convertible top leaking

[knotcher]

i did a bunch of searches here and on bimmerforums and couldn't find what i was looking for...so i thought I'd post about it.

i just picked up a '91 325i vert. it's in good shape but the roof leaks like crazy right at the A pilars.

when i look at where the window seals meet the canvas top, there's about 1/8" gap...but i don't see any way for the top to "seal" to the seals...it looks like it is supposed to just rest on top of it...is this correct? is there some adjustment to be made to make the top meet the seals or is there supposed to be a gap?

[87-325ic]

where in NC are you?

ive been battling top leaks for as long as ive had my car.

i have many of them solved, but i have also invested in a tarp. for the heavy rains or long parkings.

try and rebuild your spot with a little black silicone. it helped me alot. or you can try and shim the weatherstrips down some..

also, how are your latches on the top? you know.. the two latches that hold the front down.. is the slide plate worn out? mine was and allowed the top to not be pulled down tight enough to seal well..

[knotcher]

Raleigh.

i don't think it's the latches...they are pretty tight.

the weatherstrips don't need to come down any (towards the glass). if anything they need to be higher up (towards the canvas). the gap i'm talking about is between the canvas and the weather stripping. it's enough that if i'm sitting in the car, i can see daylight between the two.

the strange thing is that i think this might be normal???? there doesn't seem to be any means of making the two come together.

[NC325iC]

i replaced all of my top seals about 6 years ago, not much in the way of leaking since, i also replaced the top around the same time

it wasnt cheap though.

on a side note i guess your havin a rough day today then.

from your last post it sounds like your top isnt getting stretched tight, some pictures would help clarify but it sounds like youre saying that between the top frame rails and the canvas you have a gap, is that what you mean?

[knotcher]

nah, the vert is safe and dry at home in the garage...i'm driving the 328 today (and probably for the rest of the week).

i'll try to take some pics tonight and post them so you can see what i mean.

[CorvallisBMW]

from your last post it sounds like your top isnt getting stretched tight, some pictures would help clarify but it sounds like youre saying that between the top frame rails and the canvas you have a gap, is that what you mean?

That's what it sounds like to me. I had the same problem. There are braided steel cables that run the length of the top, on the very outer edge and hold the top firmly against the top frame rails. They are held in tension by springs located in the C-pillar. Over time, these strings stretch and the cables loose tension, causing gaps and leaks. You can purchase replacement springs for $2 a piece or so, and that should solve some of your problems. For reference, this is the issue I had:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=113689&highlight=convertible

Here is the part # you need: 54311932747, #9 in this picture:

[hotrodlincoln]

Hey. My top does'nt have those cables. Why?

[CorvallisBMW]

Hey. My top does'nt have those cables. Why?

It should :)

[hotrodlincoln]

WTF? Another thing the j o I bought the car from f'ed up?

I just have the tensioning straps. Can I see those cables and springs easily?

[smooth]

I'll have to wait for the wife to come back with my vert but iirc, there are two flat strips that rest in the area you are talking about. The best I can describe it are two 1/16" strips that are belt-shaped. Or if you ever messed with bicycles, it's like the rubber stripping that sometimes line the wheel on top of the area where you can tighten the spokes.

[knotcher]

here's some pics

[hotrodlincoln]

Anyone have a pic of that cable and spring? Is it accessible with the canvas on?

[NC325iC]

my driver side cable fell out of its bracket and is now in the top somewhere... but no leaks so no worrys.

yeah knotcher it looks like your top is pulling away from the frame. in the second picture you can see where the cable should be attached and its not there. to the left side of the picture just below the canvas you can see a little metal loop , the cable runs through that.

is the top still attached to the cross bars inside, they like to rip free from the canvas.

[knotcher]

i think it's threre, but it's loose.

so does the cable run under the lip of the seal? i guess i'm failing to see how, even when tight, the cable would pull the fabric closer to the seal.

[knotcher]

on a side note, it looks like you are a Liverpool supporter from your avitar. at least you aren't for Arsenal.

Go Spurs!!