Convertible top and panel problems...

[AzzMan]

Alrighty, I have a 1992 318i Cab and I'm wondering about my top. Since I bought the car, I've had to hold the panel up to put the top into it, and I was told that this is unnecessary if the panel strut is working, as it should hold the panel up at an angle so the top can be dropped directly in. I'm wondering about that and how to determine what to do to fix it.

I'm also concerned about the top itself. When I put the top down, I have to hold the panel up, then lay the top across it to push a part of it in before dropping the top into the hole and then dropping the panel back down. As far as I know, the top was replaced by the PO (who lied to me about some things about the car), and I'm assuming the top isn't OEM, which would explain why I have to do this, if I shouldn't normally have to...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=889461

That's a link to my old For Sale thread on Bimmerforums where you can see pictures of the car and a more detailed description of the problems. I'd appreciate any help anyone could give me with my car, as well as if anyone had any idea of how much it might cost to have any of the car's numerous faults reparied.

[Erik j]

I too have the same issue with my convertible, I havnt looked into it cause the top is never up :) let me know what you find out though

[kyle wilson]

i have the same thing . i have to lift the panel then put my top in and i have to fold it just right so i will not break the back window . and i have to push the top in to close the panel and also on the panel you lift up if you look there are little struts that hold the panel up so you can do the top with out busting your butt to do 2 things at one time .
and also i wanted to let anyone no that if your back floor board is getting wet it is from the seal that is arond the bottom of the panel that the top goes into . it drove me crazy becouse it would get the back seat wet under the seat and the floor board .

[kyle wilson]

and as for the top not staing up it is the struts

[Erik j]

Do we have a alt part for these? I think the dealer one is pretty pricey

[Mastrcruse]

Alrighty, I have a 1992 318i Cab and I'm wondering about my top. Since I bought the car, I've had to hold the panel up to put the top into it, and I was told that this is unnecessary if the panel strut is working, as it should hold the panel up at an angle so the top can be dropped directly in. I'm wondering about that and how to determine what to do to fix it.

I'm also concerned about the top itself. When I put the top down, I have to hold the panel up, then lay the top across it to push a part of it in before dropping the top into the hole and then dropping the panel back down. As far as I know, the top was replaced by the PO (who lied to me about some things about the car), and I'm assuming the top isn't OEM, which would explain why I have to do this, if I shouldn't normally have to...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=889461

That's a link to my old For Sale thread on Bimmerforums where you can see pictures of the car and a more detailed description of the problems. I'd appreciate any help anyone could give me with my car, as well as if anyone had any idea of how much it might cost to have any of the car's numerous faults reparied.

There aren't any real fixes for the shock that hold the panel up, you just have to buy a new one...and love to charge way to much for it. This will solve that problem

I also have a non-OEM top. My OEM top did the same thing you described. Its just trying to fit a blanket into a hole, you are going to have to manuveur some things to get it to fit right, OEM or not its not going to just fold up and go in. Mine does basically, because I have "trained" it but I still have to make a nice crease in the rear window. I also have to push a little piece of fabric on the passenger side in so the panel doesn't come down.

All and all, you have to get a new shock for it, look on RealOem.com and order if from BMA.

[AzzMan]

Yeah, I was told to look on RealOEM before, and I looked now

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BA73&mospid=47325&btnr=54_0146&hg=54&fg=10

Part #4 I'm assuming, those look like the little shocks to the left and right of the center inside of the top panel.

Also, what about central locking? I have honestly no clue how to lock my car other than pushing the buttons down on the door or using the key, but I'm sure the car had to have central locking. Did these cars come with anything on the key, like a fob with central locking or something?

[Erik j]

Yeah, I was told to look on RealOEM before, and I looked now

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BA73&mospid=47325&btnr=54_0146&hg=54&fg=10

Part #4 I'm assuming, those look like the little shocks to the left and right of the center inside of the top panel.

Also, what about central locking? I have honestly no clue how to lock my car other than pushing the buttons down on the door or using the key, but I'm sure the car had to have central locking. Did these cars come with anything on the key, like a fob with central locking or something?

No they didnt come with a key fob, there are some companys that sell a flip key + keyless entry for our cars

[AzzMan]

Well there has to be another way to lock the doors other than walking around to the passenger door and manually placing the key in the lock for both doors.

[kyle wilson]

my 1991 318ic has it that you can lock all doors with the d/s door lock with the key

[Stevie30]

You are all correct about replacing the overpriced gas springs on the top compartment door. As for the top not folding correctly, it is because the top elastic straps are tired and need to be replaced. This should be done when the top is replaced. I recently replaced the top, straps and seals on my '91 vert and it all works perfectly!! And there are no leaks!!!!! Good luck!!!!

[kyle wilson]

what did that run you to replace it all

[DaveSmed]

Yeah, I was told to look on RealOEM before, and I looked now

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BA73&mospid=47325&btnr=54_0146&hg=54&fg=10

Part #4 I'm assuming, those look like the little shocks to the left and right of the center inside of the top panel.

Also, what about central locking? I have honestly no clue how to lock my car other than pushing the buttons down on the door or using the key, but I'm sure the car had to have central locking. Did these cars come with anything on the key, like a fob with central locking or something?

Nope. Different strut for the top mechanism itself.

#5

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BB13&mospid=47326&btnr=41_0798&hg=41&fg=55

One of the first things I bought for my car. They are worth it.

[Mastrcruse]

You are all correct about replacing the overpriced gas springs on the top compartment door. As for the top not folding correctly, it is because the top elastic straps are tired and need to be replaced. This should be done when the top is replaced. I recently replaced the top, straps and seals on my '91 vert and it all works perfectly!! And there are no leaks!!!!! Good luck!!!!

I have new straps/top but still have to do alittle work to get it in. There is just maybe a 1/2 of fabric that I have to push in so the parcel doesn't shut on it.

And no leaks...thats impressive. I wish I had no leaks but I haven't replaced the seals yet.

[jrblazr]

Do we have a alt part for these? I think the dealer one is pretty pricey

autopartsbylou.com has replacement top cover shocks. Check them out.