Convertible Top
Automatic Convertible Top Operation
E36 Convertible
Opening and closing of the convertible is done from one rocker switch in the center console. With the ignition key in position 1 (KLR), press and hold the switch until the processes is completed. No road speed can be present when operating the top.
The indicator lamp (shown with the arrow) lights up continuously during top operation. The lamp will flash after releasing the switch if the opening or closing process is not yet completed.
NOTE: The trunk cannot be opened during convertible top operation, or when the top is in the mid-way position. This is to prevent damage to the top storage box lid and trunk lid.
Convenience closing from drivers door lock
Models with a fully automatic top allow convenience closing from the drivers door lock. Hold the key in the lock position with the doors closed. The top will stop moving immediately if the key is released.
Emergency closing procedures
Should the convertible top fail electrically in the top down position it can be raised until the top can be repaired.
To release the top motor drives and begin raising the top, raise the left side of the rear seat. Find a lever with an orange strap. Pull on the strap until resistance is felt and two audible clunks are heard.
Open the storage compartment lid (note: The lid should open easily, if resistance is felt pull on the release lever again until it is fully disengaged).
Grab the convertible top and lift it out of the storage well. Lift the rear bow to the vertical position and close the storage lid.
To lock the convertible top to the windshield frame remove the plastic cover from the center of the front convertible top frame.
Insert the allen key from the tool kit into the top latch motor drive. Turn the key counter-clock wise until the front convertible frame is locked to the windshield frame.
NOTE: Do not operate the vehicle with the top down and the storage lid motor disengaged as the storage lid is not locked and could open during driving.
Z3 Roadster
Opening and closing of the power soft top is carried out as follows:
- lower the side windows.
- Unlock the top from the Windshield frame by folding the levers outward.
- Raise the soft top past the tension point.
- Apply the brake pedal (or top will not run).
- Press and hold button (2) until the opening movement has ended.
Closing is carried out in the reverse order and completed by latching the top to the windshield frame.
No convenience close is possible in the Z3.
Emergency closing procedures
On a roadster with power soft top, the hydraulic drive unit is located in the trunk behind the left side trim. Move the trunk trim panel to one side to access the hydraulic pump. Turn the release screw half a turn counter-clockwise.
The soft-top can now be moved manually.
E46 Convertible
Opening and closing of the convertible is done from two switches in the center console. With the ignition key in position 1 (KLR), press and hold the desired switch (top up or down) until the processes is completed. Pre-conditions: Road speed must be below 2.5 mph when operating the top, trunk lid must be closed and storage compartment floor must be in the lower position if top is to be lowered.
The indicator lamp lights up continuously during top operation. The lamp will flash after releasing the switch if the opening or closing process is not yet completed.
NOTE: The trunk cannot be opened during convertible top operation, or when the top is in the mid-way position. This is to prevent damage to the top storage box lid and trunk lid.
Convenience opening/closing
Convenience opening and closing of the top is only possible from the drivers door lock cylinder. If the key is held in the lock position the top and windows will close. Holding it in the unlock position will open all of the windows.
Emergency opening/closing procedures
Should the convertible top fail in the top down position it can be raised until the top can be repaired. If the storage lid is closed it must be opened with the following procedure:
1. Remove the rear center armrest and pull back the loose seat upholstery.
2. Pressing the button on the storage lid drive motor assembly will release the drive from the gear linkage.
3. The linkage can be turned through the access hole using the allen key stored on the assembly cover. This will unlock/lock the storage lid to allow manual raising of the top.
4. With the key off, lift the top out of the storage well.
To lock the convertible top to the windshield frame remove the plastic cover from the center of the front convertible top frame.
Insert the allen key from the storage lid lock assembly into the top latch motor drive. Turn the key counter-clock wise until the front convertible frame is locked to the windshield frame.
The top can also be lowered manually, (this should only be done for repair purposes) however make sure that the storage lid is locked to prevent it from opening while driving.
Z8 Roadster
Opening of the soft top is done from one rocker switch in the center console. With the ignition key in position 1 (KLR), press and hold the switch until the process is completed. No road speed can be present when operating the top.
The indicator lamp (on the tachometer) lights up continuously during top operation. The lamp will flash after releasing the switch if the opening or closing process is not yet completed,
Closing the soft top requires one additional step. When the top reaches the windshield frame the hydraulic pump will stop. Reach up and grab the recessed handle and squeeze/pull down at the same time. The front latches will contact the window frame and the latches will be driven closed.
Emergency opening/closing procedure
In the event of an electric or hydraulic failure the soft top can be operated manually.
To raise the soft top:
- Allow the pistons time to bleed down hydraulic pressure.
- The latches at the front soft top frame will need to be opened so that they can latch to the windshield frame.
- Remove the plastic cover from the front soft top frame. Insert the allen key from the tool kit into the top latch motor drive. Turn the key until the latches are fully opened.
- Lift the soft top out of the well
- Once the soft top is contacting the windshield frame the latches must be closed using the allen key.
- The top should only be manually lowered for repair purposes.