2017 and this video is STILL very helpful! Just used it to manually open my top and hold down the cover so I could get at the 20Amp fuse in the boot/trunk. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you for this video - it's awesome - but has anyone seen a video for a 2005 330ci? I have no lever that I can fine and though I see an allen wrench I have no clue what to do with it or if that is even what people are chatting about - mine is stuck down and I need to put it up.
Hey Millertime, your the best. My husband and I saw your video for the convertible top and you saved us so much money. I'd like to give you a big kiss for all your help. Thanks again.
I so glad to hear this!!!! I'm also glad that you found my video in time :) Too often people find this AFTER the repair is done. Just for laughs, call BMW and ask how much to fix it.! ! !
The first time i watched this i was like ok easy, There are no other videos as good as this one iv watched it 25 times now and i final got it working!!! Thanks dude!
@AX732 OK, I know what's up. You need to put a towel between the tonneau cover and the trunk lid. Then you need to have someone try to lock the top motor into place while you move the top mechanism at the same time to align the cogs with each other. I am able to move the top with my left hand and snap the motor into place at the same time. But try it with someone this first time. (I like to push the top mechanism lower while "clicking" the motor into place. Then, attach the tonneau cover motor!
Hi Zach my car is bmw e36 1999 fully automatic soft top, LED light is blinking Red on switch i've reset motors done all steps like on your video but still blinking red,please any idea why is doing that? Soft top was keep down all winter,i was using hard top but now removed. After removing hard top i press the switch and windows star going down intermitently and soft top not moving then i done all you saying but still not working. Help me friend
Yes, this is a common problem. You and perhaps another person may need to push the top deeper into it's compartment while simultaneously pushing the motors into position. This is a common case of the motors and their teeth not being fully aligned. Try this process and let me know if it doesn't work. Good luck.
It shouldn't matter UK/US. IF you have two motors like my car does in the trunk the re-sync should be the same. For each motor you can't re-engage, try to move the part (top or tonneau cover) ever so slightly. may take two people for this I"m 6'2"-188cm so I can reach everything by myself. Hope this helps, Zach
On which motor? I am guessing the top motor and not the cover motor, correct? You will need to move the top further into the storage compartment. This will allow the teeth to fully set into place! Good Luck, Zach.
Never use pliers! You may strip the gear and they don't sell them individually! Have someone gently move the top up or down ever-so much while you try to push the top motor into place. Then Engage the tonneau cover motor!!!
Only pulling the lever will release the motor allowing the top to fully stow into the tonneau cover. Then lock the motors back into place to hold everything together. Good Luck!
The cog gear might be stripped out. Try looking at the teeth of the cog on the motor located in the trunk off center slightly to the left, not the one located behind the tail light.
@3871Ryan I would try unlocking all of the motors and then try to fully open and close the top, see if it binds at any point, let me know what the result is. Good luck!
@bmwe36conv1 The tension straps have become too long and now the top will not full raise in order to let the top stow correctly. They need to be replaced if possible. Zach
lower the top by hand re-engage the motors push the "RAISE/UP" button HOLD BUTTON Turn the key two clicks forward and wait until the top fully closes. Smile :D Good luck
@Slowalkin88 This reset video should take care of that, make sure you have a good battery when doing this to make sure the computers dont go screwy. :D Zach
@packhusker its a micro switch problem. check to make sure yours are not broken using a "volt meter" to see if they register "open and closed" Good luck, Zach.
Hey I have a question I have a 1998 323I bmw just got it a few days ago, the guy I bought from told me it was manual as in it didn't do it automatically I'm finding out he was lying or telling the truth anyways how would I found out if it works ? Where are the switches in the front located and back cables switches thanks a lot
Wonderful video. More info than anywhere on the top. I want to give you a big thanks also, because my top broke while driving across the country about a year ago. I was able to access the internet from the KOA and find out how to manually run the top from your video. Thanks!
Thanks for a very well documented description of this procedure. You no doubt have saved people hundreds of dollars at a time from not having to go to the dealer.
