just spent ages trying to sort out why roof wouldn't shut, even tried winding the roof manually, the key to the problem was how to reset motors which after watching your easy to follow video & a bit of trial & error, I managed to close roof. Saved me from covering over car & taking it to the garage next day. Big thanks
Great video explanation. I was trying to tell a friend how to do this over the phone and sending this video made it a lot easier. This will help countless BMW freaks I'm sure
Thank you for this video I was able to get my top up did not need to pull everything apart tho just by following the last few steps of your video I was able to get top up. It's much appreciated
Great video. I ran into one more obstacle in that I couldn't get the top motor back into place. In continuing my search, it was explained that you just need to pull a little (or a lot) more aggressively and it will pop back in. Some people recommended using channel locks, but I was able to do it by hand.
AutoMotivate many times it is. Over the years I have found most top issues on these is with the micro switches and fairly easy to fix. I did find one that had a bad bearing that was causing it to bind and get out of time. Matched up a $2 bearing at the local parts store and fixed it. Overall they aren’t bad to repair.
Hey man thank you for this. When I try to re-time mine, on the step of when I'm waiting for it to close then re-open ( "the suck motion"), there is a locking issue with that latch on driver's rear. Maybe the cable needs readjusting?
Arion Dedushi it is possible that you may have to make a slight adjustment. Sometimes you may also be able to help it latch and get in timing by pushing down on the cover as it is trying to latch. Having someone to help you can make this easier.
Thank you very much! ..First rate knowledge of these convertible tops! Hopefully, I can reset my top and if not, be able to logically isolate the problem. Do you use a scan tool to diagnose these e36 top problems?
James Sanders I do not use a scan tool for them. If I get one acting up I will test all of the limit switches and make sure they aren’t hanging up anywhere.
Great video, any idea if this applies to an e46. I stopped the top halfway during a repair and now the red light blinks and no motor sound or anything. Thanks
This was a big help, does the trunk have to be fully shut to do the electronic reset ? My trunk has an issue and won’t fill latch shut and so when I do the reset nothing is happening.
Perry yes the trunk does have to be shut. There is a micro switch in the latch that tells it it is closed. If you fix the trunk latch it may take care of your top problem.
Awesome video. I was in the process of doing this when I came across an issue. The cover closes down but then slowly opens back up 30-40 seconds later. The top does not close and the cover slowly closes down in increments. Any ideas why this would be happening? I've done this re-syncing process before but randomly one day I tried lowering the top and the tonneu cover would not open to store the top so I tried re-timing everything but this is the issue I come across everytime.
Thank you for this video. I ran into a problem when retiming the top which was that once it was reset with all the motors locked in it started going up but the rear of the top didn't come up so the toneau cover was unable to close and I repeated the same procedure multiple times to get it reset in place and I wanted to ask if there was something I may have missed.
Mine had the same problem but what I did I pushed the close button until the windows started coming up then I disconnected the gears again and re installed then retimed the toneau with a little bit help it came back up
Hey man, my roof doesnt seem to fold into the storage part manually for some reason? although when the fully automatic roof was working a few months ago i didnt have any issues? (roof decided to randomly stop working so did the manual reset) but cant get the roof folded into the storage compartment?
Hi! I have a 1999 323i. The top was not going down after the cover rise to take the top in. Followed all the steps, but can´t manage to close the lid in order for the trunk motors to actually reset. What do you recommend? I´m in trouble now cause the top is down and my car need the motors to relatch ...
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. how do i solve this?
Just bought 95 335i and we got the top motor in place and top drops but the micro switches won't hold the tonneau cover down and latch, is this expensive fix? Maybe we didn't do that second step right but when top is under the tonneau cover tonneau cover will not latch on its own or work with button .also it seems like the battery Maybe week because the top goes awfully slow or seems to need a bit of help to get past some tough spots going up and down will some lubrication help with this or do you recommend a new battery?
Lou Jacob if the top is going slowly and has some rough spots try moving it with it running. If it still appears to be struggling you may have some bad bearings in the top. I have had to replace some on past projects.
Hello and thanks for the video. I managed to do this exact procedure on a 94 325i(semi-auto roof) and it worked retimmed exactly as yours did in the video. The problem I have now is that the top won't open when trying to use the button above the gear stick. Do you know what the proper procedure is for opening the top normally with the button? Also if I was successful in doing the retimming did this mean that all the fuses are good and intact? Many thanks for any help!
Thank you for the reply! Do you know where the truck closed sensor is please so I can check it over? This sensor is different to the microswitch under the tonneau cover right? The sequence I try is dropping all the windows, unlatch and push up the front of the roof and then try the open button just above the gear stick. Much appreciated for the help!
I have a e46 330ci . And when I try to open the roof, it opens about 6” from the windscreen and then stops , and then it makes a clicking sound from the side where the hydraulic pump is ?? Any suggestions ? The gear in the middle is fine, the clicking sound isn’t coming from that.
bustaa01323bustaa normally the clicking would indicate a stripped gear. The gear on the cable may have a bad spot. Also check for binding in the top as many times this is what will cause a gear to fail.
