Newb needs convertable help

M

miotchcook

Member
 Florida
Completely new to "power" convertable tops and need some help before I spend a fortune.

Help and opinions needed and greatly appreciated.

1 Sometimes we push the "close" button and the pump struggles and finally the top moves, VERY slowly.

2 Sometimes we push the button and hear the pump and nothing happens.

3 Sometimes we push the button and nothing happens. Absolutely nothing. No pump sound.

4 When opening it works, very slowly, like struggling and the last 8-10 inches it just slams down in the closed position.

Based on one and two, I'm pretty sure its not the switch and definately not a fuse.

What would you guys recommend for me to check for? Or are these the definate signs of a pump in need of replacement.

Thanks for the help and if pump replacement is needed, how big of a nightmare is it.
 
Hi, I'm not an authority on roofs but it sounds like your electric motor is on the way out or you are low on fluid, don't go to bmw but check out the posts on here about roof motor relocation/replacement. There's a few guys here who do this at much better rates than the main dealer :thumbsup:
Rob
 
Smartbear said:
Hi, I'm not an authority on roofs but it sounds like your electric motor is on the way out or you are low on fluid, don't go to bmw but check out the posts on here about roof motor relocation/replacement. There's a few guys here who do this at much better rates than the main dealer :thumbsup:
Rob
Click to expand...

What smartbear said :thumbsup:
 
In addition to the relocation, there is a very high chance that the motor can be resurrected if it is indeed on its way out. Job number one is to get it relocated to the boot so its easily accessible for refurbishment

Cheers
 
thanks guys, I will do a little research about the replacement. I dont even know where to find the motor at this point. So excuse me if I come back with some REALLY basic questions. thanks again. cheers
 
Motor is inside on the passenger side rear wing

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This isnt my diagram, ive googled it and its on this forum somewhere.
 
Can you get to the motor through the trunk or do I have to do a complete disassembly ? I have read about the relocation of the motor and that sounds like what the manufacturer should have done in the first place. :headbang:
Searched a few threads so if anyone has a step by step out there that would be great. thanks.
 
Only practical way to get to the motor and housing is to remove the top completely. Not too bad a job for a Saturday.
Once off you can get the motor out of it's rust jacuzzi, refurbish it, seal it in properly (BMW 'forgot' to do this first time round) and enjoy a motor that closes/opens the top in about 8-10 seconds.
Google shipkiller for the soft top removal and motor guide.
 
miotchcook said:
Can you get to the motor through the trunk or do I have to do a complete disassembly ? I have read about the relocation of the motor and that sounds like what the manufacturer should have done in the first place. :headbang:
Searched a few threads so if anyone has a step by step out there that would be great. thanks.
Click to expand...
Dave, who lives near Durham, is an expert at doing the job without removing the top and will also fix the motor and include a custom made cover all for the princely sum of £80.00. I found it well worthwhile to drive the 186 miles to get there and to get the job done properly and am very happy with the end result.
 
The motor can come out without taking the roof off. I am planing a trip to Florida for my 40th and would happily help. Trouble is that's a few years away!!!!

So what I can do is give you some information from doing mine. There are a few threads on hear offering help. But the boot plastics have to come out. And the luggage cover and then the fun begins. You have to hook a pry bar under the motor and pull the motor up and brake the plastic lug or cable tie holding it in. Then it can come out and then the motor can be referbished.

I soaked mine in Parafin and put it in a ultra sonic bath and then blew out the crud with an air line and left it to dry out.

It's quite a simple job but a bit fiddly and frustrating.
 
Plenty of people have done it without removing the roof, but i have to say for me it was easier removing the hood as i had some help.

If you follow MM or Ducklakeview's thread there is some detailed pictures/explanations on how to remove from within the boot. If you can prise the motor housing clip and get hands on the motor you should be good to go
 
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