Replacing Convertible Top Fabric
54 34 120 Replacing Convertible Top Fabric
Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove convertible top
- Remove trim on convertible top catch
- Remove roof liner
Caution:
- Convertible top frame is made of magnesium.
- Do not damage surface (e.g. scratches). Any damage will result in destruction of the convertible top frame.
- Touching up with matching paint is not possible. Convertible top frame will continue to oxidize.
- A damaged convertible top frame must be replaced.
Release screw (1), remove fold bar (2). Feed fold bar out of eyelets (3).
Installation:
Feed-in direction at eyelets always from outside to inside.
Tensing fold bar (1):
- Mount accompanying sleeve on fold bar (1)
- Shape fold bar into a loop and also pull through sleeve
- Move markings on fold bar next to each other
- Using pliers (smooth jaws), squeeze sleeve (2) on marking
Note: Observe following installation sequence if fold bar is cracked:
- Release screw (1), remove remaining parts if necessary
- Screw down loop of new fold bar (2) with a new screw and a new collared bushing
- Feed in new fold bar (2) through eyelets (feed-in direction from inside to outside) and loop
- Feed new and old fold bar straps into sleeve
- Fit new fold bar strap end (3) on convertible top next to old fold bar strap (4)
- Clamp both strap ends with sleeve (5) (pliers with smooth jaws)
- Shorten remaining fold bar strap ends
On left and right, undo bonding (1) on convertible top.
Lift convertible top cover over frame edge.
Installation:
Bond together adhesive areas with cyanoacrylate adhesive (Loctite 380, refer to BMW Parts Service).
On left and right, release nuts (1) on inside.
On left and right, drill out rivet (1).
Installation:
For riveting, fit blind rivet adapter (repair kit, sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service).
Riveting sequence:
1. Soft top frame
2. Cable holder
3. Tensioning cable holder
4. Eye of pull strap
Cut off pull strap flush with convertible top frame and seal with soldering iron against fraying.
On left and right, bend open metal lug on tensioning cable holder (1) and detach tensioning cable (2).
On left and right, release screw (1).
Detach sealing strip (2) from convertible top.
Note: Detach sealing strip at bottom first.
On left and right, undo bonding (1) on convertible top.
Installation:
Bond together adhesive areas with cyanoacrylate adhesive (Loctite 380, refer to BMW Parts Service).
On left and right, drill out rivets (1).
Installation:
For riveting, fit blind rivet adapter (repair kit, sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service).
On left and right, bend open metal lug (1) on convertible top frame and feed out tensioning cable (2).
Installation:
On left and right, ensure tensioning cable (1) is correctly routed when feeding in.
Undo bonding at hoops (1).
Installation:
Bond with cyanoacrylate adhesive (Loctite 380, refer to BMW Parts Service). Follow instructions for use.
On left and right, release screw (1) on outside of convertible top.
Release screw (not pictured) in center on outside of convertible top.
Caution: Before operating the convertible top, make sure both screws are fitted and secure the cover in place.
Failure to comply with this instruction will result in damage to the cover.
Slide convertible top (1) with plastic insert (2) out of tensioning frame (3).
Remove convertible top cover.
Installation:
Plastic insert and convertible top must be flush with tensioning frame.