Thanks so much, The only problem I have now is that the rear roof hits the deck cover when I open the roof . can it be adjusted to go just a little further, noticed in the workshop manual that there is a small gas strut, could this be the problem ? Once again thanks
Nice video help! My friend just got a 328i with auto top. had new battery installed. top and tonnau were hitting at 2 places after the battery change. I tightened the linkage on the driver's side to raise the back of the top a little higher and that fixed the one problem. Tonnau still does not go up high enough to clear the back of the top. Doesn't seem to be an issue of timing. should I try this procedure anyway (or is there a comparable adjustment to get the tonnau to go up a little higher?) -- ALSO: can we skip the allen wrench method fo releasing the front of the top and just use the auto feature to get the top loose , then release motors and reset (or do the motors need to have the top start in the fully closed position for this to work?) Thank you so much for the help!!!
With the auto top you could use the motor to open the top then do the reset. Check the bushings on the arm that connects to the tonneau. If they are worn it can cause your issue.
@@YourCarGuyDR Thank you for the reply! I appreciate the bushing idea concerning the top... could be. I did the procedure in your video about ten times. Never did I get it to do more than the first stage -- sucking the tonnau down, then as we continue to hold the button, nothing but some whiring noise, then the windows go up (as if they think the top went up). I know it sounds like the motors didn't get reengaged, but I am pretty sure they did. and we usually end up with the red light blinking. I tried a few times with disconnecting the battery again to see if it reset the red light. I even had someone lock me in the trunk with a flashlight and try the reset so I could see what was happening or not. When I did this, the motor on the side by the fender (I think it just does the tonnau with a piece of linkage and 2 cables) moved towards the back of the car and stopped. That is all. We are quite frustrated and will appreciate any further advice/thoughts you have.
@@YourCarGuyDR When I observed the motor from inside the trunk, it moved then stopped and made no noise. This makes me think that the motor and gears are fully engaged, but there is something blocking the progress.....now is it mechanical or electrical? I don't seem to know. What does the system need after the Tonnau-suck-down? What is the signal that sends the windows up? and ANOTHER question (so many!!) I think you instructions call for the 'down' button to be pressed to start the reset sequence -- which includes the top going up (do I have that right??) thanks again!
Hey can you help me? So I pushed in both motors and everything but once I switched the car to the second switch and it sucked it in just like yours but then just stayed there instead of closing, did I do something wrong?
Adrians Indie shit you probably did everything right. It is possible that the trunk switch that tells the computer that the trunk is closed may not be working.
Hey I’m looking to buy an e36 m3. Only problem is that it’a in a different state. The dealership is telling me that the soft top does not work at all. Do you know how much it would cost to completely replace it? With motors and everything. Or just any tips moving forward with this issue?
Arsim Azemi not sure what the price would be. But they normally don’t need complete replacement. Usually a little bit of diagnostics and you will find the issue.
While re-timing the top only goes up about a few inches then can't go any further and will start falling if i disengage button or goes down fine when I press the down button. Is this a strut problem?
Tyler Tran if you’re top is bottling the cover it is likely that the linkage rods for the cover are worn or bent thus not opening the cover fully. With the cover open look at the rods under the cover on the drivers side. It is likely that the bushings have worn out at the connection points. I have even seen some with bent rods.
Hey, I did all of it but when I go to rest the top and I press the button for the top and nothing happens there is no noise just nothing is happing? would I need new motors and if so, would it make sense to just convert it to manual. Thank you
I was following along with the video when the hidden electric motor (not the motor that’s hanging and more accessible) won’t click back in place. any tips?
Joshua Pearce one of the microswitches that tells the top everything is ready to operate may not be working. Particularly the trunk latch switch may be an issue.
I have followed the instructions to get the motors back on and on the electrical part, the back won’t close in and no movement would happen no matter how long I held the up button, the motor that your are suppose to push up is kind of lose but it is in place and when ever I push down the cover to close the convertible it just unlocks the trunk. Thoughts?
Sometimes it takes a little force you can also have someone for just slightly up and down on the tonneau cover to help line up the gear while you are pulling it in.
This helped to a certain point where the flap lifted which it never did before then it just stood still in the air and didnt operate further and roof never lifted. Now it just doesn't do anything at all could you assist please
Good but my 99 did not have slide out motor instead it popped off two cable guides in that area which I do not see how to reconnect. I was not able to slap the other motor up. Any tricks to it.
CompSciMechanic once you push the lever back into place it should snap back in. I have had times that the release cables stuck and I had to manually push them back into place at the top motor.
@@YourCarGuyDR yes got it thanks Guy. I think the vid showed the tail top motor silver and visible too well... I did not see it in mine but reaching behind that rear bracket I felt a component with play and was able to snap it back in easily. The front motor snapped back up too after a few attempts. I noticed the front top motor gear spindle was rough and dry iron like does it need grease?
