Convertible Top - Jams When Opening
GROUP 54Special Roofs
Bulletin Number
54 02 00
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
May 2000
Service Engineering
This Service Information bulletins supersedes orange S.I. 54 05 98 dated September 1998.
SUBJECT:
Convertible Top Jams Against Storage Lid When Opening
MODEL:
E36 Convertible produced from 10/95-5/99
SITUATION:
Some convertible customers may complain about an intermittent problem with the storage lid contacting the rear bow of the soft top when putting the top down. The lid may push past the top and continue to run, or it may jam and stall.
The customer complaint may be that the headliner has pulled loose from the frame in the rear, or that the rear seal and/or the trim pieces on the storage lid have been damaged. Another possible customer complaint is that there are two small holes in the top fabric in the lower "C" pillar area. These complaints can all be caused by the same basic problem with the top.
CAUSE:
These problems are caused by the number four bow above the rear window not flipping far enough forward as the rear bow comes up, which stops the rear bow from going completely vertical, allowing the lid to contact the rear bow. This problem is most prevalent in hot, sunny climates, where the heat causes the elastic in the tensioning straps to lose some of their ability to move the number four bow forward properly. Also, the roller mechanism on the end of the number four bow may be binding in its track, not allowing free movement of the bow.
CORRECTION:
The tensioning straps that run from the windshield header bow to the rear tensioning bow have been improved as of 5/99 production to better withstand the heat the elastic in the straps is exposed to.
These improved straps may be installed on cars produced from 10/95 to 5/99 that experience the jamming problem described above. These straps should also be replaced whenever the top cover is replaced.
PROCEDURE:
In case of customer complaint, replace the tensioning straps, part number 54 34 8 225 189.
If the soft top is not damaged, it does not have to be completely removed to perform this repair. Partially remove top cover on the front and sides of the top frame following Repair Instructions, 54 31 030
Fold sides of top up to expose the straps (1) on each side. Remove the fasteners holding the straps to each bow and replace the straps with the improved parts.
Check the pivot points and the rollers on the bow above the rear window (number bow) for freedom of movement. Lubricate all pivot points as necessary to ensure free movement.
Check the slot in the frame for burrs or roughness that may cause binding, and dress with a file or die grinder as necessary. Clean and lubricate the slot when done.
Repair any other damage caused by the binding.
PARTS INFORMATION:
Other parts may also be required, depending on any damage caused by the binding top. Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Note:
If the soft top cover or frame is damaged and replacement is required, use the appropriate labor operation for the operation performed instead of the operation quoted above.