Power Convertible Top Adjustment

[jswalker]

I recently purchased a 328 I Convertible. When operating the power top, the top unlatches, starts to fold, lifts the back window section, and begins to lift hard cover lid of the storage area. The problem is that the storage cover lid contacts the rear window portion of the folded roof frame on the sides while it is trying to open. If I push the rear window portion of the folded roof frame away from the lid about a 1/2 inch, the cover lid continues to open and the top is lowered into its storage compartment. This rubbing of the hard cover lid against the covertible top's frame occurs on both opening and closing the top. Is there any adjustment to allow the rear window portion of the convertible top to lift an extra inch or so out of the way of the hard cover lid during operation?

[clnilsen]

I don't know the answer to this, but mine is doign the same thing. I have tried adjusting the length of the motor arms, but that didn't seem to help. I knwo there are two small shocks in the mechanism; I don't know if they could be getting old and causing the top to slack a bit.

[jswalker]

I started to read more postings at other sites about this, and they referenced the elastic tension straps. Indicating that as they get older they weaken, and are not able to pull rear window section of the top completely out of the way during the "top down process". It seems to me that the base of the rear window is actuated directly by a mechanical rod, but I am going to look at this more closely over the weekend to see if the "worn out tension strap" theory has any merit.

[LiquidBMW76]

Check this out guys it might help you figure out what parts you will need. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BK73&mospid=47477&btnr=54_0192&hg=54&fg=10

[jswalker]

I fixed it. I found that the second cross bar above the rear window can limit the retraction of the bottom cross bar frame if it is not rocking forward far enough. Apparently the elastic bands that move this top cross bar forward weaken over time. If you begin to retract the top, and stop it just as the hard cover starts to lift, you should be able to manually move the crossbar that is above the window forward a couple of inches which will then allow the bottom cross bar to move forward and the hard cover lid will pass without striking. To eliminate this manual interaction, while the top was partially open, I tightend the tension straps that run from the cross bar above the window forward by using some clamps from a fabric store. This fix remains hidden between the headliner and the roof. It works great. Total cost $2.89. Of course you can have complete new tension straps installed for $208.00 parts and $500.00 labor. Hope this helps others.

[clnilsen]

Can you post a picture of what you are describing, or a picture of the part you used from the fabric store?

Thanks!

[jswalker]

I have attached a couple of pictures that represent what I used. The ones I used were actually a bit larger. I believe they are normally used to "take in" a dress temporarily when it is too large. You can use them in a couple of ways; either as an additional help to the existing elastic straps, or by putting a fold in the existing elastic straps and using the crimps to hold it secure. Remember you are attempting to tighten the elastic between the two ribs on the top of the roof toward the back, not the one that is actually being struck by the hard cover. When you tighten the elastic between these other ribs, it will allow the bottom frame the space to lift up far enough to clear the hard cover.

[Wayne 962]

In Project 74 of the 101 book, I detail the adjustment to the linkage that you need to make so that this doesn't happen - I had the same problem on my project car. I also show all of the rebuild kits that are available for the convertible top, and the part numbers...

-Wayne

[clnilsen]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
In Project 74 of the 101 book, I detail the adjustment to the linkage that you need to make so that this doesn't happen - I had the same problem on my project car. I also show all of the rebuild kits that are available for the convertible top, and the part numbers...

-Wayne

I keep looking for it at my local borders and B&N... ihave giftcards for each so hopefully it will show up soon!

[Wayne 962]

It's going to take about a month or so for it to show up in the local bookstores. Easier just to order it here: http://www.101projects.com

-Wayne