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Thread: convertible top fixing

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    johnstown pa
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1994 bmw 325ic

    convertible top fixing

    My 1998 Z3 convertible top has stopped working with the switch. The motor runs but the top goes nowhere. I can lower the top easily just by lifting it at the windscreen and it will continue to the completely down position. Raising the top also doesn't work with the switch but after pushing the raise position on the button for a couple seconds, the top can be pulled to the up position with only a little effort. Any thing to check???? Thanks for any help.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    7,560
    My Cars
    98 M Roadster
    You've lost hydraulic pressure. There is a leak somewhere. That's why the hydraulic ram (driver side, next to soft top frame main pivot) doesn't stop it from dropping. When raising it, you are fighting the weight of the top and whatever resistance the ram is still capable of, so running the pump helps reduce the latter. Mine did this some years back.

    You can find the problem and repair it or pop the hydraulic ram out and put in a manual "assist" gas ram, like what is in the trunk and hood. That's a (much) cheaper alternative if you can live without the power. You can also just disconnect the ram entirely and handle it 100% by hand.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Northeast
    Posts
    357
    My Cars
    2001 M Roadster
    Quote Originally Posted by Vinci View Post
    You've lost hydraulic pressure. There is a leak somewhere. That's why the hydraulic ram (driver side, next to soft top frame main pivot) doesn't stop it from dropping. When raising it, you are fighting the weight of the top and whatever resistance the ram is still capable of, so running the pump helps reduce the latter. Mine did this some years back.

    You can find the problem and repair it or pop the hydraulic ram out and put in a manual "assist" gas ram, like what is in the trunk and hood. That's a (much) cheaper alternative if you can live without the power. You can also just disconnect the ram entirely and handle it 100% by hand.
    Vinci, can you elaborate on “manual "assist" gas ram”. I might have to do after I install my roll cage, because from what I understand I will no longer be able to use automatic with the roll cage.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Louisville, KY
    Posts
    4,503
    My Cars
    1997 BMW Z3 1.9L 5MT
    Quote Originally Posted by DimrBimmer View Post
    ... elaborate on “manual "assist" gas ram”. I might have to do after I install my roll cage, because from what I understand I will no longer be able to use automatic with the roll cage.
    The top was originally manual. A gas strut and ball pin attachment points were introduced in spring of '97 to reduce the effort, and a few months later the strut was replaced with a hydraulic cylinder powered by a pump and motor.

    If the fluid level in the pump's reservoir is below the bullseye, top it up.
    If the pump or motor has failed, turning a little Tee thumbscrew on the pump will disconnect the hydraulics and allow easier manual operation.
    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...7#post29223657

    The hydraulic cylinder, pump and motor can all be repaired or replaced.
    https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/54347114081/
    https://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/en/
    https://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/bmwz3removalguide.pdf
    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...Soft-Top-Motor

    When accessing the cylinder, be careful as the plastic and hard rubber parts that you must remove can easily break.
    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post29224601

    It is said that aftermarket roll bars fit with the hydraulic cylinder if the base of the bar's mount is trimmed.
    Last edited by Vintage42; 09-21-2018 at 07:28 PM.
    BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Blairstown, NJ, USA
    Posts
    620
    My Cars
    1998 M Roadster
    Vintage 42 gave good advice. If you've got a leak, it will be found either in the trunk or in the B-pillar on the left side. If there is no fluid to be found in the trunk, I can almost guarantee that the foam under the carpet under the left seat has been soaking up hydraulic fluid. My had that and it's difficult to clean, once you've managed to get the carpet out. Top Hydraulics fixed the cylinder nicely. The top is so easy to run manually that I nearly didn't have the cylinder repaired.
    Wayne

    1998 M Roadster
    1994 Honda ST1100--sold
    2017 Yamaha FJR1300ES

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