@@YourCarGuyDR thanks, I was afraid of getting top stuck open or trunk not opening and just got the nerve up. Top is down but reset procedure pull down grabs it but then spins freely. In the trunk the cable spindles keep popping off. I have hammered it on but still releases in procedure. Put top up manually and its back to shut okay. The tonneau cover had a little gap that would catch wind otherwise may just use manually for a while
HELP!!! Trunk is Stuck - Won't Open With Key. After viewing your video, I think you could help me solve a huge problem, The top on my '95 325ic convertible was already converted to manual years before I purchase it. Unfortunately, the other day I created a huge problem for myself when - for the first time ever my trunk became stuck (unable to unlock) - after removing the flap and taking the top down to get water out, that had accumulated in the area where convertible top is stored. Even though I have owned this car for 5 years only after watching video did I learn the trunk won't open if the top is down. In addition, the two rear latches on opposite sides of car under flap , which could disable the trunk latch. To my pleasant surprise, upon watching your video at about (1:50) mark you begin talking about the same thing - tourno cover, reset bar under seat, and inability to get into trunk due to inner lock. It sounds like this may be my problem but how do I solve it? So, I am wondering what has went wrong here? Why does my key no longer work in the trunk lock cylinder, even though I have let the top up and down manually dozens of times before. When I turn the key to the left, I can hear the motor engaging, but when turned to the right there is nothing - no sounds or resistance / tension - like something is broke or disconnected. ========== NOTE: While attempting to locate leak in back seat area I did find the reset bar and pull on it prior to realizing it's purpose. Do I need to do this reprogramming, and if so will it solve problem with truck lock? ========== Now I am at a point in which I may have to pull rear seats out to access panel to break into trunk OR drill holes under rear tag to try accessing the cable. My third option is to take it to the dealership and be ripped off in a mighty way. Therefore, any advice or expertise you could give would be appreciated. Many Thanks, L__
I tried this on a 96 328, and I noticed that there was only one motor on the driver side and the other side is closed off where the other motor would be. After the motor was fully released, I could still not pull up the tonneau cover.
Hi brother, I don’t know if u are still responding here but I’d like you to please help me out if you read this message, my top works but the only thing that is wrong is the top lid that does not want to open up to let the roof go,, if I open manually the lid and put the motor back on, the top can go all the way to the front but the lid does not close. If I close the lid and put the top manually all the way up, when I press down on the button to retrieve the top, the top folds, the lid opens up, the top goes back in the compartment but then at the complet end the LID WONT CLOSE by itself … what’s the problem here I tried to reset multiple time holding the button with key on acc etc etc
@@YourCarGuyDRare they repairable ? Or I need to change them, wich one of them is the one that tell the module it’s back to is place ? Thank you brother
Jecher Enterina there is a lever at the motor that you can look to make sure it is fully pulled the use something the gently pry the motor out of position.
Only problem my brother, is that you didn't show how you released the convertible top from the front. I have a 99 and found out later I needed the allen wrench to undo it. It started raising on the left side (from the window frame) but not from the right side. I don't understand why the 99 didn't have the same release open as this model year? What do I need to do? Thanks
Gods Child 2 yes the earlier cars had the manual latches and they added the automatic latches later. I have had to repair the auto latches when they have had bearings fail. Using the Allen wrench to manually release the front latches is the method to use if you have the later cars. I have seen some that have had the automatic latches fail and they have had to be disassembled to get the top open so you can repair them.
@@YourCarGuyDR Thank you very much for your amazingly quick reply Car guy!😁👍 Summer is almost over and I've had the car since May and have YET to have the top down. It's driving me absolutely nuts. I can't find a video anywhere with someone showing how to do it with allen wrench and if both sides don't release. Any suggestions?
Gods Child 2 it’s tough. I had someone else who had the same issue a few months ago. If I can get my hands on one with the automatic latches I will do a video on them.
@@YourCarGuyDR I absolutely understand. If you have a shop I would bring it to you to illustrate what to do. I know they said to keep turning which I have, but it's just that side. I will keep my eyes and ears open in case you find one to do! Thanks again buddy, great videos😃👍 Please let me know if there's anything else I can watch, read, or do!
Gods Child 2 if you live in the Charlotte NC area I know of a very good BMW mechanic. Sometimes it’s tough to find good honest BMW mechanics. I would happily do it for you but unfortunately my project list is several months long.
Your Car Guy DR Hey it wouldn’t release so I took the motor off. Got top down. Can’t get motor back on. Still trying. But when I go to put the top back up the front of top won’t go down close enough for me to latch it on front window. It’s a full auto top.
5150abundio if you have the electric latches up front then there will be a cover between your visors that you remove. Inside will be an Allen style socket. Put a wrench in that and turn it to release the front clamps. The rest of the process will be the same as in this video.
Richard Nahas here is a link to the instructions which includes the instructions for manual closing. Note that the manual instructions are towards the bottom. www.bavarianmw.com/guide-4397.html
Your Car Guy DR i mean at the end . I sit in the car press the button turn the key and my tunnel cover doesnt go down it goes a few cm up and thats it. Sry for my Bad language
King Kong 666 so this is as you are retiming it. You will want to inspect the cables for the cover and the cover latches. If everything looks good have someone hold the cover down while you do the reset procedure.
Hello Car Guy! There was absolutely no video instructions demonstrating how to release the top from the front. PLEASE. PLEASE, PLEASE, include this visual in the video. (I have a 1999 323ic) Thank you.
