99 323 hardtop convertible

[okie36]

I just bought my first E36. It is a hardtop convertible. The previous owner tells me that he has never had the convertible top up on the car because it is locked and he doesn't know how to unlock it. He is telling me that there is an allen wrench that has to be used to unlock the convertible top once the hardtop is removed. Does anyone know what he is talking about?

[supercass]

Presuming it is a fully automatic soft top, once the hardtop is removed the top should open using the switch on the centre console. This switch is near the cigarette lighter. The allen key he is referring to is used in the event of the mechanism failing when the soft top is down. Should you have to use this, the allen wrench should be provided in the tool kit. If you look on the top widscreen surround you will see a small panel, about 7cm x 4cm at a guess, it is located just above the rear view mirror. Carefully prise this flap out and you will see a corresponding allen screw. However you shouldn't have to use this. The soft top should raise normally. If it has been closed for a long period you may need to assist it when it is towards the top of its travel for the first time. Only place your hands on the front panel on the surface that is normally inside the car, as the motors that control the soft top have a lot of torque, so avoid any risk of trapping any body parts. Also to open using the allen key you would need to release the motors using the flap under the rear seat, don't do this on a whim, avoid doing this unless you have to as you have to dismatle a lot of trim to re engage them and even then it can be tricky.

If the soft top doesn't open it may need resetting, this is an easy but involved procedure. Of more concern is that the mechanism may have failed for another reason, wear, damage etc and these can be very expensive to repair.

I wonder why some one would buy a soft top and then not use it?

If you purchased from a dealer, I would return and be assertively pushing to see the roof in operation, removing the hard top should not be an obstacle, it is easy with two reasonably strong people, just lift it well clear of the car at the back as there are two pointed prongs of some length that can catch you unawares.

So in summary what you are being told is not correct, you should not need to use the allen key except in event of failure.

I'm 99% certain that a 323i sot top of 1999 vintage would be fully automatic. If you need to reset it use a search engine to find the info. If no luck ask on the forum and I will see if I can find the link. Regards.

All information is given in good faith, if in any doubt consult a qualified mechanic

[okie36]

Thanks for the info. The guy I got it from only had it for 6 months and was dissapointed in the 323 ------------ he sold it to me so that he could buy a 96 Mustang!!!!!!!

I bought it guessing that I might have some serious soft top issues but for what I paid I am more than ready to spend some bucks on repairs. It is a very nice little black car and the hardtop is a pretty cool option ---- although I agree that the hardtop convertible is worthless without a working softop.Again---------- thanks!

[supercass]

Have you tried removing the hardtop (a two man job) and opening the roof, if so what happened? It might not necessarily need lots of money spent and may be resolvable via this forum. Regards.