control top BMW 325I CONVERTIBLE 1994 E36 Convertible Tops Manual

CONVERTIBLE TOPS
Convertible Tops - 1
Subject Page
E36 Convertible Tops
Overview .................................................................................................. 2
E36 Automatic Electro Mechanical Convertible Tops ................................ 4
•Features ........................................................................................ 4
•Components
- Control Module ........................................................................... 6
- Top Switch .................................................................................. 6
- Motors ........................................................................................ 7
- Top Drive Linkage/Thrust Rods ................................................... 8
- Top Cover Latches/Drive Linkage................................................ 8
- Micro Switches ........................................................................... 9
- Components Review ................................................................... 11
•Operation ...................................................................................... 12
•EM Top Emergency Operation....................................................... 17
•Re-connecting the drive motors .................................................... 18
•EM Top Initialization ....................................................................... 19
•Control Module Diagnosis/Troubleshooting.................................... 20
•Convertible Top Storage Lid Position Hall Sensor Tests ................. 22
•E36 Convertible Top Adjustments (Repair Manual excerpts) .......... 23
•E36 Convertible Specific Service Information Bulletin Reference.... 29
Z3 Convertible Top
Overview .................................................................................................. 30
•Components ................................................................................. 31
•Operation ...................................................................................... 32
•Adjustments .................................................................................. 33
•Z3 Convertible Specific Service Information Bulletin Reference...... 35

E36 AUTOMATIC ELECTRO MECHANICAL (EM)
CONVERTIBLE TOPS
The Automatic EM convertible top was introduced as a“Semi”Automatic in the 1994
model year. The top was upgraded to a fully automatic top in 1997. Except for a few addi-
tional components and an additional function on the fully automatic version, both systems
function the same. For this reason the systems are described simultaneously and high-
lighted as required where differences occur.
FEATURES
The top is designed as a self tensioning, electric mechanical power operated folding top.
The main features include:
BOTH VERSIONS:
• Electrical interlock of the trunk lid when the top storage cover is unlocked or open.
 Automatic partial lowering of the four side windows when lowering or raising the top.
 Automatic full raising of all four windows once top is stored in the storage compartment.
 Fully diagnosible EM Top Control Module.
 A textile, crease free interior liner clipped to the top frame.
 Emergency release handle inside the passenger compartment, for manually raising the
top with an electrical failure.
 A removable (zipper) green tinted plastic rear window.
 Soft top material of 3-ply with 40% cotton fabric lining and 100% Arcyl outer skin.
SEMI AUTO ONLY:
 A centrally located turn lock fastener on the for-
ward edge of the top for locking and unlocking
the top to the windshield frame.
Convertible Tops - 4

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 - 10
S5 - Identified as Trunk Lid Microswitch in the ETM (Not Adjustable)
•Located on Trunk Lock. Prevents convertible
top operation when trunk is open.
•S5 is also used on fully manual top. It provides a ground for the convertible top stor-
age lid lock motor. This is a unique component only found on the manual top system
which electrically prevents the storage lid from being opened manually when the trunk
lid is opened.
•S5 utilization on the automatic top system provides a ground signal to the control mod-
ule when the trunk is open. The control module cancels any top operation when this
ground signal is present.
S6 - Identified as Convertible Top Storage Lid Microswitch in the ETM (Adjustable)
•Located on Right Side Storage Cover Lock
Latch
•Signal is input to ZKE IV General Module.
•Low signal indicates convertible top storage
cover is open. Trunk can not be opened.
S7 - FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY: Identified as Position Microswitch Locking in
the ETM (Not Adjustable)
•Located on Top Lock Drive Assembly.
•Open anytime top is not locked to windshield
frame.
•Closed when top is locked to windshield frame.
S8 - FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY: Identified as Position Microswitch Unlocking
in the ETM (Not Adjustable)
•Located on Top Lock Drive Assembly.
•Closed only when the top lock motor is driven to
the fully unlocked position.
•Open all other times.
S7 S7S8 S8