Thanks resolved my problems , when i took of my hardtop , the top wasn't working and was about to go to a electrician to repair it thinking it was a dead motor but i was just my mechanic that must have push that lever (>_
Hello Zach, Would you happen to know, or can you recommend anyone who might know; How to adjust the main top rod & tension bow rod? I have a 1997 328i btw, you have great videos. from watching them I was able to synchronize my convertible motors. thank you,
millertimebmw hi mate iv checked my motors and they r working fine manually roof opens but in my witch wen I press no red light no movements can u help thnx
Hey Zach! I loved your video. My father and I are trying to fix our top for our e36 Bimmer. You made his video when I was just 8 days old lol. Anyway, thanks for the video!
Mohanad Alkhashtee Hello! If you've tried this and nothings worked. As you said, check the fuses and then check to make sure the top motors are fully "seated/inserted". If not that, then the switch is my next culprit. Email if I can help further ! Good luck, Zach
Great video, I was wondering if anyone knows if both motors are fully engaged, and the storage lid moves up, but the fabric top will not go up with some assistance and the motor begins clicking, without moving what this may be? Entire top and straps are new, but not sure if the motor is working or broken?? Ideas?
Please make sure you have pushed the motors all of the way in. Sometimes the top will not fully resync itself . It may also cause the teeth of the motors to strip so please check tat the motors are fully seated as it may be extremely difficult to find replacement teeth/ cog's for the top motors. Good Luck.
hello, great video . i have a fully automatic roof and it is up . the tonnaeu cover wont open for me to go through the procedure to reset everything . i have tried with the trunk lid closed and released the top from the windshield with the tool all the way and still cannot get the lid up. any ideas?
hi, I have bmw cabrio with top problem. I have red thing under my back seat too.. (like in 1:20) so can I use my top without button of top??? If I can use without button of top you my make realy happy:) Best regards from Turkey!
Hi MillerTimeBMW. I have a problem with my e36 convertible. The back end of the top hits the cover on the way down. I have uploaded a video with my problem on my channel. I cant seem to find a DIY video showing how to fix it. Do have any idea about how to fix it?
Hey when i bought my e36 323ic 1998 a couple weeks ago the cable that goes into the roof motor was twisted up and broken, is there anyway to open manual? the lack under seat seems stretched so that wont be no help. any ideas?
a lot of helpfull info but i have 328ic and my top blinks red next to botton and its cloused and i cant open it any more i think becouse i touched that think under sit let me know what up if you know thanks
@craigheyworth Hi Craig, I Think what's happening is one of two things, either the gears are not fully engaged in the back (strip, broken, etc). Or a microswitch is not responding and it's telling the motors that the cover is still open, so even though it's shut the gears still try to turn. Check the engagement of the gears first and let me know the outcome! Good luck!
Having issues with my fully automatic roof on my RHD 1997 e36 328i convertible I have done the reset procedure by disengaging both motors and putting them both back in while the roof is down. The problems which im facing now is when im pushing the close button on the roof the button does nothing at all, it just flashes constantly What we have checked *Fuse 49 has no power *fuse 7 fuse 35 fuse 42 fuse 43 are fine *The RHS of the Tonneau cover requires alot of pressure to trigger the microswitch meanwhile the boot is openable at all time.
@marcoenlasvegas If you can pull the lever under the rear seat and then "jumper" the connector that goes into the micro-switch. it will allow the trunk to open. Be careful it doesn't hit the trunk/tonneau cover!! Good luck!
@TJ1997ification it is an allen key, located on your tool kit. Remove the cover and then crank the key to release the hooks from the top of the windshield and then reset the top as shown. good luck!
HI Zach, i can re-engage the first motor, and can see the second motor/trigger and wire, but can find anything behind, you know where you put your fingers behind the section on the second motor? What should I be feeling for? the tonneau cover is definately not moving anywhere when I attempted to take down manually? My vehicle is E36 320i convertible (1996) I appreciate your replies and help, im just finding it frustrating a bit at the moment and you know when you HAVE to solve something! ;o)
$270USD to look at the roof? Wow, that's expensive. Well if the boot wont open I think that microswitch might have a problem (the one I used a weight to "fool" in my video. When will you know the result? Cheers. Zach
The cog motor teeth is stripped. Do you know of a quick fix to this or do I have to buy an entirely new motor? They are quite expensive. Thanks again for all your help.
In the trunk on the left hand side you will feel the motor and you can see the black latch, try to manually pull the latch that the cable attaches to! Good luck! Zach
My 328ic is 15 years old, but only has 79k miles on it. The top has been giving me problems lately, starting with the rear cover bumping the top when I let the top up. I tried your solution and it worked for a couple of times. Now I can't hear the motor turning when I press the switch. Is it time for a new motor? Have you ever had to replace one? Wondering if I can do it myself. Thanks!
