1998 M3 - Convertible - Top Issue after Power to Manual Top Conversion

[newe36m3]

I've completely replaced my top, headliner, straps, gaskets, and converted the power top to manual with the 323i manual power top components, but my top won't close. Opens and closes smoothly until it reaches the part where the last section is supposed to latch down. Could this be a sensor issue or did I incorrectly install something or am I missing something? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

It feels constrained - I have put some weight on it but doesn't want to fold down towards the windshield. While the tonneau cover is open in the pictures, it jams up at the same spot with the tonneau cover closed and in the correct position.

[66 6]

Clarify what top you are using. You mention power(auto) and manual but then sort of indicate semi auto.
The top in the picture is full auto..... Also the alignment pin on the driver's latch is missing.

If your going to full auto and the top latches start to work and then stop, I need to know if you added a bunch of shims to move the new frame further back. If so your drive rods need to be shortened as it's causing a bind.

[newe36m3]

Thanks for the responses so far...to clarify, I've removed all motors etc. - it was a fully auto top that was having electronics issues and motor issues, so I've installed the hardware for the manual top off a 323i. The tonneau cover and storage components work great and I am having no issues with the top down - latches down fine. The problem is trying to put the top up. It jams up and simply won't move down towards the windshield. More pictures attached.

[flyfishvt]

You still have the header from
The fully auto top. You have to crank it down manually. Get rid of the header and the latch motors and get the header from a manual
Or semi auto top. It has a T handle that latches it to the windshield.

[newe36m3]

66 6 - check out this video and let me know if you have any ideas...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYVUW8G86gk

[66 6]

You still have the header from
The fully auto top. You have to crank it down manually. Get rid of the header and the latch motors and get the header from a manual
Or semi auto top. It has a T handle that latches it to the windshield.

What he said.

I cannot tell from the video if you removed all the locking components. Even with the manual locking components you still need to pull down to get it to be in position to lock.
If you need the manual locking parts I do have a set.

[Jat007]

Hi newe36m3,

Say, did you ever figured out what was the fix for your convertible wouldn't shut all the way? Mine is doing the same thing now and it doesn't matter if I synchronized the motors at all.

Thanks,

Jat