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Thread: Convertible Top - Tension Strap and Headliner Removal & Installation

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2004
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    14 JGC/13 E88 128i

    Convertible Top - Tension Strap and Headliner Removal & Installation

    Mods:
    I saw one of our members reference this web site "Allan's Garage".
    It has 4 videos that cover:
    Tension strap removal
    Tension strap install
    Headliner removal
    Headliner install

    http://www.unitedtravelcenter.com/BMW_Projects.html

    I copied these videos for my own use using
    videocacheview to capture these.

    Since this covers 2 of the 3 main areas of interest for those of us that drive the E36 convertible suggest including Allan's site as a good reference.

    If desired I could contact Allan and request permission to host these videos in the video section...

    Update:
    I contacted Allan Gazza and he is fine with Bimmerforums hoting the videos on his web site.

    Mods its your call now if you wish to host these DIYs on the topics listed in the first post...
    Last edited by palomino; 08-31-2010 at 04:51 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    2006 E53 BMW X5 3.0L
    Excellent find!!! Super helpful. Although I have a full automatic top...im wondering how different itll be.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    About the only difference is that your top is a little more complicated than his semi-automatic top. I have had both and prefer the semi-auto but it is really the same regarding the install and removal...

  4. #4
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    E36, F10, W205
    good call, done. i changed the thread title so it would be a little more helpful at a glance.

  5. #5
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    Awesome. This is very helpful. Thank you.
    1988 BMW M6 coupe -------Cinnabar Red
    1995 BMW M3 coupe -------Cosmos Black

  6. #6
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    96-318ic
    Just what I needed, thank you!

  7. #7
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    Weeki Wachee, Fl
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    1995 BMW 325i Convert
    Is there something I am missing, I cant get the videos to play

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    You must have some compatablility issue since I could play them but had to update or change a setting in my laptop, I can't recall which but after doing that mine played fine...
    Will go look and see...
    Just checked and worked just fine...
    It does take a while to load by the way...
    Last edited by fun2drive; 09-28-2011 at 05:26 PM.

  9. #9
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    1994 325IC
    The html that embeds those videos is broken. However, they are still there:
    http://www.unitedtravelcenter.com/media/

    They are very informative.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Corbin, KY. USA
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    328ic, CLK55 AMG, Disco

    Site down.

    Anyone happen to have a valid link to these videos?

    The linked site seems to have disappeared.
    2001 CLK55 AMG - 223K Miles : 1999 Land Rover Discovery Series II - 259K miles - 4th engine : 1996 328i Convertible 89K Miles (The wife's) : 2005 Outback Wagon 203K Miles (also The wife's)

  11. #11
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    '99 M3; '93 740il
    I would second the request for anyone who might know where to find these vids.
    Thanks!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    Vienna, VA, USA
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    1998 M3 Conv & 2004 545i
    has anyone found the site? interested in a DYI for a 98 M3 convertible headliner removal and install.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    Vienna, VA, USA
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    My Cars
    1998 M3 Conv & 2004 545i
    has anyone found the site? interested in a DYI for a 98 M3 convertible headliner removal and install.

  14. #14
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    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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    1998 BMW M3 convertible
    +1

  15. #15
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    Seattle, WA
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    2002 325ic
    Found the headliner install video, I'm searching for the rest so I can fix my tension straps too...

    Headliner Install: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOCZUL6_yjE


    ** Edit: Also found headliner removal video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlwyEGE9XCQ

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
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    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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    1998 BMW M3 convertible
    thanks for this. i am thinking to do this soon.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
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    FL
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    1998 BMW 328i
    Quote Originally Posted by The GOAT 1100 View Post
    thanks for this. i am thinking to do this soon.
    Does anybody have a good recommendation on where to buy a new top? Looks like mine is going to have to be replaced soon.