@millertimebmw yep works all good open my top today what it is on my 97 is you need to pop lastick and take a drill and open it manual and then follow this person
Hey guys. I set my SRS airbag light off cleaning my carpets, now my convertible motors dont work. Anyone know if the airbag SRS fault causes the convertible top to not function?
Good stuff! But will this work for taking the top down too!? My BMW recently went up and only hooked one of the two latches on the top. Now it's stuck with only on latch hook. For what reason not sure. If you have any ideas I welcome them. Thank you (:
Hi, and thanks alot, at least I know what everything does now... only problem is that my tunnel cover is rooted to the spot when I try to take down manually, i have done checked everything else.. but no joy with tunnel cover... cheers john
@headsetguy2 It may not have released fully. you will know then the top moves freely. Try to pull the lever again and move the top a little. good luck.
Do the 99's come with a manual top?I looked at a used one today and it had no power switch, and had a latch in the side of the back seat to open the rear compartment. I thought all the later 90's models were electric...any idea
Zach, great vid.......everything works fine except the top will not go down to latch at the windshield like the manual screw will spin but nothing is happening to go down manually had a new top put on and the guy ran it to far up manually and it acts like it is disengaged and fails to come down....your vid makes timing easy and it all works except for the last 6 in, HELP Randy
I do convertible top replacement and now and them we get this problem and we loose money to the dealer. No more thank to you. I really appreciate this video it definitely help me. Gracias Amigo!
couldnt seem to re-engage the second motor, put hand behind it like vid, couldnt find anything... Im in the UK, does this make a difference model wise.. current heatwave over here, so need to sort it fast!
I have a 97 328ic with the fully automatic top and we followed this procedure, both motors clicked back into place without issue but nothing happens when we try resetting by holding the buttons...any other suggestions? Hoping it's some other easy fix or an extra step we are missing...
@braycolekris Thanks for the comment, try to pull the motor in the whole way and then manually lock the clip into place. (The clip is what is attached to the cable). Good luck!
Have have anyone have a problem with top not working and red light flashing, trunk not opening, and motors working when you press to open or close and motor desingage not workin. Please let me know 1999 323i Thank you..
Zach, A year ago and the tonneau cover had some problems, not being able to go up completely causing the roof to hit the tonneau. I tried re-syncing the motors, but the tonneau motor would not go in. I took the car to get fixed but just yesterday it failed again. It was able to close, but after that it started making a loud noise that sounds like a jackhammer. I tried to resync it again, but the tonneau motor will not re-engage it still has about a millimeter to go. What can I do? Thanks!
Hey great video but I have a question. The rear motor, the one for the cover, when I go to push it back into place it doesn't move. I mean it doesnt budge in any direction, and when I feel in there, it doesnt feel like the gear can just slide into the hole, it feels like its down by maybe 2mm. Do you know what would cause this or how to fix it? Also if I try to put the top back up manually, the front portion of it does not extend it stays bent. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
no red lever...its electric normally and my gf got us locked up...Some kid was able to open it for us with the cost of my convertible not moving or even hearing a sound from the back...i looked under the seats theres no lever just an allen wrench a button and a place for the allen that does nothing. Im tryin to find a cheap way to do this because in knw bmw will cost and arm n leg
Lol, actually Butthead, It's wiring schematics you have to deal with, but thanks. Some people wouldn't even consider some of the obvious hints and tips like "Brown is Ground" on BMW's. Automatic or not, it's a pain in the ass and we were all here for one thing at one point in time. (I know you weren't just watching this video for shits, and neither was I.) Respect it or keep it shut. :D
Did anyone think to make a video or guide for those WITHOUT automatic tops??? Jesus! I have a 1996 318ic with a MANUAL TOP! None of this bullshit applies, and luckily I'm mechanically inclined. non-automatic tops have a release on the inner rear passenger panel, and DON'T have the red release bullshit. message me if you need help with this, and thumbs up this for those who are aggravated as I am and need to know how to solve the problem.
