Is there a way to manually lower a convertible BMW's top?

DiosaBellissima · March 27, 2009, 8:45pm

We have a 2000 BMW Z3 and we just had the top replaced a few weeks ago. The other day, I tried to lower the top and pushing the button caused a big pile of nothing to happen. Obviously, we need to get this fixed, but. . .

It’s really pretty this weekend. I’d like to enjoy the benefits of a convertible. Is there any way to manually lower the top?

I can push it back about half way, but then it kind of just sticks (like, it goes back to where the motor would start pulling it back, then stays). I’ve Googled a bunch and found nothing. I tried calling the dealership and no one is answering.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Apocalypso · March 27, 2009, 9:05pm

Found this, which is for a 328i, which may or may not be of help:

I just bought a 1996 328iC (the “C” is for convertible). I bought the car with the knowledge that the roof needed a motor replacement (~$300 for the part alone + ~1-2 hours labor) and that I would need to open and close the roof manually if I wanted to take advantage of the convertible part of the car.

After some trial and error, I figured it out and now it takes me <30 seconds to open or close the top (manually). Note: my top is a semi-electric roof, which I think is what came on the 328iC, you have to lock into place after you close it.

Here’s what you do:
1- open all of the windows
2- unlock the roof by turning the latch between the sun visors.
3- push the front of the roof towards the rear of the car - be sure to push in the middle of the roof, where the latch is.
4- lift the back of the roof up off of the roof storage compartment
5- while holding the back of the of the roof up, lift up the roof storage compartment door
6- let go of the back of the roof so that it drops right into the storage compartment
7- push the rest of the roof into the storage compartment
8- close the storage compartment door.

To close the roof, follow the steps above in reverse order. Remember: this is a German car, so you use a little bit (or a lot) of force and you won’t hurt it (I think it actually likes it ;-D ).

Here’s another page I found that may be useful if the first one doesn’t help. It deals with a Z3 convertible:

And another link about Z3 convertible tops:

Hope one of those helps!