Folding Top Frame Screw Holes Stripped - Help!!

S

StudioWizard

Member
Hey all

Some of the screws that secure the plastic lip of the fabric top to the aluminum top frame are stripped. Or, I supposed the screw holes are stripped. Have any of you had this problem? If so, how did you repair it?

I've read about using a Helicoil Kit, but I think that the depth of the screw holes might be too shallow.

I suppose I could try slightly larger self-tapping screws, but ChatGPT said that's the worst choice and will ultimately fail after time.

Also, what is the exact size of the OEM screws that secure the plastic top lip to the aluminum top frame?

Any help appreciated!
 
Real oem parts diagram here shows screw sizes
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showparts?id=BT31-EUR-06-2005-E85-BMW-Z4_25i&diagId=54_0311
Depends on the depth of the hole but maybe Rivnuts may work?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkxXlzv1h88
 
Thanks for your replies!

I was looking on Real oem parts, but it doesn't show the screw for the convertible top lip. It shows screws for the headliner and other areas, but not for the top. It's really strange...

Rivnut looks great, but it won't work for the top frame since the screw holes don't go all the way through. If they did, they would protrude into the fabric top and potentially cause damage to the fabric over time.
 
Took a roof apart last year but have forgotten almost everything about it since I did it :rofl:

Is this the screw in question:

20250524_172543.jpg
 
That bolt is doing specific job so you can't use a bigger one or a different type of bolt. It's designed to screw in tight but not crush the plastic lip of the fabric roof.

Either replace the top frame or JB weld the hole so you can drill and tap it again.

Tough choices but I can't see another way.
 
You might be right about that. However, I think there are workarounds... For example, I could attach a thick small diameter washer/spacer that achieve the same goal of tightening without crushing the plastic strip.

The main thing I'm concerned with is finding these screws. I can't seem to find them on Real OEM or anywhere else.

Would anyone be willing to unscrew one of theirs to see if it's the same as mine? FYI: mine comes from a 2005 2.5i.

I suppose it's possible that BMW decided that specific screw wasn't necessary to accomplish the task. Who knows?
 
When I stripped the roof I kept all the screws and fixings for the fabric top and headlining seperate in a tub.

There are 12 of the screws you provided a photo for:

20250525_084024.jpg

Those 12 go here:

Screenshot_20250525_084714_eBay.jpg
 
Thanks for confirming the screw type!

The question is where can I get more of the screws and what is the part number? I can't find it on Real OEM. The previous installer must have lost several of the screws because he replaced about 6 of them with completely wrong type screws.

Replacing the frame is incredibly expensive. I think I have to repair the screw holes somehow.
 
As you're in the US a top frame wil be expensive. There's one on the UK Ebay for £30 but I doubt they ship to the US, you could try contacting them to see if they will ship. I threw my top frame away :o

How many screws do you want? If you cover postage I'll send you some.
 
I just found a top frame on US Ebay for $85 in great shape... I just bought it. How crazy is that??

Wow, that is very generous of you!! Would you mind sending all 12 of those screws? I'm more than happy to pay for shipping. I'll DM you.
 
StudioWizard said:
I just found a top frame on US Ebay for $85 in great shape... I just bought it. How crazy is that??

Wow, that is very generous of you!! Would you mind sending all 12 of those screws? I'm more than happy to pay for shipping. I'll DM you.
Click to expand...

You can have all 12. Up to 100g is £4.20 standard postal. If you want tracked it's £10.60.
 
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