J B this car had manual latches in the front. Yours with the power latches requires that you remove the center upper panel and use the Allen key tool to release the front latches.
Do you have the power release? If so there is an Allen screw that you have to insert the tool that is usually in the cover over the center of the header panel.
Jacob King check in the trunk to make sure both motors have fully released when you pull the handle. If both are fully released try pulling the back of the top up a bit further and push down and up on the cover to try and get it to release.
That gets a bit tougher with a convertible. Try locking and unlocking the trunk multiple times to see if you can get it to pop open. Otherwise you are likely looking at an option that will damage either the trunk lock or the trunk lid itself.
@@YourCarGuyDR For anyone with this problem, it’s because the tonneau isn’t locking in (think it needs to be electronically locked into place) so if you find yourself in that position you simply push down on either side where the latches are on the cover and get someone/reach over to open up the trunk. Owning this thing for a week and working out the kinks has taught me a lot about these soft tops haha
just spent ages trying to sort out why roof wouldn't shut, even tried winding the roof manually, the key to the problem was how to reset motors which after watching your easy to follow video & a bit of trial & error, I managed to close roof. Saved me from covering over car & taking it to the garage next day. Big thanks
Great video explanation. I was trying to tell a friend how to do this over the phone and sending this video made it a lot easier. This will help countless BMW freaks I'm sure
Thank you and great explained. First time I had to do this procedure to my wonderful youngtimer from 1994 and it worked! Cheers from 🇩🇰
Thank you for this video I was able to get my top up did not need to pull everything apart tho just by following the last few steps of your video I was able to get top up. It's much appreciated
Follow the steps. It worked great thanks!!
what a legend thanks man. wish i could find more info on e46 tops. i own both e36 and e46 convertibles
thank you brother...that was awsome..your video fixed it
Thanks man. You saved my day 🙂
You make my day! Thank you Thank thank you!
Thank you - perfect description.
Great video. I ran into one more obstacle in that I couldn't get the top motor back into place. In continuing my search, it was explained that you just need to pull a little (or a lot) more aggressively and it will pop back in. Some people recommended using channel locks, but I was able to do it by hand.
Thanks for sharing well explained .
You saved my ass, thanks a lot
This video has helped me twice in the past 6 years. Thank you for making this video!
Worked great
Great man, i ll try.
Good stuff. Buying an E36 soon and the top is having issues. Hopefully this is the solution!
AutoMotivate many times it is. Over the years I have found most top issues on these is with the micro switches and fairly easy to fix. I did find one that had a bad bearing that was causing it to bind and get out of time. Matched up a $2 bearing at the local parts store and fixed it. Overall they aren’t bad to repair.
Awesome. Being a BMW, the tops are always pretty pricey. Hope the tops motors will never go out 😂
AutoMotivate truthfully I haven’t had one with a bad motor yet.
Your Car Guy DR mine is horrible call me if you would not mind 443-824-8197 , i would really appreciate it . It is stuck no lock mechanisms disengage
It's works. I tried it and now I'm able to let my top down. By the way I have an power top and it still worked.
Appreciate you bro thanks
Good job thanks
Holy hell thank you so much
Hey man thank you for this. When I try to re-time mine, on the step of when I'm waiting for it to close then re-open ( "the suck motion"), there is a locking issue with that latch on driver's rear. Maybe the cable needs readjusting?
Arion Dedushi it is possible that you may have to make a slight adjustment. Sometimes you may also be able to help it latch and get in timing by pushing down on the cover as it is trying to latch. Having someone to help you can make this easier.
Thanks so much!
Thanks a lot !!
Thank you very much! ..First rate knowledge of these convertible tops! Hopefully, I can reset my top and if not, be able to logically isolate the problem. Do you use a scan tool to diagnose these e36 top problems?
James Sanders I do not use a scan tool for them. If I get one acting up I will test all of the limit switches and make sure they aren’t hanging up anywhere.
Great video, any idea if this applies to an e46. I stopped the top halfway during a repair and now the red light blinks and no motor sound or anything. Thanks
Jon Doe same process should work for the e46.
This was a big help, does the trunk have to be fully shut to do the electronic reset ? My trunk has an issue and won’t fill latch shut and so when I do the reset nothing is happening.
Perry yes the trunk does have to be shut. There is a micro switch in the latch that tells it it is closed. If you fix the trunk latch it may take care of your top problem.
Super helpful. Thanks a lot!
Thank you for posting this video I'm trying to retime mine but both of my motors won't latch on is there any way to fix this ?
jermaine jhonson sometimes I have had to move the top slightly to get the motors to line up and latch.
Awesome video. I was in the process of doing this when I came across an issue. The cover closes down but then slowly opens back up 30-40 seconds later. The top does not close and the cover slowly closes down in increments. Any ideas why this would be happening? I've done this re-syncing process before but randomly one day I tried lowering the top and the tonneu cover would not open to store the top so I tried re-timing everything but this is the issue I come across everytime.
Steven Tram sounds like something is binding. Could be one of the cables.