Hi Zach....Thanks for the very informative video. Recently, I put the top down with a towel folded between the fold of the plastic window to keep it from scratching. When I raised the top, the towel slid into the top storage area and the boot closed over it while the top raised and closed normally. Now the top cover will not open. I disengaged the motors by using the lever...but I can't get the top cover to open. Could the towel be jamming a latch or something? Please help...thanks.
@millertimebmw Thanks, I just found out what the problem was. I f you freeze the video at 4:57, you see the black rod about 6 inches long and has a hole in the end and bent to about 15 degrees, well it's loose and not connected to anything. I cant figure out where it connects to. I think it's the rod that flips up the cover so it should connect to the motor but I don't see any studs to connect it to. Thanks again.
***Hold the roof 'DOWN' button to reset,,, 'Not' close!!! I've fixed my e36 323 Full auto roof Twice now!! :0) Follow all the steps but hold 'Down' to reset the roof, not up! 30-50 seconds till cover actually moves & locks back down,,,once finished hold Close and Hey presto!!!! :0) My roof cover failed to open & on holding close first it opened out of Stnc!? Don't know why it's different to Video, mines a 98 E36 full auto roof 323.. Thanks a lot for the video! you saved me many £££ ;0)
car 97 bmw 328i, fully automatic top problem- my top is up, won't come down when i push down the conver-switch, 1-i can hear some motor runing, and front come un-hinge 2-mean while windows goes down half way and stop. 3-top start to bend at the 1st joint and stop 4-nothing happen, i let go the switch, start blinking red after your video pull E-release, tunnel cover won't come lose, open trunk i see the 1st motor hanging down try to push it in like you, didn't go in side motor ok please help
Hey Zach, Battery died recently so I had it boosted and then put in a new battery. Motors were never disengaged. Now my windows go down intermitently when holding down fully auto top and the top doesn't start retracting. I hear the alternator working hard intermittently (every 3 seconds it tries again). Checked fuses. Anything else I can look at? Thanks for answering everyones questions! BMW wants 500$ for a full diagnostic.
Thanks for your quick reply, the motor was going in all the way but the clip wasn't keeping it in: realized the cable was pinched under backseat. That part is OK now & lid motor is staying put, but the tension straps may need replaced. I can get it to go back OK but the top goes back then the top hits the lid & I have to hold it away so it can get past it. Would be a pain but I can still use it now to go back in. SEE post #2
2017 and this video is STILL very helpful! Just used it to manually open my top and hold down the cover so I could get at the 20Amp fuse in the boot/trunk. THANK YOU!!!
2022 and still helpful. Bought my first project car….
@@CrazyE32 same
DUDE THANK YOU FOR THIS VID . I THOUGHT MY TOP WAS BROKEN FOREVER .
After 2 and a half years, my roof functions again thanks to you. so happy.
Dude, Man! you've saved my life. you totally hood me up with this video! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this.
0:37 A wasp in on his head. and he didn't give a shit. I would've flipped on cam.and it would've been funny
Thank you for this video - it's awesome - but has anyone seen a video for a 2005 330ci? I have no lever that I can fine and though I see an allen wrench I have no clue what to do with it or if that is even what people are chatting about - mine is stuck down and I need to put it up.
Hey Millertime, your the best. My husband and I saw your video for the convertible top and you saved us so much money. I'd like to give you a big kiss for all your help. Thanks again.
I so glad to hear this!!!! I'm also glad that you found my video in time :) Too often people find this AFTER the repair is done.
Just for laughs, call BMW and ask how much to fix it.! ! !
The first time i watched this i was like ok easy,
There are no other videos as good as this one
iv watched it 25 times now and i final got it working!!! Thanks dude!
@AX732
OK, I know what's up. You need to put a towel between the tonneau cover and the trunk lid. Then you need to have someone try to lock the top motor into place while you move the top mechanism at the same time to align the cogs with each other. I am able to move the top with my left hand and snap the motor into place at the same time. But try it with someone this first time. (I like to push the top mechanism lower while "clicking" the motor into place. Then, attach the tonneau cover motor!
Hi Zach
my car is bmw e36 1999 fully automatic soft top, LED light is blinking Red on switch
i've reset motors done all steps like on your video but still blinking red,please any idea why is doing that? Soft top was keep down all winter,i was using hard top but now removed. After removing hard top i press the switch and windows star going down intermitently and soft top not moving then i done all you saying but still not working. Help me friend
Yes, this is a common problem. You and perhaps another person may need to push the top deeper into it's compartment while simultaneously pushing the motors into position. This is a common case of the motors and their teeth not being fully aligned. Try this process and let me know if it doesn't work. Good luck.
