91 convertible top issues

[cpandrewschmidt]

Hi all,
Just picked up a 91 325i convertible. It has the switch on the dash to open and close it. I assume it is broke. It appears the previous owner converted it to manual some how. He installed some snap boat straps to hold the trunk cover lid thing down when closed.

I can't for the life of me get the top to cram into the container. Is there a trick? I've literally put all my weight into it.

Here are some pics as far as it goes and of what the trunk looks like. Maybe they didn't convert it correctly? I've tried opening it to the point where it's almost all the way down, then using the switch on the dash if it was a semi auto, but that didn't seem to do anything, even when holding it for 30 seconds. I didn't hear any motors moving. I've also lifted that little 6" bar up and out of the way. The top lays over the back seat in the headrest area, is that normal?

Thoughts? Thanks!

Andrew

[Ether-D]

There's a bar that must be flopped back as you are first lifting the front of the top up. Its the second or third support from the front. Just lift the front part up and where the top fabric gets loose, lift it and just grab that bar and pivot it rearward. There's only one that moves. then you'll have to get sort of creative with the folding of the top to get it to all pack in. Good luck and welcome to r3v.

[cpandrewschmidt]

Got it, thanks. I'm dumb. I read about that bar but thought they meant that little stupid one in my picture. (which i'll remove btw as I see no reason for it)

Got it in, yeah definately have to get creative to find where to flop certain parts of the canvas. Now just have to find some heavy duty latches to hold it tight down. Even getting it in, it wants to push itself up a bit

Thanks,
Andrew

[Ether-D]

Mine doesn't lay in there perfect. My tonneau cover sits up a couple inches from closed. I wedge a piece of wood in the latch to make it stay down.

[Code808]

Picture #1 indicates that the last folded piece is not laying in the correct position.

- The last folded piece of canvas - the section of canvas that would normally be closest to the windshield when the top is raised should have the fold go to the back of the car when in the down position. In other words the canvas would be under the header bar and folded to the rear.

- As you can see the canvas of this section is actually touching the rear seats / front section of the top holder. If folded correctly this section would clear and allow the top to fold into the covered section.

- Normally the two top straps are constructed to force the fabric into the correct location, but yours and about 90% of the E30 convertibles out there are worn and should be replaced when your top is replaced.

- Post if the above does not make sense to you.