Thank you for this video. I ran into a problem when retiming the top which was that once it was reset with all the motors locked in it started going up but the rear of the top didn't come up so the toneau cover was unable to close and I repeated the same procedure multiple times to get it reset in place and I wanted to ask if there was something I may have missed.
Joseph Manuel there may be an issue with the rear of the top. Check your cables.
Mine had the same problem but what I did I pushed the close button until the windows started coming up then I disconnected the gears again and re installed then retimed the toneau with a little bit help it came back up
Hey ! I’m having issues with my top. For some reason the rear window doesn’t work ones I try to reset the top. Help!
Hey man, my roof doesnt seem to fold into the storage part manually for some reason? although when the fully automatic roof was working a few months ago i didnt have any issues? (roof decided to randomly stop working so did the manual reset) but cant get the roof folded into the storage compartment?
Jahanghir Saman check you cables. It is possible that one is broken and binding.
I'm having trouble attaching the first motor in the trunk is there a trick?
Thank you for the video just bought a used 1999 BMW M3 wish me luck but it has a clanking noise in the back will see
I just bought a 1999 BMW M3 as well lol good luck
Great video! Any idea how to unlatch the top when it's not a manual handle above the rear-view mirror?
Widget222 yes take the cover off and there is an Allen head looking bolt in the center. Use an Allen key to turn that and it will open the latches.
@@YourCarGuyDR thanks!
Hi! I have a 1999 323i. The top was not going down after the cover rise to take the top in. Followed all the steps, but can´t manage to close the lid in order for the trunk motors to actually reset. What do you recommend? I´m in trouble now cause the top is down and my car need the motors to relatch ...
Nicolas Villar did you latch the motors in the trunk back in?
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.
how do i solve this?
Just bought 95 335i and we got the top motor in place and top drops but the micro switches won't hold the tonneau cover down and latch, is this expensive fix? Maybe we didn't do that second step right but when top is under the tonneau cover tonneau cover will not latch on its own or work with button .also it seems like the battery Maybe week because the top goes awfully slow or seems to need a bit of help to get past some tough spots going up and down will some lubrication help with this or do you recommend a new battery?
Lou Jacob if the top is going slowly and has some rough spots try moving it with it running. If it still appears to be struggling you may have some bad bearings in the top. I have had to replace some on past projects.
Thanks bro I feel stupid now lmao
Hello and thanks for the video. I managed to do this exact procedure on a 94 325i(semi-auto roof) and it worked retimmed exactly as yours did in the video. The problem I have now is that the top won't open when trying to use the button above the gear stick. Do you know what the proper procedure is for opening the top normally with the button?
Also if I was successful in doing the retimming did this mean that all the fuses are good and intact?
Many thanks for any help!
All of you fuses should be good but if one of the sensors like the trunk closed sensor is not working it can prevent the top from opening.
Thank you for the reply! Do you know where the truck closed sensor is please so I can check it over?
This sensor is different to the microswitch under the tonneau cover right?
The sequence I try is dropping all the windows, unlatch and push up the front of the roof and then try the open button just above the gear stick.
Much appreciated for the help!
@@MrMuppet84 it is in the trunk latch if I remember correctly.
Same ugh do close!!!! I got the video camera out to send to the boys but then it wouldn’t open lolol
Very helpful video! Any tricks to getting the tonneau motor to reengage? I got the forward motor in place but the other won't budge. Thoughts?
Have someone wiggle the tonneau cover while you are pulling the motor in.
@@YourCarGuyDR thanks so much. Will try that
@deanholmes7750 Did it work? Same issue here
I gave up and took it to a shop. Works great now!
The mechanisms are different for the e46. Wondering if someone has instructions for those?
Do it works on e46?
Hi ! Do you have an idea where the folding top motor relay is? mine is not working, motor ist fine it was checked with power directly to the connector
The relay may vary. Many times the micro switches that verify that it is safe to operate the top will prevent it from moving.
I have a e46 330ci . And when I try to open the roof, it opens about 6” from the windscreen and then stops , and then it makes a clicking sound from the side where the hydraulic pump is ?? Any suggestions ? The gear in the middle is fine, the clicking sound isn’t coming from that.
bustaa01323bustaa normally the clicking would indicate a stripped gear. The gear on the cable may have a bad spot. Also check for binding in the top as many times this is what will cause a gear to fail.
Thanks so much, The only problem I have now is that the rear roof hits the deck cover when I open the roof . can it be adjusted to go just a little further, noticed in the workshop manual that there is a small gas strut, could this be the problem ? Once again thanks
Martin Demicoli yes check the strut and the bushings as well as the cover hinge bushings.
Cheers, Thanks for your quick reply
Nice video help! My friend just got a 328i with auto top. had new battery installed. top and tonnau were hitting at 2 places after the battery change. I tightened the linkage on the driver's side to raise the back of the top a little higher and that fixed the one problem. Tonnau still does not go up high enough to clear the back of the top. Doesn't seem to be an issue of timing. should I try this procedure anyway (or is there a comparable adjustment to get the tonnau to go up a little higher?) -- ALSO: can we skip the allen wrench method fo releasing the front of the top and just use the auto feature to get the top loose , then release motors and reset (or do the motors need to have the top start in the fully closed position for this to work?) Thank you so much for the help!!!