It shouldn't matter UK/US. IF you have two motors like my car does in the trunk the re-sync should be the same.
For each motor you can't re-engage, try to move the part (top or tonneau cover) ever so slightly. may take two people for this I"m 6'2"-188cm so I can reach everything by myself.
Hope this helps, Zach
On which motor? I am guessing the top motor and not the cover motor, correct?
You will need to move the top further into the storage compartment. This will allow the teeth to fully set into place!
Good Luck,
Zach.
Never use pliers!
You may strip the gear and they don't sell them individually!
Have someone gently move the top up or down ever-so much while you try to push the top motor into place. Then Engage the tonneau cover motor!!!
Thank You for instructions ! Now I can reset my car top !!! :)) Halleluja
Glad to have helped!
Thanks a bunch! This helped me fix my soft top that wasent working when I bought the car! :)
Only pulling the lever will release the motor allowing the top to fully stow into the tonneau cover. Then lock the motors back into place to hold everything together. Good Luck!
The cog gear might be stripped out. Try looking at the teeth of the cog on the motor located in the trunk off center slightly to the left, not the one located behind the tail light.
@3871Ryan
I would try unlocking all of the motors and then try to fully open and close the top, see if it binds at any point, let me know what the result is.
Good luck!
@bmwe36conv1 The tension straps have become too long and now the top will not full raise in order to let the top stow correctly. They need to be replaced if possible.
Zach
lower the top by hand
re-engage the motors
push the "RAISE/UP" button
HOLD BUTTON
Turn the key two clicks forward and wait until the top fully closes.
Smile :D
Good luck
@Slowalkin88 This reset video should take care of that, make sure you have a good battery when doing this to make sure the computers dont go screwy. :D
Zach
@packhusker its a micro switch problem. check to make sure yours are not broken using a "volt meter" to see if they register "open and closed"
Good luck, Zach.
Thanks again for the 4th time !
Hey I have a question I have a 1998 323I bmw just got it a few days ago, the guy I bought from told me it was manual as in it didn't do it automatically I'm finding out he was lying or telling the truth anyways how would I found out if it works ? Where are the switches in the front located and back cables switches thanks a lot
Does the car make any other noises?, it sounds like a micro-switch isn't telling the computer that the top is fully retracted.
Zach
The red car in the video has been fully rebuilt and I will post up new videos as soon as I get it back from the paint shop!!!!
In this situation the motor is not fully "engaged" and it's just skipping teeth. Check the motor and let us know!
- Zach
mabey your cable isn't connected anymore. try opening the trunk and releasing it by hand! Its the motor to the left. :)
Is it the compartment motor? Or Top motor? You may need to move the top and the motor a little to align the motors.
@AX732 I think it may be a bad micro-switch, please check the ones showed in the video for continuity, good luck!
open and close the tonneau cover lid just a slight bit. then the motor should be able to click back in. Good luck
This video help me fix my Bmw e36 328i (1999) fully automatic top and save me lots of money.Thanks Millertimebmw
Is your switch working properly? In my case it was not, everything else was fine but the switch. Good Luck!
This is because the top must be connected to "suck"/ latch down the tonneau cover.
Reset and let us know!
:)
Wonderful video. More info than anywhere on the top. I want to give you a big thanks also, because my top broke while driving across the country about a year ago. I was able to access the internet from the KOA and find out how to manually run the top from your video. Thanks!
@PartyPondOfficial
Please check to see if the motors still work by supplying them power. Good luck!
@Awesome15000
Did you try this reset process? Please tell me what the results are!
Good luck!
@tiwana6330 To be honest I have not tried this. It is possible. I'm eager to hear your results!
lol, I wish it was that simple, I have a fully auto top and the latch motors don't work, seems I have the same problem as nitejrny
My top is stuck closed.. is there any way I can open it?
Dallas Medlock gamer is it fully automatic? Have your resolves he issue? If yes how?
@@1234neden I have an e36 fully automatic and the top won't go down😞
Same here.. any resolved issue for that ?
@@MadMaxOn2 yes my top is down now and back working as normal
@@MadMaxOn2 ua-cam.com/video/gtfTpSiNztE/v-deo.html
I just purchased a 328i 1997 and I'm having top issues. I will try your repair tomorrow morning.
