seat BMW 325I CONVERTIBLE 1995 E36 Convertible Tops Manual

Convertible Tops - 2
E36 CONVERTIBLE TOP
OVERVIEW
E36 - 318i, 323i, 325i and 328i:
The top design consists of two pivoting sections;
the tension bow at the rear and the foldable top section with multiple bows.
When lowered, the top is stowed in a storage well behind the rear seat. The well is cov-
ered by a hinged convertible top cover.

COMPONENTS
CONTROL MODULE:
•Located behind the left side rear seat interior
quarter trim panel (1).
•All relays and operating electronics are installed
in the module. The control module is fully diag-
nosible with the DIS or MoDiC.
TOP SWITCH:
•The top switch is positioned in
the center console.
•The switch of the fully auto-
matic system contains an LED
that flashes when the top is
not fully closed and locked to
the windshield frame.
However, the LED will not
flash when the top is fully
stowed in the top compart-
ment with the lid closed.
Control module memory of lid
position via Hall sensor.
Convertible Tops - 6
LED-Fully Automatic T LED-Fully Automatic T
op Only op Only

Convertible Tops - 17
EM TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION
In the event of electrical failure, the top can be raised manually. The procedure is as fol-
lows:
 Pull the release lever located under the left rear
seat cushion as shown.
 Both motors are disconnected from the gear
drives.
 The top storage cover is unlocked.
NOTE:The top can not be lowered again until electrical power is restored to the system.
This is due to the fact that the top storage cover can not be locked until power is restored.

Convertible Tops - 30
Z3 CONVERTIBLE TOP
OVERVIEW
This Convertible top design is a single retractable mechanism that folds into a storage well
behind the seats. When stowed the top is covered by a clip on vinyl top cover. The top is
rigidly connected at the rear which eliminates the need for a tension bow as used on the
E36 top design. The top is latched to the windshield frame with catches on the left and
right sides.
The Z3 was introduced in the 1996 model year with a manual variant of the convertible top.
Starting with 4/97 production, the manual top was fitted with an additional gas spring strut
to assist the driver while raising or lowering the top. For the 1998 model year an optional
Electro Hydraulic variant also became available.
Regardless of the mode of automation, the mechanical pivot points and movement while
raising or lowering are the same for both variations.