With the auto top you could use the motor to open the top then do the reset. Check the bushings on the arm that connects to the tonneau. If they are worn it can cause your issue.
@@YourCarGuyDR Thank you for the reply! I appreciate the bushing idea concerning the top... could be. I did the procedure in your video about ten times. Never did I get it to do more than the first stage -- sucking the tonnau down, then as we continue to hold the button, nothing but some whiring noise, then the windows go up (as if they think the top went up). I know it sounds like the motors didn't get reengaged, but I am pretty sure they did. and we usually end up with the red light blinking. I tried a few times with disconnecting the battery again to see if it reset the red light. I even had someone lock me in the trunk with a flashlight and try the reset so I could see what was happening or not. When I did this, the motor on the side by the fender (I think it just does the tonnau with a piece of linkage and 2 cables) moved towards the back of the car and stopped. That is all. We are quite frustrated and will appreciate any further advice/thoughts you have.
@@evandancer6403 sounds like either a stripped gear or the motor not fully engaged.
@@YourCarGuyDR When I observed the motor from inside the trunk, it moved then stopped and made no noise. This makes me think that the motor and gears are fully engaged, but there is something blocking the progress.....now is it mechanical or electrical? I don't seem to know. What does the system need after the Tonnau-suck-down? What is the signal that sends the windows up? and ANOTHER question (so many!!) I think you instructions call for the 'down' button to be pressed to start the reset sequence -- which includes the top going up (do I have that right??)
thanks again!
I see that I DON'T have it right -- you say to hold "close" not open. -- the rest of the questions stand. I appreciate your help
Hey can you help me? So I pushed in both motors and everything but once I switched the car to the second switch and it sucked it in just like yours but then just stayed there instead of closing, did I do something wrong?
Adrians Indie shit you probably did everything right. It is possible that the trunk switch that tells the computer that the trunk is closed may not be working.
Wow really wish i found this video a year ago, it could have saved my e36 from rain destruction!!
Will the window being off track in the back make the top not function
anthonyk it can. There are sensors that check window position that if they are not reading correctly can cause it not to function.
Hey I’m looking to buy an e36 m3. Only problem is that it’a in a different state. The dealership is telling me that the soft top does not work at all. Do you know how much it would cost to completely replace it? With motors and everything. Or just any tips moving forward with this issue?
Arsim Azemi not sure what the price would be. But they normally don’t need complete replacement. Usually a little bit of diagnostics and you will find the issue.
I’m having issue engaging the Tonneau Motor to the Bracket. It feels like the tonneau motor gear is hitting the bracket wall.
Sometimes they can be difficult to get back in.
u need someone to push the roof lid so that the big motor in the trunk will match and go up again
While re-timing the top only goes up about a few inches then can't go any further and will start falling if i disengage button or goes down fine when I press the down button. Is this a strut problem?
jeremy rosales sounds like a cable issue.
But what does it help? Mine top keeps hitting the cover going up and down... will this solve t the problem?
Tyler Tran if you’re top is bottling the cover it is likely that the linkage rods for the cover are worn or bent thus not opening the cover fully. With the cover open look at the rods under the cover on the drivers side. It is likely that the bushings have worn out at the connection points. I have even seen some with bent rods.
I still have a small problem. Whenever I try to retime it with the top down I just hear an awful grinding noise and nothing moves. Ideas?
TheTechHaven possibly a stripped gear at the motor or broken cable
I have a 2001 e46 and it's opening half way any suggestions.
Jorrad Cole'on I find that sometimes the bearings are failing and causing it to bind.
Hey, I did all of it but when I go to rest the top and I press the button for the top and nothing happens there is no noise just nothing is happing? would I need new motors and if so, would it make sense to just convert it to manual. Thank you
I would check my fuses and micro switches before believing you have both motors bad.
Por favor yo necesito esas intrusiones de este video en español por favor alguno que se digne
I was following along with the video when the hidden electric motor (not the motor that’s hanging and more accessible) won’t click back in place. any tips?
ZeSpectre GD I have those be difficult at times. Sometimes having someone just wiggle the top cover can help it line back in.
Your Car Guy DR it got back in and it works again! thank you so much man!!!
what do you mean by wiggle the "top cover"?
When I do it my panel doesn't sink in, my button stops blinking for a second and then keeps going. Any thoughts?
Joshua Pearce one of the microswitches that tells the top everything is ready to operate may not be working. Particularly the trunk latch switch may be an issue.
Works the same procedure on e46 cabrio?
carlos macias I have not tried this on an e46. I believe that it is the same.
Is the procedure the same for the E46 I'm having issues with my timing.
Tayler Zayn West yes this should work. If you still have issues after resetting check you linkage connections for being loose or damaged.
@@YourCarGuyDR thank you sir. I'm going to manually out it down and try the reset. Thank you
Trying to reconnect the first rear motor u did and it won’t go back in any ideas what to do?
MadMacksRADLife sometimes it takes a bit of force. Make sure it is lined up properly.