Thank you so much for sharing.
@dtmpowerboss What happens after the resync? Does the top go into the tonneau cover?
@a36rod The top motor may not be connected or the motors might be bad. Good luck!
Thanks for a very well documented description of this procedure. You no doubt have saved people hundreds of dollars at a time from not having to go to the dealer.
Bought one myself today. Very happy man now. But it has also problem with roof, haven't tried this yet but hope it works.
@roflkaken Do you have the "turn-handle" above the wind shield as in my video?
You have tried to resync the top? What if any actions or noises occur? Cheers
Thanks resolved my problems , when i took of my hardtop , the top wasn't working and was about to go to a electrician to repair it thinking it was a dead motor but i was just my mechanic that must have push that lever (>_
it might not be exact but each maker has similar ways to reset them!
Zach
Thanks so much fam you helped me get my top up in the freezing cold
@Hien1186
Did you remove the top from the windshield with the wrench?
Hello Zach,
Would you happen to know, or can you recommend anyone who might know;
How to adjust the main top rod & tension bow rod?
I have a 1997 328i
btw, you have great videos. from watching them I was able to synchronize my convertible motors.
thank you,
I can help you to do it, send me a message and we can work it out.
millertimebmw hi mate iv checked my motors and they r working fine manually roof opens but in my witch wen I press no red light no movements can u help thnx
I'm going to try this myself tomorrow! Who needs a repairman when you have these awesome vids!! You make it look so easy!
Hey Zach! I loved your video. My father and I are trying to fix our top for our e36 Bimmer. You made his video when I was just 8 days old lol. Anyway, thanks for the video!
Fantastic!!! Haha
Let me know if I can be of any more help!
Hey Zack, thank you for your video
My question is what if nothing happened when you try the same procedure?
All fuses are good
Mohanad Alkhashtee Hello! If you've tried this and nothings worked. As you said, check the fuses and then check to make sure the top motors are fully "seated/inserted". If not that, then the switch is my next culprit. Email if I can help further ! Good luck, Zach
millertimebmw which fuses have to do with the top?
Great video, I was wondering if anyone knows if both motors are fully engaged, and the storage lid moves up, but the fabric top will not go up with some assistance and the motor begins clicking, without moving what this may be? Entire top and straps are new, but not sure if the motor is working or broken?? Ideas?
You fix My problem . Im very greatful! Have a import 325 cabriolet and tunnel cover wont close after Pulling the wires. Thank you again
Please make sure you have pushed the motors all of the way in. Sometimes the top will not fully resync itself . It may also cause the teeth of the motors to strip so please check tat the motors are fully seated as it may be extremely difficult to find replacement teeth/ cog's for the top motors. Good Luck.
hello, great video . i have a fully automatic roof and it is up . the tonnaeu cover wont open for me to go through the procedure to reset everything . i have tried with the trunk lid closed and released the top from the windshield with the tool all the way and still cannot get the lid up. any ideas?
hi,
I have bmw cabrio with top problem.
I have red thing under my back seat too..
(like in 1:20)
so can I use my top without button of top???
If I can use without button of top you my make realy happy:)
Best regards from Turkey!
Hi MillerTimeBMW. I have a problem with my e36 convertible. The back end of the top hits the cover on the way down. I have uploaded a video with my problem on my channel. I cant seem to find a DIY video showing how to fix it. Do have any idea about how to fix it?
@TubeUx
Can you remove the top from the windshield and reset the top and let me know if it helps!?
Thanks ,Zach.
millertimebmw what's the email so I can send you a video of what I have done but my trunk will not latch at all so that means I can't open the top.
Hey when i bought my e36 323ic 1998 a couple weeks ago the cable that goes into the roof motor was twisted up and broken, is there anyway to open manual? the lack under seat seems stretched so that wont be no help. any ideas?
a lot of helpfull info but i have 328ic and my top blinks red next to botton and its cloused and i cant open it any more i think becouse i touched that think under sit let me know what up if you know thanks
@craigheyworth Hi Craig, I Think what's happening is one of two things, either the gears are not fully engaged in the back (strip, broken, etc). Or a microswitch is not responding and it's telling the motors that the cover is still open, so even though it's shut the gears still try to turn. Check the engagement of the gears first and let me know the outcome! Good luck!
