A 2004 BMW E46 was recently mine thanks to a private seller. The convertible top, they said, was a touch finicky. I’m currently having some issues with it. Can a BMW E46’s convertible top be reset?
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Greetings on your brand-new BMW E46! You may reset your convertible top if you’re having problems by following these steps:
- Put a finger on the emergency lock button. This is typically located between your back seats.
- Grab your convertible top from the frame’s side and top. Fold the top down after raising it up and forward.
- The central cover panel of the frame should be removed.
- Turn the control panel clockwise with an Allen wrench inserted into the panel until the frame latches into the windshield.
- Snap the cover panel shut. You should have a sealed convertible top.
While this should reset your convertible top, you all should go to a BMW dealership or service facility if you’re still having problems. They can assist with fixing any broken parts or adjusting the convertible top.
You can drive in comfort and style once you’ve found a solution for your problematic convertible top. To learn how much you can save on your auto insurance before you get back on the road, download the Jerry app.
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wormtownhero
For E36 AND FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP models made in 1998 and 1999, follow the steps above. With semi-automatic tops, a lever is used to detach the roof from the windscreen, and the mechanical motor section manages the compartment collapse and stowing. Although I can’t prove it, this might work for years 2000 and later. Additionally, the allen is 7MM, so avoid using a power tool! You take a chance with the motor and gears. I know. I finished. Use your vehicle’s emergency tool kit instead, and keep a deep socket 1/4″ drive bit on hand. You can see where the deep socket bit will be useful because the emergency tool resembles a right-angle “Z.” The stowage cover should be simple to raise manually after the two motors have been disconnected. It will be kept suspended in an upright position, not exactly straight up, but high enough to clear the roof mechanism, thanks to a gas-pressurized support. Push rearward from the middle of the roofline that looks forward after separating the roof from the windscreen. The roof’s framing should provide some resistance, but not completely. As you collapse it into the storage container, you should be aware of another gas strut that is exerting some resistance. Close the cover as much as you can after the roof has been entirely folded and placed inside the compartment. Restart the motors in the trunk next. To get to them, you must take out the panel on the left side of the car. The roof motor is dragged towards you while the other is lifted upward till it clicks (cover motor). Replace the fuse next, then get into the car. Insert your key while holding the roof button in the “retract” direction (down/backward). Keep the button depressed while turning the key to position two. The cover’s latches will retract after about 10 seconds, pulling it into a fully closed position, and the windows will begin to rise at that time. Now the roof is re-set. Hope that was useful. I can also give some of the PDFs for troubleshooting.
This comes from experience because I’ve been fighting this system for two years. My system now operates totally automatically 87.6% of the time, both up and down. The rear window repair still needs to be completed, and the liner needs to be installed again with some extra roof-mounted tension strap repairs. Good fortune!
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Dirty Tool
For this top, there is no initialization process. The back seat bottom can be removed, and there is a button to press and a fitting for an allen wrench if it becomes stuck. With them, you may unlock the storage lid so that it can be manually moved to the closed position and release pressure from the system. In the owner’s manual, there are instructions. Ensure that the trunk storage panel is in the down position before attempting to stow the top. For additional information on this, read your owner’s handbook.
silentak1
I can see what you mean since after the top opens and becomes perpendicular, gravity usually causes it to fall to within about six inches of the windshield. You claim that at that point, when it should have stopped, the hydraulics (?) were already extended to the open position. Have you paused the opening procedure in the middle to inspect every link inside the roof compartment? Post any developments you have with this problem.
It does occur when I open the top, but it is most obvious when it closes. The only way to (manually) make it close more smoothly is to simply let the top “slide” to a parallel position with the ground after releasing the “close” button as it is about to descend. I’ll carefully examine the parts today and repost.
How much does a BMW convertible top repair cost?
The brand and type of your car determine a lot of the cost of replacing a convertible top. However, the costs often consist of the following:
- one substitute top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)
- a windshield sealant strip (for those who own a vehicle with glass windows with rubber trim)
- silicone aerosol
Many DIY kits frequently do not include a new curtain window and backlight, so if you intend to complete the project yourself, be sure to buy these separately.
Why won’t my convertible top open?