Your Car Guy DR yea. But I’ma need to pull it out cause it won’t lol. So oh well
I have followed the instructions to get the motors back on and on the electrical part, the back won’t close in and no movement would happen no matter how long I held the up button, the motor that your are suppose to push up is kind of lose but it is in place and when ever I push down the cover to close the convertible it just unlocks the trunk. Thoughts?
Travis V. I would double check that the motor is fully latched.
I cannot get the motor on the side of the car back in place. Any ideas?
Sometimes it takes a little force you can also have someone for just slightly up and down on the tonneau cover to help line up the gear while you are pulling it in.
This helped to a certain point where the flap lifted which it never did before then it just stood still in the air and didnt operate further and roof never lifted. Now it just doesn't do anything at all could you assist please
clinton dunn sounds like the motor for the roof may not be functional. Could also be a bad cable.
Thanks for replying and where do I find the cable? And which motor if for the roof?
clinton dunn the motor that is furthest forward under the cover in the trunk is the one for the top itself.
Thanks I'll check it out
Good but my 99 did not have slide out motor instead it popped off two cable guides in that area which I do not see how to reconnect. I was not able to slap the other motor up. Any tricks to it.
CompSciMechanic once you push the lever back into place it should snap back in. I have had times that the release cables stuck and I had to manually push them back into place at the top motor.
@@YourCarGuyDR yes got it thanks Guy. I think the vid showed the tail top motor silver and visible too well... I did not see it in mine but reaching behind that rear bracket I felt a component with play and was able to snap it back in easily. The front motor snapped back up too after a few attempts. I noticed the front top motor gear spindle was rough and dry iron like does it need grease?
CompSciMechanic not normally but you could put a little on it.
@@YourCarGuyDR thanks, I was afraid of getting top stuck open or trunk not opening and just got the nerve up. Top is down but reset procedure pull down grabs it but then spins freely. In the trunk the cable spindles keep popping off. I have hammered it on but still releases in procedure. Put top up manually and its back to shut okay. The tonneau cover had a little gap that would catch wind otherwise may just use manually for a while
CompSciMechanic sounds like one of the motor latches may be broken.
HELP!!! Trunk is Stuck - Won't Open With Key.
After viewing your video, I think you could help me solve a huge problem,
The top on my '95 325ic convertible was already converted to manual years before I purchase it.
Unfortunately, the other day I created a huge problem for myself when - for the first time ever my trunk became stuck (unable to unlock) - after removing the flap and taking the top down to get water out, that had accumulated in the area where convertible top is stored.
Even though I have owned this car for 5 years only after watching video did I learn the trunk won't open if the top is down. In addition, the two rear latches on opposite sides of car under flap , which could disable the trunk latch.
To my pleasant surprise, upon watching your video at about (1:50) mark you begin talking about the same thing - tourno cover, reset bar under seat, and inability to get into trunk due to inner lock. It sounds like this may be my problem but how do I solve it?
So, I am wondering what has went wrong here? Why does my key no longer work in the trunk lock cylinder, even though I have let the top up and down manually dozens of times before. When I turn the key to the left, I can hear the motor engaging, but when turned to the right there is nothing - no sounds or resistance / tension - like something is broke or disconnected.
==========
NOTE: While attempting to locate leak in back seat area I did find the reset bar and pull on it prior to realizing it's purpose. Do I need to do this reprogramming, and if so will it solve problem with truck lock?
==========
Now I am at a point in which I may have to pull rear seats out to access panel to break into trunk OR drill holes under rear tag to try accessing the cable. My third option is to take it to the dealership and be ripped off in a mighty way.
Therefore, any advice or expertise you could give would be appreciated.
Many Thanks,
L__
I know this was a year ago but I have the exact same problem! Did you ever find a solution?
I tried this on a 96 328, and I noticed that there was only one motor on the driver side and the other side is closed off where the other motor would be. After the motor was fully released, I could still not pull up the tonneau cover.
The other mother will be forwards the front of the trunk.
Closed mine automatically, now motors won't go back in? Any advice
Luis Fabio Jardim they sometimes may need a little persuasion if the gear splines don’t line right up.
Will this work with a 330ci 2003?
james schanback garcia it is basically the same but you may have automatic latches at the front.
Hi brother, I don’t know if u are still responding here but I’d like you to please help me out if you read this message, my top works but the only thing that is wrong is the top lid that does not want to open up to let the roof go,, if I open manually the lid and put the motor back on, the top can go all the way to the front but the lid does not close. If I close the lid and put the top manually all the way up, when I press down on the button to retrieve the top, the top folds, the lid opens up, the top goes back in the compartment but then at the complet end the LID WONT CLOSE by itself … what’s the problem here I tried to reset multiple time holding the button with key on acc etc etc
It sounds like one of your proximity switches isn’t reading that the top has gone all the way down.
@@YourCarGuyDRare they repairable ? Or I need to change them, wich one of them is the one that tell the module it’s back to is place ? Thank you brother
My release lever only release one motor, the back side is stuck.
Jecher Enterina there is a lever at the motor that you can look to make sure it is fully pulled the use something the gently pry the motor out of position.