Having issues with my fully automatic roof on my RHD 1997 e36 328i convertible
I have done the reset procedure by disengaging both motors and putting them both back in while the roof is down.
The problems which im facing now is when im pushing the close button on the roof the button does nothing at all, it just flashes constantly
What we have checked
*Fuse 49 has no power
*fuse 7 fuse 35 fuse 42 fuse 43 are fine
*The RHS of the Tonneau cover requires alot of pressure to trigger the microswitch meanwhile the boot is openable at all time.
@marcoenlasvegas If you can pull the lever under the rear seat and then "jumper" the connector that goes into the micro-switch. it will allow the trunk to open. Be careful it doesn't hit the trunk/tonneau cover!!
Good luck!
@TJ1997ification
it is an allen key, located on your tool kit. Remove the cover and then crank the key to release the hooks from the top of the windshield and then reset the top as shown.
good luck!
HI Zach, i can re-engage the first motor, and can see the second motor/trigger and wire, but can find anything behind, you know where you put your fingers behind the section on the second motor? What should I be feeling for? the tonneau cover is definately not moving anywhere when I attempted to take down manually? My vehicle is E36 320i convertible (1996) I appreciate your replies and help, im just finding it frustrating a bit at the moment and you know when you HAVE to solve something! ;o)
$270USD to look at the roof? Wow, that's expensive.
Well if the boot wont open I think that microswitch might have a problem (the one I used a weight to "fool" in my video.
When will you know the result? Cheers.
Zach
The cog motor teeth is stripped. Do you know of a quick fix to this or do I have to buy an entirely new motor? They are quite expensive. Thanks again for all your help.
In the trunk on the left hand side you will feel the motor and you can see the black latch, try to manually pull the latch that the cable attaches to!
Good luck! Zach
My 328ic is 15 years old, but only has 79k miles on it. The top has been giving me problems lately, starting with the rear cover bumping the top when I let the top up. I tried your solution and it worked for a couple of times. Now I can't hear the motor turning when I press the switch. Is it time for a new motor? Have you ever had to replace one? Wondering if I can do it myself. Thanks!
@millertimebmw yep works all good open my top today what it is on my 97 is you need to pop lastick and take a drill and open it manual and then follow this person
Hey guys. I set my SRS airbag light off cleaning my carpets, now my convertible motors dont work. Anyone know if the airbag SRS fault causes the convertible top to not function?
Good stuff! But will this work for taking the top down too!? My BMW recently went up and only hooked one of the two latches on the top. Now it's stuck with only on latch hook. For what reason not sure. If you have any ideas I welcome them. Thank you (:
Hi, and thanks alot, at least I know what everything does now... only problem is that my tunnel cover is rooted to the spot when I try to take down manually, i have done checked everything else.. but no joy with tunnel cover... cheers john
ty sir!
@headsetguy2
It may not have released fully. you will know then the top moves freely. Try to pull the lever again and move the top a little.
good luck.
Do the 99's come with a manual top?I looked at a used one today and it had no power switch, and had a latch in the side of the back seat to open the rear compartment. I thought all the later 90's models were electric...any idea
ohhh so good I found this, will fix my girlfriends mistake tomorrow hahaha
Zach, great vid.......everything works fine except the top will not go down to latch at the windshield like the manual screw will spin but nothing is happening to go down manually had a new top put on and the guy ran it to far up manually and it acts like it is disengaged and fails to come down....your vid makes timing easy and it all works except for the last 6 in, HELP Randy
I do convertible top replacement and now and them we get this problem and we loose money to the dealer.
No more thank to you.
I really appreciate this video it definitely help me.
Gracias Amigo!
couldnt seem to re-engage the second motor, put hand behind it like vid, couldnt find anything... Im in the UK, does this make a difference model wise.. current heatwave over here, so need to sort it fast!
I have a 97 328ic with the fully automatic top and we followed this procedure, both motors clicked back into place without issue but nothing happens when we try resetting by holding the buttons...any other suggestions? Hoping it's some other easy fix or an extra step we are missing...
@braycolekris Thanks for the comment, try to pull the motor in the whole way and then manually lock the clip into place. (The clip is what is attached to the cable).
Good luck!
Have have anyone have a problem with top not working and red light flashing, trunk not opening, and motors working when you press to open or close and motor desingage not workin. Please let me know 1999 323i Thank you..
