Pelican get these parts?

J.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 09-03-2003, 04:32 PM

Can you get a part number off the assembly?

joetekk · 09-03-2003, 04:40 PM

This is all I can see on one of the motors (the one that lifts the lid/cover):

BOSCH (058)
FPE 12V O 130 821 281
made in Germany
5434-1385 102.9
4 169

...and then on the back of the motor it says:

KIEKERT
BMW 54.34
8 106927
15109

Regards,

J.

rzrbk8 · 09-17-2003, 03:40 AM

Hello! My E30 has a power top, it being a '92 convertible. I can't say that it is a real convienent thing though. It is nice for putting the top up, but for putting it down, I still have to get out and make sure the top is folding right (specifically the rear window). I also had a problem with an adhesive oozing out from inside the top comartment and getting on the window - something I see that I am the not the only one judging from looking at other convertibles of the era. My simple solution is to cut small pieces of terry towel and put them over the area that oozes and then I don't have a mess on my window anymore. I just change out the terry pieces every once in a while so they don't soak through.

bertible · 09-17-2003, 10:47 PM

The yahoo Cabrio club has dozens of threads on this problem. My own 87 is manual, but it seems those with power have nothing but problems (or like a doctor, maybe we only hear about the sick ones).

Since I don't have power, I don't know how to disconnect, but I understand that it's fairly simply done by disconnecting some arms/levers/elbow-bones. Once you find out the price to replace a motor, I think you'll probably think manual is not too inconvenient.