Hard top removal

[zee1]

Hi all again, sorry to have to ask for your help again so quickly!! I can't find any reference anywhere re removing the hardtop from my 2003 2.5. In all the paperwork and books I got with the car I can't find any reference to it. I think I have to turn the two side fixings with a 7mm Allen key and also the one at the centre up front? Are there any electrical connections? Also anything else I should know. I have the rubber caps to put in the holes!? Thanks for your help in advance Steve

[Marlon]

There are just the 3 fixing points that you mention - no electrical connections, the heated rear window connects and disconnects automatically.
Also, once you've released all 3 fixing points you want one person on either side to lift it off - its only about 25kg but really awkward to clear the car, I never attempted it on my own

[patriot66]

There are just the 3 fixing points that you mention - no electrical connections, the heated rear window connects and disconnects automatically.
Also, once you've released all 3 fixing points you want one person on either side to lift it off - its only about 25kg but really awkward to clear the car, I never attempted it on my own

I agree and second what Marlon has said. I would also add a few other points: 1) Remove your whippy aerial first.
2) If you do not have a stand for it then place an old piece of carpet/rug/curtain etc on your garage floor to place the hardtop on so that you don't damage the paintwork or glass and so you don't get grit stuck to the rubber seal along the bottom edge also.
3) When lifting the hardtop if each person can get their fingers of one hand under the lower side and with the other hand grasp the roof at the top of the A-pillar for better balance.
4) Lift the hardtop cleanly and evenly up approximately 6 inches or so and walk straight towards the rear of the car until it is clear before attempting any manoeuvres.
5) Place it down gently taking special care of the edge of the rear glass screen.
6) If the hardtop is going to be removed for some time then zip it in its fitted cover to protect it.
I hang mine against my garage wall from March until October

[zee1]

Thank you once again for the replies, they are very helpful and very much appreciated. I have a stand so will lift it off and store it in the summer house!!
Thanks again Steve

[zee1]

Hello again, I have a fold up stand for it, which way up should I store it? Does the glass sit at the bottom or the front rail when it is on the stand? I don't want to damage the glass?
Thanks again Steve

[mac27040]

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RxEki ... i-dnm9qZ4t

[derin100]

Mine, on the Z4M, has two electrical connections...one each side?! Little wires with spade connectors onto the posts.

There's also a video (in Spanish but that doesn't really matter) on YouTube. I had to watch it a couple of weeks ago as I too couldn't remember how to take the hard top on and off.

[Marlon]

Mine, on the Z4M, has two electrical connections...one each side?! Little wires with spade connectors onto the posts.

They are the heated rear window connectors:

heated.JPG (89.32 KiB) Viewed 1146 times

[Marlon]

Hello again, I have a fold up stand for it, which way up should I store it? Does the glass sit at the bottom or the front rail when it is on the stand? I don't want to damage the glass?
Thanks again Steve

Like this:

storage.JPG (55.69 KiB) Viewed 1143 times

[maxman]

That's a very tidy shed.

[zee1]

Thanks again all.... Special thanks to Marlon for the pic. I wasn't sure I could rest it on the glass. I see you have plenty of padding there to stop damage. I was worried about it sitting on the glass. Thanks again, til the next question!!
Steve

[firebobby]

That's a very tidy shed.

That's not a shed, that's a hard top bedroom