Zach,
A year ago and the tonneau cover had some problems, not being able to go up completely causing the roof to hit the tonneau. I tried re-syncing the motors, but the tonneau motor would not go in. I took the car to get fixed but just yesterday it failed again. It was able to close, but after that it started making a loud noise that sounds like a jackhammer. I tried to resync it again, but the tonneau motor will not re-engage it still has about a millimeter to go.
What can I do?
Thanks!
Hey great video but I have a question. The rear motor, the one for the cover, when I go to push it back into place it doesn't move. I mean it doesnt budge in any direction, and when I feel in there, it doesnt feel like the gear can just slide into the hole, it feels like its down by maybe 2mm. Do you know what would cause this or how to fix it? Also if I try to put the top back up manually, the front portion of it does not extend it stays bent. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
no red lever...its electric normally and my gf got us locked up...Some kid was able to open it for us with the cost of my convertible not moving or even hearing a sound from the back...i looked under the seats theres no lever just an allen wrench a button and a place for the allen that does nothing. Im tryin to find a cheap way to do this because in knw bmw will cost and arm n leg
Lol, actually Butthead, It's wiring schematics you have to deal with, but thanks. Some people wouldn't even consider some of the obvious hints and tips like "Brown is Ground" on BMW's. Automatic or not, it's a pain in the ass and we were all here for one thing at one point in time. (I know you weren't just watching this video for shits, and neither was I.) Respect it or keep it shut. :D
Did anyone think to make a video or guide for those WITHOUT automatic tops??? Jesus!
I have a 1996 318ic with a MANUAL TOP! None of this bullshit applies, and luckily I'm mechanically inclined. non-automatic tops have a release on the inner rear passenger panel, and DON'T have the red release bullshit. message me if you need help with this, and thumbs up this for those who are aggravated as I am and need to know how to solve the problem.
Hi Zach....Thanks for the very informative video. Recently, I put the top down with a towel folded between the fold of the plastic window to keep it from scratching. When I raised the top, the towel slid into the top storage area and the boot closed over it while the top raised and closed normally. Now the top cover will not open. I disengaged the motors by using the lever...but I can't get the top cover to open. Could the towel be jamming a latch or something? Please help...thanks.
@millertimebmw
Thanks, I just found out what the problem was. I f you freeze the video at 4:57, you see the black rod about 6 inches long and has a hole in the end and bent to about 15 degrees, well it's loose and not connected to anything. I cant figure out where it connects to. I think it's the rod that flips up the cover so it should connect to the motor but I don't see any studs to connect it to.
Thanks again.
***Hold the roof 'DOWN' button to reset,,, 'Not' close!!!
I've fixed my e36 323 Full auto roof Twice now!! :0)
Follow all the steps but hold 'Down' to reset the roof, not up!
30-50 seconds till cover actually moves & locks back down,,,once finished hold Close and Hey presto!!!! :0)
My roof cover failed to open & on holding close first it opened out of Stnc!?
Don't know why it's different to Video, mines a 98 E36 full auto roof 323..
Thanks a lot for the video!
you saved me many £££ ;0)
car 97 bmw 328i, fully automatic top
problem- my top is up, won't come down
when i push down the conver-switch,
1-i can hear some motor runing, and front come un-hinge
2-mean while windows goes down half way and stop.
3-top start to bend at the 1st joint and stop
4-nothing happen, i let go the switch, start blinking red
after your video
pull E-release,
tunnel cover won't come lose, open trunk i see the 1st motor hanging down
try to push it in like you, didn't go in
side motor ok
please help
Hey Zach,
Battery died recently so I had it boosted and then put in a new battery. Motors were never disengaged. Now my windows go down intermitently when holding down fully auto top and the top doesn't start retracting. I hear the alternator working hard intermittently (every 3 seconds it tries again). Checked fuses. Anything else I can look at?
Thanks for answering everyones questions!
BMW wants 500$ for a full diagnostic.
Thanks for your quick reply, the motor was going in all the way but the clip wasn't keeping it in: realized the cable was pinched under backseat. That part is OK now & lid motor is staying put, but the tension straps may need replaced. I can get it to go back OK but the top goes back then the top hits the lid & I have to hold it away so it can get past it.
Would be a pain but I can still use it now to go back in. SEE post #2