Convertible Top Question

I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
"re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
appreciate them.

TIA

Octo

> wrote in message
...
>I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
> top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
> control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
> disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
> "re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
> down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
> how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
> appreciate them.


I hate guys with BMW convertibles.

Pat

Pat Durkin wrote:
> > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
>>top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
>>control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
>>disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
>>"re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
>>down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
>>how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
>>appreciate them.
>
>
>
> I hate guys with BMW convertibles.
>
> Pat
>
>

We are crushed...

--
-Fred W
'94 540iA
'95 325i
'97 Z3 2.8 (convertible)

> wrote in message
...
>I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
> top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
> control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
> disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
> "re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
> down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
> how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
> appreciate them.
>
> TIA
>
> Octo

Don't know if this is relevant as my convertible is a Z4, but isn't there a
manual override procedure described in the owner's manual? Also, the top
compartment in the trunk may not be in the top up position, or may be
blocked. Otherwise, it sounds like dealer time. Good luck.

Tom K.

wrote:
> On Sat, 11 Feb 2006 09:11:23 -0500, Fred W
> > wrote:
>
>
>>Pat Durkin wrote:
>>
> wrote in message
...
>>>
>>>
>>>>I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
>>>>top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
>>>>control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
>>>>disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
>>>>"re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
>>>>down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
>>>>how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
>>>>appreciate them.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>I hate guys with BMW convertibles.
>
>
> And here I thought I was going to get a good night's sleep tonight.
>
> Paul
> 2005 330CiC

Bad trimming. I did not say that.

--
-Fred W

On Sat, 11 Feb 2006 09:20:15 -0500, "Tom K."
> wrote:

>
> wrote in message
.. .
>>I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
>> top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
>> control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
>> disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
>> "re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
>> down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
>> how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
>> appreciate them.
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Octo
>
>Don't know if this is relevant as my convertible is a Z4, but isn't there a
>manual override procedure described in the owner's manual? Also, the top
>compartment in the trunk may not be in the top up position, or may be
>blocked. Otherwise, it sounds like dealer time. Good luck.
>
>Tom K.
>
I found some documentation on the Internet and managed to get the top
down manually. Once I reconnected the motors it was able to fully
close on its own. So I tried to put it down again on its own power
this time. Everything went smoothly unit it got to where the storage
top is suppose to open. The storage top won't open on its own so now
I need to figure out if its something that's out of adjustment or
what.

Thanks for the help!

Octo

wrote:
> I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
> top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
> control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
> disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
> "re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
> down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
> how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
> appreciate them.
>
> TIA
>
> Octo

If you have the owners manual - it will show you the allen wrench that
is used to latch (or unlatch I guess) the electronic release for the
front edge of the top. It should be in your tool kit in the trunk lid.

There is a square plastic plate on the bottom of the top interior edge
(right below the hand-grip sort of recess) - pop this off and the place
the allen wrench is used will be revealed.

As a FWIW - it is probably worthwhile to take this to a dealer so they
can hook the computer up and see why the top won't go down. There are
multiple interlock switches on the top that have to be in the right
state before anything will work, and if you do get the top open, there
is a fair chance you won't be able to get it back up.

'98 M3C

Pat Durkin wrote:
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> I recently purchased a 1999 323i with the full automatic convertible
>> top. The problem is the top won't go down. The LED light on the top
>> control flashes and both motors are engaged but the latches won't
>> disengage to allow the top to move. I've read about a procedure to
>> "re synch" the motors but it only seems to work it the top is already
>> down. Well, I'd like to get the top down to try this but I don't see
>> how to disengage the latches. So if you have any ideas I'd really
>> appreciate them.
>
>
> I hate guys with BMW convertibles.

Well, right back at ya. ;-)

>
> Pat