How do you get the convertible in a '94 325i to work?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

CherrydaleWM - 20 Apr 2007 20:09 GMT

We just got this car for our son and can't figure out how to get the
convertible to work. Anyone know the steps?

Reply to this Message

Clive Bagg - 21 Apr 2007 20:17 GMT

Hi
The first thing you have to establish is if the 2 motors in the boot are in
place. If yes then you may just need to initialize the roof.This is done by
holding the button down and turning on the key. the lid will move down
slightly and then the roof should work.if not, refit the motors and try to
initializs the roof.

Clive B

> We just got this car for our son and can't figure out how to get the
> convertible to work. Anyone know the steps?

Reply to this Message

Jeff Strickland - 21 Apr 2007 20:20 GMT

Turn the release handle and push the button.

> We just got this car for our son and can't figure out how to get the
> convertible to work. Anyone know the steps?

Reply to this Message

Jeff Strickland - 21 Apr 2007 20:26 GMT

My roof requires me to push it as I operate the switch. If I simply press
the switch, the roof will not always operate, so I push the roof upward
until the motor can take over. The rear window section will raise, then the
panel between the back seat and the trunk lid goes up, then the rear window
section drops and the front section that secures to the windshield goes up
as roof folds into the storage compartment. I have to lift the front section
to get the compartment door to open, then lift the front section again to
get the roof to fold up.

> Turn the release handle and push the button.
>
>> We just got this car for our son and can't figure out how to get the
>> convertible to work. Anyone know the steps?

Reply to this Message

Clive Bagg - 21 Apr 2007 20:41 GMT

Hi.There is a microswitch in the roof frame to tell the control unit weather
the roof is overstretched.that switch is not adjusted or is faulty.

Clive B

> My roof requires me to push it as I operate the switch. If I simply press
> the switch, the roof will not always operate, so I push the roof upward
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>>> We just got this car for our son and can't figure out how to get the
>>> convertible to work. Anyone know the steps?

Reply to this Message

Jeff Strickland - 21 Apr 2007 22:17 GMT

I ought to read my manual more. There are apparently three versions of top,
a manually operated, a semi-automatic, and a fully automatic. Mine --
described earlier -- is the semi-automatic one. The fully automatic top was
offered on the E36 cars, but (my manual is a bit confusing on the
application date) was not available until the 1996 or 1997 models.

My 1994 has to be unlatched by hand, but has a motor to retract and extend
the top. This means to me that it is semi automatic. The fully automatic top
is able to latch and unlatch electrically, and the manual top has no motor.
At least that is what the three terms mean to me -- the manual is not clear
on the topic, and offers application dates that conflict with what is on my
car.

In any case, have you determined if your top is manual -- must be operated
by hand -- or is semi-automatic? If you have no button on the center console
just forward of the shifter, then I suspect you have a manually operated
top. If so, then you simply operate the latching mechanism at the top of the
windshield, and lift the top and fold it into the storage compartment.

> We just got this car for our son and can't figure out how to get the
> convertible to work. Anyone know the steps?

Reply to this Message