Only problem my brother, is that you didn't show how you released the convertible top from the front. I have a 99 and found out later I needed the allen wrench to undo it. It started raising on the left side (from the window frame) but not from the right side. I don't understand why the 99 didn't have the same release open as this model year? What do I need to do? Thanks
Gods Child 2 yes the earlier cars had the manual latches and they added the automatic latches later. I have had to repair the auto latches when they have had bearings fail. Using the Allen wrench to manually release the front latches is the method to use if you have the later cars. I have seen some that have had the automatic latches fail and they have had to be disassembled to get the top open so you can repair them.
@@YourCarGuyDR Thank you very much for your amazingly quick reply Car guy!😁👍 Summer is almost over and I've had the car since May and have YET to have the top down. It's driving me absolutely nuts. I can't find a video anywhere with someone showing how to do it with allen wrench and if both sides don't release. Any suggestions?
Gods Child 2 it’s tough. I had someone else who had the same issue a few months ago. If I can get my hands on one with the automatic latches I will do a video on them.
@@YourCarGuyDR I absolutely understand. If you have a shop I would bring it to you to illustrate what to do. I know they said to keep turning which I have, but it's just that side. I will keep my eyes and ears open in case you find one to do! Thanks again buddy, great videos😃👍 Please let me know if there's anything else I can watch, read, or do!
Gods Child 2 if you live in the Charlotte NC area I know of a very good BMW mechanic. Sometimes it’s tough to find good honest BMW mechanics. I would happily do it for you but unfortunately my project list is several months long.
Hey man my tonneau cover won’t release. Any thoughts?
Sean Shepherd make sure the motors in the trunk are fully released. Then it should come up.
Your Car Guy DR Hey it wouldn’t release so I took the motor off. Got top down. Can’t get motor back on. Still trying. But when I go to put the top back up the front of top won’t go down close enough for me to latch it on front window. It’s a full auto top.
I sent you a message on your Instagram to show you a picture of how it’s stuck. Thanks for relying appreciate it! 😁😁
Anybody know how tobdonthis with electric top?
5150abundio if you have the electric latches up front then there will be a cover between your visors that you remove. Inside will be an Allen style socket. Put a wrench in that and turn it to release the front clamps. The rest of the process will be the same as in this video.
Can you please help my 128i have the same top problem
Richard Nahas what exactly is going on with your 128?
The convrable is not closeing
Richard Nahas here is a link to the instructions which includes the instructions for manual closing. Note that the manual instructions are towards the bottom. www.bavarianmw.com/guide-4397.html
I cant get the motors to pop back in place
Sometimes it may take just a bit of pressure.
Hi I do have a E36 soft top and I tried that and it doesn't do nothing I do hear a beep sound
americo almada you likely have an issue with one of the sensors for the top.
Ok where's the sensors as am going to try and sort it out I can manually drop the roof bout the tunnel cover won't shut proper on driver side
Is there any fuses for it
americo almada yes but the locations can vary.
I cant reset it my tunnel cover opens only 5 cm up and stucks.please help me
King Kong 666 your motor likely isn’t fully releasing. Go in the trunk and make sue to push the motors fully out of position.
Your Car Guy DR i mean at the end . I sit in the car press the button turn the key and my tunnel cover doesnt go down it goes a few cm up and thats it. Sry for my Bad language
King Kong 666 so this is as you are retiming it. You will want to inspect the cables for the cover and the cover latches. If everything looks good have someone hold the cover down while you do the reset procedure.
Hello Car Guy! There was absolutely no video instructions demonstrating how to release the top from the front. PLEASE. PLEASE, PLEASE, include this visual in the video. (I have a 1999 323ic) Thank you.
J B this car had manual latches in the front. Yours with the power latches requires that you remove the center upper panel and use the Allen key tool to release the front latches.
Mine wont release at the top above the windshield
Do you have the power release? If so there is an Allen screw that you have to insert the tool that is usually in the cover over the center of the header panel.
@@YourCarGuyDR i got it. Thanks man
Yeah I can’t get the storage part to open
Jacob King I am guessing the back of the roof comes up but the cover won’t come up?
@@YourCarGuyDR yes that's right
Jacob King check in the trunk to make sure both motors have fully released when you pull the handle. If both are fully released try pulling the back of the top up a bit further and push down and up on the cover to try and get it to release.
hey i can’t get my trunk open?
That gets a bit tougher with a convertible. Try locking and unlocking the trunk multiple times to see if you can get it to pop open. Otherwise you are likely looking at an option that will damage either the trunk lock or the trunk lid itself.
@@YourCarGuyDR For anyone with this problem, it’s because the tonneau isn’t locking in (think it needs to be electronically locked into place) so if you find yourself in that position you simply push down on either side where the latches are on the cover and get someone/reach over to open up the trunk. Owning this thing for a week and working out the kinks has taught me a lot about these soft tops haha
Mine is all electric I have to use a key to unlock roof from where interior lights are
My car doesn’t have the lever
Jay what year is your car?
i think my roof have other prob.m8
Albert Laduver I have had to replace bearings in the roofs before.
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