If you get into your car one day and press the convertible switch in the console but the roof doesn’t go down, don’t be shocked. It has numerous causes and is a widespread issue. Of course, you could always try flicking the switch a couple of times to see if it helps. If you’re fortunate enough, it might just solve the issue, albeit frequently just momentarily. However, if the problem hasn’t gone away after a few tests of the swap, a bigger problem probably exists.
Remember that understanding how convertible tops function is the key to identifying the issue. The good news is that the logic underlying the functionality of all hydraulic convertible top systems is the same. The precise make and model of your car is much less important once you understand it.
Most convertible tops operate in a same manner. Let’s examine the convertible rooftop issues that come up the most often before going over the system in more depth.
- If a convertible top simply won’t go up or down when the switch is activated, a blown fuse, lift cylinder, or relay could be to blame.
- The most common reasons for a convertible top to become stuck during operation are a lift cylinder or a broken cable.
- Another frequent issue is an extremely slow-moving convertible top, which is often brought on by a faulty lift cylinder.
- Check the electric motor that controls the soft-top or hard-top roof if the previously identified problems don’t appear to be the cause.
- Ironically, there are situations when a faulty switch is the only problem.
How is the convertible top of a Mustang manually closed?
You have come to the right site if you are concerned about how to raise or lower the convertible top on a 2019 Ford Mustang. Here are some helpful steps for you.
Step 01:
To prevent battery discharge, first stop the vehicle and confirm that the engine is still running.
Step 02:
Put your gear selector or gear stick in aparka mode to park. Turn the crankshaft to turn the engine if the ignition is still off.
Step 03:
You can see a handlebar if you look at the top of the car. As soon as you hear the sound of the lock being released, pull it down and turn it in a clockwise direction.
Step 04:
The handlebar will be accompanied by two buttons. One is facing ahead while the other is pointing downward.
You must detach the convertible top from the rest of the vehicle before lowering the side windows, which requires one click of the back button.
Step 05:
Push the back button to raise the convertible top. The top lid is opening, as you can see.
Step 06:
The top is fairly easy to close. Simply hold down the forward arrow button until the lid rises once more.
The cover will advance gradually. The following stage will be taken once the car is entirely covered.
Step 07:
You must re-grab the bar and slightly lower it to lock it. simply rotate it in the opposite direction.
When you hear the sound of the Mustang convertible top cover being locked again, stop moving and press the handle back up. The side windows should now be rolled up.
In GTA 5, how do you close the convertible top?
In Grand Theft Auto V, how can I operate the convertible roof on my cars? A convertible car’s roof-raising and -lowering controls are by default linked to the same button as the headlights. Your car’s roof can only be raised or lowered when it is stopped and the button is depressed.
BMW produces convertibles, right?
For those seeking a luxury compact coupe, convertible, or 4-door that is similar to the 3 Series but has more funk, there is the 2022 BMW 4 Series.
What is the value of a BMW convertible?
Starting at $53,100 is the 430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Starting at $64,000 is the M440i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A).
Describe E46.
The E46 3 Series was the successor to the E36 3 Series, whose manufacturing terminated in 2000, and is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series line of small executive automobiles. It was manufactured by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006. The E46 was first made available in sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, and hatchback body styles in November 1997. The 3 Series Compact has been the name given to the latter.
The 2-door coupe version of the M3 performance variant debuted in June 2000, while the convertible version debuted in April 2001. The BMW S54 straight-six engine powers the M3, which has a 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission as an option.
After the E90 3 Series sedans were released in late 2004, the E46 lineup began to be phased out. The E46 coupe and convertible body types, however, were still manufactured up until August 2006.
How challenging is a convertible top replacement?
With the development of the Internet, DIY-savvy auto owners with toolboxes have access to a wide range of materials. Experience has taught us that installing a convertible top is one of the trickiest installation tasks you’ll encounter with your automobile, therefore we advise leaving it to the pros. They are effective and can save you from making an expensive mistake that could end up ruining the top or causing a leak that would necessitate repairs to the interior of your convertible. To receive a price on installing your new convertible top, look through our list of Installers Near You.
You will be better prepared than the ordinary weekend hobbyist if you have experience with car upholstery repair and have the necessary time and tools (see this blog, which details the tools you’ll need). TopsOnline offers installation videos on well-known models that may be ordered as DVDs or accessed through our streaming collection for people with prior experience installing auto upholstery. We give you the streaming installation video for free when you buy a replacement convertible top for these specific models.