Convertible Top - Headliner Sags
Group 54Special Roofs
Bulletin Number
54 03 96
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
August 1996
Product Engineering
This Service Information bulletin replaces orange S.I. 54 04 94 (4065) dated September 1994 which should be removed and discarded from your S.I. binder.
SUBJECT:
Convertible Top Headliner Sags
MODEL:
E36 Convertible
Situation:
The headliner on E36 convertibles produced prior to 5/95 may encounter a situation where the middle plastic tube retaining the headliner to the top frame comes loose, allowing the headliner to sag slightly. If this is not noted by the customer, and the top is lowered, the headliner can get caught and pull the rear plastic tube off the frame. This is most common in cars with an Electro-Mechanical (E-M) top and Rollover Protection System (RPS).
A repair kit, part number 54 31 8 227 354, has been developed to repair headliners that exhibit this problem, as long as the damage to the headliner is limited to the plastic retaining tubes.
If there is damage to the plastic panels on the sides of the headliner, refer to S.I. 54 04 95 (4219).
Procedure:
All modifications described will be performed on both left and right sides.
^ Partially open the top to release the tension from the headliner.
^ Remove the headliner folding assist rod from the driver's side.
^ Remove the trim from the latching mechanism.
^ Unfasten the headliner at the front.
Release the headliner from the intermediate bow (3), the main bow (2), and the corner bow (1).
Note:
The tube is fastened to the corner bow with screws or pins from the rear that must be removed.
Corner Bow (1):
Using a pair of side cutters, trim a 5 mm strip from the plastic tube for a distance of 140 mm as illustrated.
Install repair kit inserts into tube.
Drill a 2.5 mm (3/32") hole into the front of the bow, using the hole in the insert as a guide, and install Phillips head screw. Clean up drill chips.
Main Bow (2):
Trim two 3 mm strips from the plastic tube for a distance of 70 mm as illustrated.
Install inserts from kit, making sure that they clear the flat area on top of the frame, and snap tube back into place.
Drill a 2.5 mm (3/32") hole through the front of the tube, into the bow, and install Phillips head screws to fasten the tube in place. Clean up drill chips.
Intermediate Bow (3):
Peel up the fabric buffer on top of the webbing, and remove the two Phillips head screws that fasten the webbing to the bow.
Snap the plastic tube back into place on the bow, and install clamp over the tube, under the webbing, by slipping it on from the end of the plastic tube. Fasten in place with the screws. Press the fabric buffer back in place.
Reinstall front of headliner and folding assist rod.
Warranty Status:
Covered under the terms of the BMW new car limited warranty.
Defect Code: 54 31 12 37 00
Parts Allowance: 54 31 8 227 354 (1) Repair kit
Labor Allowance: 00 51 195 23 FRU