air BMW 325I CONVERTIBLE 1996 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

Convertible Tops - 19
EM TOP INITIALIZATION
Initialization of the system is required for the CVM to learn the end limits of the top storage
cover. The CVM counts the pulses from the integrated hall sensor in the cover motor to
determine the cover position.
An initialization run occurs automatically after every eighth operation of the top. This
ensures that the hall sensor counting circuit is not adversely affected by any backlash or
elasticity of the top cover drive mechanism.
The hall sensor counter reading is
stored in a NV RAM, however it is
possible for this data to be incor-
rect or out of sync for the following
conditions:
 Power supply interrupted while
top is in operation
 Electrical failures that require
manual closing of the top.
Follow the procedures on this page
or refer to Group 54 in the Repair
Manual of TIS.
INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE
1. The top must be placed in the storage compartment
 Motors engaged with the drives.
 Top storage cover closed
2. Ignition key switched OFF.
3. Press and hold the top switch in the lowering direction.
4. Switch the ignition on (KL R).
5. After approximately 10 seconds the top storage cover will start to close and lock.
6. At this point release the the top switch. The initialization procedure will continue run-
ning. The procedure is complete approximately 0.5 seconds after the top storage cover
is closed and locked.
NOTE: The initialization procedure can be interrupted by switching the ignition off.

Convertible Tops - 23
E36 CONVERTIBLE TOP ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: All mechanical adjustments are critical for synchronous top operation.
The following adjustments are possible on E36 convertibles. The Repair Manual section of
TIS provides system component R&R and adjustment procedures.
The following Repair Manual
screens are from Groups 51 & 54.
The individual listings provide all of
the pertinent procedures for effec-
tively repairing a defect and adjust-
ing the components to effectively
maintain the precision operation of
the top mechanisms.
Example:Adjusting left or right
soft top compartment cover lock.
Group 5125.. additionally includes
the following E36 convertible top
specific procedures:
•Configuration of convertible top
cover
•Replace actuating lever
•R&R Bowden Cables
•R&R Top Cover Lock
•R&R Gas Struts for Top Cover

Group 54 90.. includes trou-
bleshooting charts for the Semi
and Fully Automatic Systems with
links to repair procedures.
Group 54 90.. also includes a
micro switch logic table for diag-
nosis.
Convertible Tops - 28

E36 CONVERTIBLE SPECIFIC SI BULLETINS
Refer to the following list of Service Information bulletins when servicing an E36 convertible.
Always check the most up-to-date SI’s and recent DCS messages for current service infor-
mation.
•E-36 CONVERTIBLE TOP HEADLINER SAGS.
Repair kit P/N 54 31 8 227 354. SIB 54 03 96.
•CONVERTIBLE TOP CLEANING KIT. P/N 83 12 9 407 806. SIB 54 07 95.
•CONVERTIBLE STORAGE LID PROTECTIVE CAP INSTALLATION. SIB 54 06 95.
•CONVERTIBLE FOLDING ASSIST ROD. P/N 54 31 8 203 869. SIB 54 05 95.
•CONVERTIBLE HEADLINER PLASTIC PANEL REPLACEMENT. P/N 54 31 8 211 902.
SIB 54 04 95.
•CONVERTIBLE TOP PLASTIC BREAKS AT C PILLAR.
Repair Kit P/N 54 31 8 209 781. SIB 54 02 95.
•CONVERTIBLE HEADLINER SAGS. SIB 54 04 94.
•CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILS WHEN LOWERING.
--Needs new drive levers-- SIB 54 03 94.
•CONVERTIBLE TOP SEAL SQUEAKS.
•CONVERTIBLE TOP ACTUATING ROD REPLACEMENT.
•CONVERTIBLE STORAGE LID LATCHING CABLES. SIB 54 06 93.
•E-36 CONVERTIBLE TOP INITIALIZATION. SIB 54 04 93.
•E-36 CONVERTIBLE GLOVE LIGHT STAYS ON. SIB 63 03 93
Convertible Tops - 29

Convertible Tops - 33
Z3 CONVERTIBLE TOP ADJUSTMENTS
The following adjustments are pos-
sible on Z3 convertible tops. The
Repair Manual section of TIS pro-
vides system component R&R and
adjustment procedures.
 Adjustment Shims for Base
mount to body. Procedures for
R&R top.
Additionally, the Repair Manual has
procedures for:
 Replacing Rear Window
 Replacing Convertible Cover
 Replacing gas spring strut
Not included in the repair manual is the
adjustment procedure for the windshield
latch hooks.
The hook(s) can be adjusted to correct
for inadequate sealing at the windshield
seal or if the hooks are excessively hard
to close.
Loosen the small recessed allen set
screw. Screw the threaded hook in or out
as needed to adjust. Pull the allen screw
completely out and apply a light coating
of loctite on the threads. Tighten set
screw.

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 - 35
Z3 CONVERTIBLE SPECIFIC SI BULLETINS
Refer to the following list of Service Information bulletins when servicing a Z3 convertible.
Always check the most up-to-date SI’s and recent DCS messages for current service
information.
•Z3 STOWAGE BOOT REPAIR KIT. P/N 54 31 8 401 804. SIB 54 05 96.
•Z3 TOP WATER LEAKS. SIB 54 02 96.
•CONVERTIBLE TOP CLEANING KIT. P/N 83 12 9 407 806. SIB 54 07 95.