I just had the 2nd new top pump installed in 18 months in my 03. The last one was just done and the problem is back immediately. The top opens about 3/4 of the way then it drops in a free fall into the boot. The mechanic says yes- they bled the lines, no - it is not low on fluid. Inbetween pumps he put in a micro switch and that had no effect. Has anyone had this problem and found a solution? I have to beleive it is unlikely two new BMW pumps would be faulty and fail so quickly. The car is kept out of the rain so there is no issue of water getting into the pump area. I've put over $3000 into trying to get this top to function as it should so any help would be appreciated. Also, should I be concerned about the free fall putting stress on the system? I thought I posted this request earlier this week but I can't find it on the Forum. If it is a double post I am sorry.
E86 ongoing top problem
- Thread starter Mike W
- Start date
All E86s have an ongoing top problem 
oke:
oke:Mike W said:
Hi,
what year is your car ? I've read on this forum that some people are having trouble with the actuators(Hydraulic ram) on older models of E85's :wink: , It's about the only thing I can think of that would cause that problem given the work that has already been done, good luck with it !!
Okay, so I am not an engineer but hydraulics work on controlled pressure - if the roof is simply falling then this implies the system hasn't got sufficient pressure to counter gravity. Does the roof go back up on it's own, as quickly as it should, in about 9 secs ?
Maybe there is a big airlock in part of the system ? Or perhaps they bled it but didn't tighten the bleed point up enough and air is getting in and out as the roof cycles ? Sorry, just guessing really
Maybe there is a big airlock in part of the system ? Or perhaps they bled it but didn't tighten the bleed point up enough and air is getting in and out as the roof cycles ? Sorry, just guessing really
Bing said:Okay, so I am not an engineer but hydraulics work on controlled pressure - if the roof is simply falling then this implies the system hasn't got sufficient pressure to counter gravity. Does the roof go back up on it's own, as quickly as it should, in about 9 secs ?
Maybe there is a big airlock in part of the system ? Or perhaps they bled it but didn't tighten the bleed point up enough and air is getting in and out as the roof cycles ? Sorry, just guessing really
Hi , I agree with Bing, sounds like air...as air is compressible the ram could move down on it own compressing the air !! and it has been dismantled a lot (incl. Actuators !)
