BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2003 E46 Service Manual

41
After the ignition has been
switched offYou can still use the electric power win-
dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as
no one opens any of the doors.
Manual convertible topThe fabric top offers the perfect protec-
tion against weather and one person
can open and close it easily and simply.
To gain maximum satisfaction from your
convertible, please observe the follow-
ing: We strongly recommend that you
close the convertible top before leaving
the vehicle parked. When closed, the
top not only guards the passenger
compartment from unforeseeable dam-
age from the weather, but also affords a
degree of protection against theft.
However, even when the top is closed
valuables should always be stored in
the locked luggage compartment.
Never attempt to mount any kind of roof
rack or luggage carrier on the convert-
ible top.
Closing the electric power win-
dows: to help ensure that the win-
dows seal securely, you should either
close the rear windows first or close all
four windows at the same time.<
Electric power windows
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42
To open the convertible top
Never attempt to open or close
the convertible top unless the
vehicle is completely stationary. To pre-
vent vehicle damage the top compart-
ment lid's lock will not disengage
unless the luggage compartment lid is
closed.<
1. Flip the locking handle out – refer to
illustration – and turn it as far as the
end stop will allow
2. Raise the convertible top a little bit,
release the tension
3. To unlock, press the button with the
ignition key in position 1 or higher.
The top compartment lid's lock dis-
engages and the lid itself rises a
small distance. The side windows
will lower slightly
If the indicator lamp lights up
when the button is pressed, the lid
cannot be unlocked because the top
compartment panel is raised, refer to
page 37. Lower the top compartment
panel and close the tailgate.<
Manual convertible top
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43
4. Position the rear convertible top
frame vertically and grip it firmly
You can make it easier to raise the
rear convertible top frame by
pressing the area indicated by the
arrow.<
5. Reach into the recess created when
the convertible top compartment lid
is lifted and pull it all the way by
hand – see arrow 1
6. Lay the rear convertible top frame in
the convertible top compartment –
see arrow 2
Let go of the rear convertible top
frame before laying the convert-
ible top down, otherwise, the side trim
panel could be damaged.<
7. Raise the front of the top and pull it
back for storage
Now finish pushing the convertible
top all the way down into the con-
vertible top compartment. This makes it
easier to close the convertible top com-
partment lid, especially at lower tem-
peratures.<
Manual convertible top
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44
8. Press down slightly on the convert-
ible top compartment lid from above
– see arrow. The closing process will
then be carried out automatically
9. Either close the slightly lowered side
windows or put them at the desired
height.
Operate the convertible top com-
partment lid from above only in
order to avoid any pinching.
An interlock device helps avoid damage
to the vehicle by preventing the lug-
gage compartment lid from opening
unless the convertible top compartment
lid is completely closed.<
As soon as the convertible top com-
partment lid closes the central locking
system will release the lock to allow
renewed access to the luggage com-
partment.
To avoid fabric damage stemming
from extended exposure to mois-
ture, you should never retract the con-
vertible top when it is wet, refer also to
the Caring for your vehicle brochure.<
To close the convertible top1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
2. Press the button to unlock it. The
convertible top will be unlocked and
the side windows will lower slightly
3. Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid all the way
4. Lift the convertible top out by the lat-
eral guide section – see arrow 1, and
the front convertible top frame – see
arrow 2, swinging it forward until you
encounter perceptible resistance –
until it stops
To avoid damaging the side trim,
always fold the convertible top
forward before folding the rear frame
brace up into its vertical position.<
Manual convertible top
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45
5. Either close the slightly lowered side
windows or put them at the desired
height
6. Press down slightly on the convert-
ible top compartment lid from above.
The top then closes automatically,
refer to page 41
Operate the convertible top com-
partment lid from above only in
order to avoid any pinching.<
As soon as the convertible top
compartment lid closes the central
locking system will release the lock to
allow renewed access to the luggage
compartment.<
7. Holding on to the locking handle, pull
the front part of the convertible top
frame up onto the windshield frame,
and lock the convertible top by turn-
ing the handle until you hear the con-
vertible top engage and lock.
The system automatically presses the
top's rear frame against the convertible
top compartment lid, pretensioning it to
ensure that it seals tightly.
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger com-
partment can cause the convertible top
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-
ply via the ventilation controls so that a
vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<
Position for cleaningTo be able to access the convertible
top compartment, lean the rear frame of
the convertible top against the cover of
the convertible top compartment.
First, use the button for activating
the convertible top to unlock the
locks of the convertible top compart-
ment. Refer to page 42.<
For additional information on car-
ing for your vehicle, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle brochure.<
Manual convertible top
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46
Fully-automatic convertible top*The fully-automatic convertible top
combines the benefits of effective pro-
tection against the elements with sim-
ple and convenient operation.
To gain maximum satisfaction from your
convertible, please observe the follow-
ing:
>We strongly recommend that you
close the convertible top before leav-
ing the vehicle parked. When closed,
the top not only guards the passen-
ger compartment from unforesee-
able damage from the weather, but
also affords a degree of protection
against theft. However, even when
the top is closed valuables should
always be stored in the locked lug-
gage compartment
>Never attempt to mount any kind of
roof rack or luggage carrier on the
convertible top
>To avoid damaging the convertible
top, do not activate it at temperatures
below 147/ –106.
Never store the convertible top
while it is wet to avoid permanent
damage from moisture.<
Driving when the opening or clos-
ing process has not been com-
pleted can cause vehicle damage or
personal injury.
To avoid possible legal violations,
always remember that traffic regula-
tions always take priority over these
instructions.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, as they could fall off when it
moves, causing vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
Always keep your hands and fingers
well away from the top's mechanism
while it is opening and closing. Ensure
that children remain at a safe distance
from the top's travel range while it is in
motion.<
Try to make sure that the vehicle
is completely stationary before
using the fully-automatic convertible
top. Otherwise the opening or closing
procedure could be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion
while the vehicle is stationary and then
have to start suddenly – for instance, at
a traffic light – you can still complete
the procedure by driving as slowly as
possible and again holding the corre-
sponding button pressed.
Before closing the top, always ensure
that the windshield frame is clear of any
obstructions that could prevent the top
from closing correctly.<
When closing the electric power
windows while underway, always
remember to either start by closing the
rear windows or to close all of them at
once. Failure to adhere to this
sequence can prevent the windows
from sealing tightly at high speeds.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger com-
partment can cause the convertible top
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-
ply via the ventilation controls so that a
vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<
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47
1To close
2To openLocks and security systemsWith the ignition key in position 1 or
higher, and with the vehicle stationary
To avoid placing unnecessary loads on
the battery, you should avoid operating
the top when the engine is switched off.
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Before opening the convertible top,
ensure that the convertible top com-
partment panel is back down into its
original position, refer to page 37
3. Ensure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
4. Maintain pressure on the corre-
sponding button for the convertible
top operation.
The red indicator lamp flashes when-
ever the convertible top mechanism
is in operation. It goes out when the
opening or closing process has been
completed.
If it continues flashing after the con-
trol button is released, the process
has not completed opening or clos-
ing. You can resume operation in the
desired direction by pressing the
button again.
If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button
pressed, the convertible top com-
partment panel has been raised and
the top cannot be moved, refer to
step 2.
The convertible top stops moving
immediately when the button is
released. You can resume operation in
the desired direction by pressing the
button again.<
While the convertible top is in
motion, the rear window will move
toward the passenger compartment. To
avoid possible pinching, the area
around the closing convertible top
should be clear.<
The side power windows are lowered a
small distance whenever the top is set
in motion by pressing the button and
after the opening or closing process is
completed, they will go back up, if you
keep holding the button down for more
than 2 seconds after the indicator lamp
has gone out.
The luggage compartment lid cannot be
opened while the convertible top is in
motion.
Do not close the side power win-
dows using the buttons if the con-
vertible top operation has been inter-
rupted.<
After having been stored for an
extended period of time in the
convertible top compartment, e.g. dur-
ing the winter months because the
hardtop was being used, you may have
to support the convertible top by hand
when closing it for the first time: If the
convertible top should halt just before
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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48
the closing phase is completed, press
against the front section of the convert-
ible top frame from the outside to help
the closing process along. Continue
pressing the switch while doing so until
the top starts up again on its own.<
Operate the convertible top manu-
ally in emergency situations only
to avoid causing damage due to incor-
rect operation.<
If the opening or closing process
has been interrupted, the convert-
ible top will remain in that position for
15 minutes. After that, the convertible
top can be moved again and, if it is an
emergency situation, you may need to
help the top along manually.
This can also be done in ignition key
position 0.
In certain cases, the luggage compart-
ment lid cannot be opened if the open-
ing or closing operation has been inter-
rupted. driver's door lockRefer to page 33.
Manual closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction1Emergency operation
2Allen wrench
3Recess
Only operate the convertible top
manually when closing it. Never
open it manually since the convertible
top compartment lid cannot be locked,
and would open while you are driving.<
The best way to close the convert-
ible top manually is to stand out-
side the vehicle, keeping the driver's
door open and the driver's seat flipped
forward. No one is to be in the rear seat
during this operation.<
1. Remove the insert between the rear
seats. Take the trim off of the guide
rod and flip it forward. Press down
hard on the emergency lock 1 – see
arrow. After a brief pause, the mech-
anism for the convertible top com-
partment lid will be released
If the mechanism for the convert-
ible top compartment lid does not
unlock, then insert the Allen wrench 2
into the recess 3 and turn clockwise to
release it.<
2. If the luggage compartment lid is
closed, open the convertible top
compartment lid up as far as the stop
will allow
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49
3. Grasp the convertible top by the lat-
eral guide section 1 and the front
convertible top frame 2. Lift out the
top and swing it forward until you
encounter a perceptible resistance –
until it stops. Position the rear con-
vertible top frame vertically and close
the convertible top compartment lid.
Fold down the rear convertible top
frame
To avoid damaging the side trim,
always fold the convertible top
forward before placing the rear convert-
ible frame into a vertical position.<
4. Use a screwdriver to lift out the cover
panel that is in the center of the front
convertible top frame
5. Insert the Allen wrench 2 – refer to
page 48 – into the recess – see arrow
6. Pull down on the front convertible
top frame as far as possible. Com-
plete the closing process by continu-
ing to turn the wrench in a clockwise
direction. Turn until the front convert-
ible top frame has locked onto the
windshield frame. The system auto-
matically presses the top's rear
frame against the convertible top
compartment lid, pretensioning it to
ensure that it seals tightly.
Always make sure the closing pro-
cedure is completed to prevent
vehicle damage or personal injury.<
Please consult your BMW center
to have the defect corrected.<
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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50
Position for cleaningTo be able to access the convertible
top compartment, lean the rear frame of
the convertible top against the cover of
the convertible top compartment.
First, use the button for activating
the convertible top to unlock the
locks of the convertible top compart-
ment. Refer to page 47.<
For additional information on vehi-
cle care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure.<
Wind deflector*With the convertible top open, the wind
deflector keeps air movement in the
passenger compartment to a minimum,
thus providing you with a pleasant
drive, even at higher speeds. The wind
deflector comes in a protective sleeve,
and because of its slim dimensions, can
be easily stored in the luggage com-
partment.Installation1. Remove wind deflector from the pro-
tective sleeve
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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