Convertible Tops - 13
TENSION BAR RAISED
At the same time the windows are lowering, the top drive motor is switched on and the ten-
sion bar is raised to a vertical position. The drive lever of the top linkage rotates counter
clockwise to push the tension bar to a raised position.
The control module recognizes the raising of the tension bar by the closed contacts of
micro switch S1 in the motor assembly.
When the tension bar has raised to the full vertical position micro switch S2 closes and the
motor is switched off.
STORAGE COVER OPENED
The top storage cover motor is switched on and turns counter-clockwise. This action
releases the locks of the cover via the bowden cables. The locks are forced out of the
clamps by spring pressure.
The drive linkage continues to push the cover to a raised position. A hall sensor integrat-
ed in the cover motor provides status of the storage lid movement and position to the CVM.
The motor is switched off when it reaches the end of its predetermined travel.
S6 also closes the moment the storage cover is released from its locked position. The sig-
nal is provided the GM to prevent the trunk from opening.

TOP ASSEMBLY LOWERED
The top motor turns clockwise immediately opening S1 & S2. It pulls the top into the stor-
age compartment. The tension bar drive linkage is mechanically released from the top drive
as the motor continues to run. Once the top is completely lowered microswitch S3 closes
signalling the control module to switch the motor off.
STORAGE COVER CLOSED
The storage cover motor is switched on and the drive linkage pulls the cover down. As the
locking clamps grab onto the cover locks, the linkage engages the bowden cables and the
cover is locked closed.
The CVM monitors the storage lid position via the hall effect sensor signal. When the fully
closed position is detected, the top cover motor is switched off.
WINDOW RAISING
If the top switch is held down after the top storage cover is closed, the windows will auto-
matically close. The EM top module signals the ZKE to closed the windows. Once the top
switch is released the window operation is terminated.
Convertible Tops - 14

 






 
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Convertible Tops - 20
CONTROL MODULE DIAGNOSIS/TROUBLESHOOTING
 Faults that occur during opera-
tion of the top are stored in the
CVM.
 They are accessed with the DIS
Tester or MoDiC.
 The table reflects the possible
fault codes stored in the CVM.
 Additionally, the diagnostic
requests (status) and compo-
nent activation function pro-
vides quick diagnostic checks
of signal status and output
function of components.
 Always verify the control mod-
ule identification against the
tester display screen when
testing or troubleshooting the
EM top system.
 Always check any associated
or inter-connected systems
when troubleshooting EM top
problems. (ie: ZKE IV).
 Check the coding data to
make sure the control module
is coded correctly for the spe-
cific top system in the vehicle.
 Always use the latest software
available to test and trou-
bleshoot the system.Fault Code Description
1 Short to ground motor
2 Short to B+ motor
3 Position not plausible
4 Distance/time measurement of the
convertible top
5 Fault “rollover sensor”
6 Internal fault of the module
7 Current through CVM too great

Convertible Tops - 32
OPERATION
•Top operation is dependent on a stationary vehicle with the brake pedal depressed.
•Unlock the top at the windshield frame and raise past the tension point (microswitch
closes).
•With the windows lowered press the top switch in the console panel.
•The switch provides a ground for the control circuit of either the up or down relay. Power
is provided through the brake light switch circuit when the brake pedal is depressed.
•The activated relay provides operating power to the pump motor which is grounded
through the other relays not active contacts.
•Release switch once top is at end of travel.
•Motor reversal is achieved when the switch is pressed in the opposite direction activat-
ing the other relay.

Convertible Tops - 34
The following information on the Z3
convertible top is also available in
the Repair Manual:
•Notes on electrohydraulic con-
vertible top.
•R&R hydraulic control unit
•R&R Hydraulic Cylinder

Convertible Tops - 36
BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
• Always personally verify the customer complaint.
•Always verify that the complaint is truly a system malfunction.
• Perform a Quick Test to determine if the vehicle systems have logged fault codes.
•Call up the faulted system or appropriate test schedule to verify the correct control
module is installed in the car.
•Follow the Diagnostic Information System (DIS) on screen instructions and perform all
tests as specified.
•Use the DIS and fault symptom diagnostic procedures as trained.
•Follow the appropriate test module procedures for systems that malfunction but fail to
set faults in memory.
•System problems which elude diagnostic procedures must be brought to the attention
of BMW of North America, Inc.
•BMW Technical Assistance Hotline 1-800-472-7222
• BMW Service Training Feedback Message Center 1-201-573-2186