BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE 1997 E36 Convertible Tops Manual

Z3 ELECTRO HYDRAULIC TOP COMPONENTS
The system components include:
•Electric motor/pump with reservoir
and relays,
•Hydraulic tubing,
•Hydraulic cylinder with piston,
•“Off tension” microswitch
•Console mounted switch
Located in the driver’s side B pillar, the
hydraulic piston connects to the body by
a clip and the top frame by a ball pin.
The electric motor/ hydraulic pump
assembly is in the left rear corner of the
trunk. The hydraulic tubing runs through
an opening in the trunk bulkhead to the
hydraulic piston.
The “see thru” reservoir of the pump has
“min/max” fill lines which allows quick visu-
al confirmation of the system fluid level.
Use hydraulic oil from kit P/N: 54 34 8 410
308.
Emergency Valve:The hydraulic unit has
an Emergency Valve located on its top sur-
face.
If the top can not be operated due to an elec-
trical or hydraulic fault, the valve is
unscrewed 1/2 turn allowing the top to be
raised manually.
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HYDRAULIC
FILLER PLUG
HYDRAULIC
HOSE ROUTING
RUBBER
ISOLATION
MOUNTS
AND
BRACKETS
“EMERGENCY”
VALVERESERVOIR
TRUNK MOUNTED
ELECTRIC MOTOR/
HYDRAULIC PUMP
FLEXIBLE
HYDRAULIC
TUBE
HYDRAULIC
CYLINDER/
PISTON
SYSTEM
CONNECTOR
OFF TENSION
MICROSWITCH

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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