Roof Latch

melbs said:
actually when my top got replaced, the top did not have a latch anymore. the top would simply rest on top of the other latch permanently located at the interior trim in between the roll bars.

the old top
IMG_0680.jpg

the replaced top
IMG_0773.jpg
Click to expand...

Why did they replace with a slightly blue looking interior roof trim when the original was black? :?
 
^ that's BMW for you, didn't bother to question anymore since under normal lighting condition the color doesn't differ that much.
 
I tried to remove my latch this weekend. I removed the 4 hex bolts, and the two long clips came off, but the main latch itself is attached by an electrical cable, so I couldnt remove it.

Instead, I reattached the latch, minus the hooked clips, but now, when the roof is down, it can't free itself to go back up :? I have to push the manual release a few times to make sure it it free to raise...

How can I remove the latch completely? Cut the cable... rather not. Push the latch back inside the hole?
 
I was the guy that had it replaced under warrante they replaced the whole mechanism and removed the latch, they said the new mechanism holds it in place anyway so no need for the latch. I also wasn't convinced until I heard from others on the forum that the face lift cars don't have a latch. It does feel secure with no movement so i guess it should be OK as I had it done about a year ago.
 
But there is an electrical cable going to the latch. I don't want to cut it, so anyone thats removed it, what did you do?
 
mason storm said:
I was the guy that had it replaced under warrante they replaced the whole mechanism and removed the latch, they said the new mechanism holds it in place anyway so no need for the latch. I also wasn't convinced until I heard from others on the forum that the face lift cars don't have a latch. It does feel secure with no movement so i guess it should be OK as I had it done about a year ago.
Click to expand...

can't recall your handle in z4um, the one who reported the problem first in z4um was way back in 05 or 06 i think. anyway thanks for the additional input
 
T2FFN said:
But there is an electrical cable going to the latch. I don't want to cut it, so anyone thats removed it, what did you do?
Click to expand...

unfortunately i cannot help you, because BMW PH replaced the whole top system (complete with motor, interior lining) as if it was taken from the assembly floor, boxed and delivered to BMW PH. I can't visually see any cables running except the heater and motor lines
 
So still looking for the solution to removing the latch...

If i just push it back inside the plastic trim hole, and I need to get it back out, its gonna be a pain...

So anyone done it DIY?
 
I removed the central latch last week on my prefacelift car. The cable is a Bowden cable, not electrical. The other end looked like there was too much disassembly involved to remove it so I just cut it. It has had no affect on the operation of the roof since and the squeaking and rattling is gone. I drove on the motorway yesterday at up to 90mph and the roof didn't budge at all.
 
Bowden... never heard of it. So what was its use? Good to know, think I'll do mine tomorrow as it still squeaks with just the clips removed :headbang:
 
Its a sheathed cable like the one on the inner door handle. Its connected to the driver side latch on the top of the roof. The motor noise you hear when you initially press the button to close the roof is the electric motor in the header rail opening to disengage the latch from the lock between the seats.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom