I respect people like you! Great way of explaining things and you taught us something critical and life saving! Many thanks man! I wish you can make more tutorials on the E46 Convertible
Thank you so much for this. Noone wants to address that issue and it is sometimes a issue. Again thant you so much. You definitely made my world a little calmer.
Man your video saved my life yesterday. I knew my gear was on its way out, but it gave up the ghost yesterday when I was trying to leave work. It was so bad the top wouldn't completely close or open. After a quick trip to Home Depot for an extended 30TX and 3 minutes later I was able to latch the top and make it home. Previous to finding this video, it was thought that if the gear breaks and you close the top, you have to cut the metal liner that covers the motor and gain access to change the gears that way. I honestly don't know why someone hasn't mentioned this method before.
Thank you so much for posting this video ! Most helpful video ever ! I really needed this ! Been looking around and asking a lot of people and now finally thanks to this video I can do this my self
sure , the socket i used to stick in the hole is the same size as the tool that comes with the car for the latch motor, you can use a 5mm or 3/16 -I have only seen the sockets on tool trucks
Hello, I have a 650i convertible. The small rear window started lower on its own. One day it rained, so I used the hex tool to raise it because it wouldn’t move when I used the switch on the door. While doing so I noticed a little smoke coming through the hole. Fast forward, the window will not lower at all. Also, since then there’s a strut mount issue. I can’t replace the strut mount without being able to raise the top. Obviously, the window not lowering prevents me from doing so. Any suggestions? Thank you.
I’m trying to use 27 one to open, but it won’t turn. I’m afraid to over rotate and ruin the screws. Is there anything I can do to get those screws loosen up little bit?
When i insert the hex tool in the hole and try to turn it can only do about 1/3 turn then becomes way harder to turn and i dont want to force it. Do you what might be the problem? Please help, thank you.
If your Allen key doesn't open or close the latch after you've fixed your latches, then you may want to open up your latch motor and check the gears. They're made of plastic and break. That's what I needed to do.
When I’m using that hex too loosen the latch on each side will it raise the top from the windshield as I loosen that ? The problem I’m having is that Allen key is stripped out inside the middle so I have too try this method I’m just wondering
OMG! you are a Godsend! Thank You! My roof wouldn't close. I will need darn near the whole assembly. lol The plastic pieces on both sides that hold the bars together broke. I used some JB Plastic Weld to hold the pieces together and the tool you suggested to close the roof. Now I can at least drive around until I can get it fixed.
hi, I have always used a torx 27 with the exception of a few rounded off ones where people may have tried to use a torx 25 i had to hammer in a torx 30
SPECIAL THANKS To Thomas at south florida auto recycling(ft lauderdale) for allowing us to film the video at the junk yard , all euro parts new and used call thomas 954-318-7888 tell him youtube sent you
@@giomalanga yes! If the Allen Key Bolt just turns and doesn't move the latches, then it's a latch motor gear. You need to open up the latch motor, and replace the gear. It's pretty simple actually. BMW made it with plastic so that it's quiet when the latch motor is moving, however it'll break. I recommend getting a metal one. On eBay search "E46 convertible latch motor repair" you'll see the gears there. I recommend getting the one that comes with two, so that you can replace the second gear that is also plastic.
If You need parts please visit wholesalepartsexpress.com and select the year make model of your vehicle to see whats available - should you need assistance or if you can't find what you are looking for please feel free to email me david@wholesalepartsexpress.com
So I do appreciate you making this video...but my left latch broke just like this in the video.. the left side is stuck shut. I did remove the strip/panel and come to fine out there is no hex inside the hole. I have no idea what to do.. because I was going to put a new $700 top on the car but if my left latch is stuck shut I might as well just sell the car. I'm so upset with this top. I will never ever own a convertible bmw.
Man this was two years ago but you’re still a life saver
I respect people like you! Great way of explaining things and you taught us something critical and life saving! Many thanks man! I wish you can make more tutorials on the E46 Convertible
Thank you very much for this valuable info ! It helped me out Blessings
my man i legit been struggling with not doing my struts because of this thank you
Thank you so much for this. Noone wants to address that issue and it is sometimes a issue. Again thant you so much. You definitely made my world a little calmer.
Man your video saved my life yesterday. I knew my gear was on its way out, but it gave up the ghost yesterday when I was trying to leave work. It was so bad the top wouldn't completely close or open. After a quick trip to Home Depot for an extended 30TX and 3 minutes later I was able to latch the top and make it home. Previous to finding this video, it was thought that if the gear breaks and you close the top, you have to cut the metal liner that covers the motor and gain access to change the gears that way. I honestly don't know why someone hasn't mentioned this method before.
Awesome video. Great content, to the point, with no terrible music. thanks
Thanks ,not a fan of the music either or the long drawn out jibber jabber..short sweet and to the point!
My latch still will not open😢
Thank you so much.....been searching all over for this fix. Much appreciated.
Thank you so much for posting this video ! Most helpful video ever ! I really needed this ! Been looking around and asking a lot of people and now finally thanks to this video I can do this my self
Man you are the best!!!! Thank you !!!
Thanks🙏 my neighbor and I have the problem now I know how to solve it thanks again really appreciated
Thanks for posting the video. Can you tell me more about the long tool used?
sure , the socket i used to stick in the hole is the same size as the tool that comes with the car for the latch motor, you can use a 5mm or 3/16 -I have only seen the sockets on tool trucks
also the gears can be bought here- www.wholesalepartsexpress.com/product/1999-2006-bmw-e46-convertible-latch-gears-repair-kit/
www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3521451
Thanks you
Thanks super advise
Thank you very much. How long should this 5 mm hex should be? I need to buy one.
