Installing e36 top soft motors in e30 convertible

[moutraklas]

Hi guys,

I have a e30 convertible, 1992, with the 2 motors for the top soft (one for the top, one for the "hood"). I had replaced both of them few years ago (both cracked) and by then had to re-adjust and fix them again numerous times. Recently, they again stopped working, heard that bad noise (grang grag) and they possibly have cracked again. I haven't checked them as I didn't have time for it (not my everyday car) but I suspect I will need the hood motor. As this is getting way too frustrating and expensive to keep it working, I am thinking of my alternatives: turn it to manual, which is a pitty, or.... installing the e36 top soft motors in the car, which are generally much better and much more powerful and durable and easier to find parts.
Have you ever heard of such modification or I am the first to ever think of it?
Any help is much appreciated!
e.g. I am located in Greece, Europe.

[Jeffnhiscars]

just an fyi that there are gas struts in the hinges on the electric top and they are blown 99.9% of the time. This shortens the life expectancy of your motors due to the added strain

[moutraklas]

Hi, thanks, could you please make it more clear for me, i am not sure what you mean...?

[Jeffnhiscars]

There are gas struts next to the hinges that are designed to carry some of the weight of the top so it's easier to raise and lower. for the manual top it's less work and for an electrical top it's less strain on your motors since they are not lifting the entire weight of the top by themselves. If the struts are not working the motors do all the work and they will not last as long.