Removing California top on 318 TI. Pain?

[playing_through]

I'm looking at tackling this job, but it looks like a real pain in the ass. I'm tracking down the cause of a leak. Could somebody check their Bentley E36 manual and see if there's any info specifically relating to the "California" top? It's a great big canvas top that retracts almost to the far rear of the roof. (OEM) Thanks!!!

[Wayne 962]

I've only seen one of these ever, and thought it was the most curious thing. Don't know anything about it though...

-Wayne

[Drews323i]

I can tell you there is nothing in the Bentley manual about the "peel back". I have not checked the ETK/HTK? Good luck..


1980 323i
1994 325i

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I've only seen one of these as well. From what I understand they were only available one year and were prone to leaking.

[playing_through]

Well, that just happens to be the problem I'm having with this one....leaks. However, I don't think it's the roof's fault. There are four holes at each corner of the car where the top slides back and forth. I think that over the years, they have become clogged with dirt, sand, etc, and they're not allowing the water to drain as quickly as it should. Consequently, the water backs up the "A" pillars and "C" pillars until it finds a hole and leaks into my interior. I'm pretty sure I have the front holes cleared, but I can't reach the rear holes without removing the roof. It doesn't appear to be an easy job, as there isn't even an apparent place to start removing screws, etc. It looks like I'll have to remove the entire headliner first. (Not looking forward to this one).

[Drews323i]

That sounds like an undertaking. i had a leaking sunroof in my e30. had to clean out the drain holes as you described. it was not fun, even with just the sunroof. good luck.


1980 323i
1994 325i