I wonder if anyone can answer this question? does this trick work with the E36 convertibles as well?
Mine is stripped on both sides. The Allen key on the windshield comes all of the way out when you try to loosen it.
Did you ever find a solution?? I have the same issue
Thank you! Does this apply to the E36 Also?
Hello, I have a 650i convertible. The small rear window started lower on its own. One day it rained, so I used the hex tool to raise it because it wouldn’t move when I used the switch on the door. While doing so I noticed a little smoke coming through the hole. Fast forward, the window will not lower at all. Also, since then there’s a strut mount issue. I can’t replace the strut mount without being able to raise the top. Obviously, the window not lowering prevents me from doing so. Any suggestions? Thank you.
I’m trying to use 27 one to open, but it won’t turn. I’m afraid to over rotate and ruin the screws. Is there anything I can do to get those screws loosen up little bit?
When i insert the hex tool in the hole and try to turn it can only do about 1/3 turn then becomes way harder to turn and i dont want to force it. Do you what might be the problem? Please help, thank you.
If your Allen key doesn't open or close the latch after you've fixed your latches, then you may want to open up your latch motor and check the gears. They're made of plastic and break. That's what I needed to do.
Life saver
When I’m using that hex too loosen the latch on each side will it raise the top from the windshield as I loosen that ? The problem I’m having is that Allen key is stripped out inside the middle so I have too try this method I’m just wondering
What did u do same for me
Can I use this method to close it? Thanks
Only my driver side latch is releasing using this method. I've unscrewed it (T30 NOT 5mm allen) from both sides of the vehicle. Ideas?
How to close if stuck last foot
I haven't tried it yet . I want to say Thank You !!! in advance.
ok , if you need the gears or the latches let me know
OMG! you are a Godsend! Thank You! My roof wouldn't close. I will need darn near the whole assembly. lol The plastic pieces on both sides that hold the bars together broke. I used some JB Plastic Weld to hold the pieces together and the tool you suggested to close the roof. Now I can at least drive around until I can get it fixed.
Seon Simmons ok great , I have all the parts if interested 8882418277
@@wholesalepartsexpress9666 hey do you still have these pieces? I need to fix mine
Thank you thank you thank you thank you
Amazing trick, thx
Do you turn left to open the it??
How about if I want mines to close.... Mine won't lock
Just turn the work opposite direction
Will this work on a 2006 650 convertible?
watching other vids they say torx 30 screw. in this vid you say 27torx screw. im confused
hi, I have always used a torx 27 with the exception of a few rounded off ones where people may have tried to use a torx 25 i had to hammer in a torx 30
anyone know why my motor wont unlock the latch?
SPECIAL THANKS To Thomas at south florida auto recycling(ft lauderdale) for allowing us to film the video at the junk yard , all euro parts new and used call thomas 954-318-7888 tell him youtube sent you
Got the bit into the hole and turned it all the way. roof still stuck closed...
Ameterasuu same for me its stuck only on passenger side don’t know why
@@matthewoliveira5369 gonna have to take my m3 in...
Ameterasuu ??
@@matthewoliveira5369 I'm going to have to take my M3 i to the shop to get it fixed professionally.
What’s that 5mm extention tool called exactly? Having Issues with that please clarify
It's a 5mm hex or Allen socket, I think the 1 I used was 3.5 inches long..you can buy it at lowes or home depot
Will this open a e36 the same way? Can this be used to close it as well?
I have the same question
I need to close mine it gets to final step and won’t close, also my Allen key bolt doesn’t work at all
Did you figure this out? Mine doesn't open with the Allen key. Idk if it's the the latches or the motor.
Johnny Meza did you solve it? I have the same
@@giomalanga yes! If the Allen Key Bolt just turns and doesn't move the latches, then it's a latch motor gear. You need to open up the latch motor, and replace the gear. It's pretty simple actually.
BMW made it with plastic so that it's quiet when the latch motor is moving, however it'll break. I recommend getting a metal one.
On eBay search "E46 convertible latch motor repair" you'll see the gears there. I recommend getting the one that comes with two, so that you can replace the second gear that is also plastic.
Johnny Meza damn man, you just saved my life. Thank you!!
@@giomalanga no problem, don't forget the white lithium grease to lube up the gears.
Can close the top after doing this ? Thanks
thats what I'm wondering lol
any updates on this?
If You need parts please visit wholesalepartsexpress.com
and select the year make model of your vehicle to see whats available - should you need assistance or if you can't find what you are looking for please feel free to email me david@wholesalepartsexpress.com
So I do appreciate you making this video...but my left latch broke just like this in the video.. the left side is stuck shut. I did remove the strip/panel and come to fine out there is no hex inside the hole. I have no idea what to do.. because I was going to put a new $700 top on the car but if my left latch is stuck shut I might as well just sell the car. I'm so upset with this top. I will never ever own a convertible bmw.
Where can i find this 5mm X ?
Sears ,took truck oreillys...hex or allen key is what it is called ,not x
Wholesale Parts Express thx alot appreciate
Its works only one side the other doesn’t want to open ?
@@matthewoliveira5369 chances are that the side that didnt open has a broken latch ...try to operate it from that side
Wholesale Parts Express on the passenger side the lach its stuck there doesn’t want to unlock i don’t know if i have another option to open it