    Found this website, seems to be a couple hundred bucks cheaper than most places, wonder if that should cause concern...

    http://www.autoberry.com/details.php...&categories_id=

  18. #18
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    96 E36 Vert 03 E39 M5
    Quote Originally Posted by osky777 View Post
    Does anybody have a good recommendation on where to buy a new top? Looks like mine is going to have to be replaced soon.

    Found this website, seems to be a couple hundred bucks cheaper than most places, wonder if that should cause concern...

    http://www.autoberry.com/details.php...&categories_id=


    I did an Ebay top going to see if it fits tomorrow morning (fingers crossed). Guess I will open the box tonight

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Miami
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    30
    My Cars
    BMW 328ic 1998

    Can't find the videos you mention. link dead.

    Hello,
    I'm trying to replace the tension straps. WOuld need to see the videos you mention but only two of them are in You tube (headliner removal and headliner install) Any idea where I can find the other two? Many thanks!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by fun2drive View Post
    Mods:
    I saw one of our members reference this web site "Allan's Garage".
    It has 4 videos that cover:
    Tension strap removal
    Tension strap install
    Headliner removal
    Headliner install

    http://www.unitedtravelcenter.com/BMW_Projects.html

    I copied these videos for my own use using
    videocacheview to capture these.

    Since this covers 2 of the 3 main areas of interest for those of us that drive the E36 convertible suggest including Allan's site as a good reference.

    If desired I could contact Allan and request permission to host these videos in the video section...

    Update:
    I contacted Allan Gazza and he is fine with Bimmerforums hoting the videos on his web site.

    Mods its your call now if you wish to host these DIYs on the topics listed in the first post...

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Okeechobee, Florida
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    1996 bmw 328i convertabl
    any luck finding the videos for the headliner and tension strap?


    thanks

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
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    South Carolina
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    2004 330 vert 2004 X5
    You know if you're careful taking the headliner or tension straps off the car you'll know how to put them back on. Thats what I found when I replaced my top. By the time I was done carefully taking the top off I didn't need instructions on how to put the new one on

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
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    Renton, WA
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    1999 BMW M Roadster
    Quote Originally Posted by flyfishvt View Post
    You know if you're careful taking the headliner or tension straps off the car you'll know how to put them back on. Thats what I found when I replaced my top. By the time I was done carefully taking the top off I didn't need instructions on how to put the new one on
    I agree with this, but I do find it helpful to take pictures or short videos along the way so that if the reassembly is interrupted I won't forget the sequence or placement. I checked the youtube headliner removal video and that was fine, but there were some slight differences for the full auto top, which I think is probably the majority type out there. For example, instead of having to remove a handle before removing the front cover, you have to remove a screw from the hand hold of the emergency tool access cover. I didn't replace the tension strap, I went the bungie route. I found some 1/2" wide flat cords 48" long at Lowe's. 1-P1010190.JPGThey were very springy.

    I looped both ends over/under the appropriate bars and my crafty wife stitched them flat with strong button thread. The duct tape can prevent fraying of the ends.
    1-P1010189.JPG1-P1010191.JPG1-P1010193.JPG

    Along the way, I also cleaned out what was left of the sticky liner stuff,
    1-P1010183.JPG


    cleaned and lubed all of the pivot points, gummi-phlegged the seals, and vacuumed the nooks and crannies. It's nice not to be banging lids and tops any more!

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Miami,FL
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    81
    My Cars
    99' 528i
    Wondering if anyone has a link to fix the tension straps need to do mine love the top down but just never know when this miami weather gonna go nuts and start raining

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    DANA POINT CA.
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    1
    My Cars
    1999 323i convertible
    I tried clicking on the link and my computer says not available. I really want to see these videos. I am in the middle of putting a new top n my 1999 323i the guy doing it flaked halfway through so I am going to try and finish it

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Torrance, ca
    Posts
    46
    My Cars
    1999 328i Coupe
    can any one give me a link to a video tutorial on how to fix the convertible straps using bungee cords? pls
    I dont want to mess up my bmw cost a lot of money for a poor college kid.

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