Body - Convertible Top Won't Latch in Stowed Postion: Overview
SI B 54 11 06Special Roofs
April 2007
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B54 11 06 dated January 2007.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Soft Top will not Latch in Stowed Position
MODEL
E85 (Z4 Roadster) up to 4/2006 equipped with the Fully Automatic Soft Top (option code 399)
SITUATION
The customer may state that the convertible top does not fully stow away in the open position, or the convertible top indicator lamp begins to flash when the vehicle is in motion.
CAUSE
This condition may occur for one or more of the following reasons:
A. The soft top canvas cover does not fold correctly, resulting in the convertible top not sitting low enough in the stowage compartment.
B. The convertible top is not adjusted correctly.
C. The stowage lock is not adjusted properly.
D. The hall sensor on the left side main bearing is reading incorrectly.
E. The soft top frame is deformed or damaged.
F. Unfavorable tolerances between the soft top and vehicle body.
CORRECTION
This situation may be corrected by checking for each of the specified causes in the order they are listed, and following the outlined correction procedure.
PROCEDURE
A. The soft top canvas cover does not fold correctly:
1. Verify that the canvas cover is not folding correctly.
NOTE:
This illustration shows the canvas when it is folded incorrectly.
2. For the canvas to fold correctly, as shown in the illustration, assist the canvas into the correct folding position manually, as the convertible top is being opened.
3. Allow the convertible top to sit in the open and stowed position over night for the canvas to relax in the correct position.
B. The convertible top is not adjusted correctly:
1. Open the convertible top.
2. Remove the bolt cover (1) from both sides of the convertible top.
3. Loosen all 4 bolts but do not remove them.
4. Slide the soft top forward slightly.
5. Torque these 4 bolts to 17 Nm.
C. The stowage lock is not adjusted properly:
1. Loosen the 2 bolts securing the latch to the rear bulkhead.
2. Depending on the direction which the stowage lock needs to be adjusted, either slide the latch in the slotted holes, or fit shims between the stowage lock and bulkhead to raise the lock.
D. The main bearing hall sensor is reading incorrectly:
1. Remove the complete convertible top per Repair Instruction RA 54 34 101.
2. Inspect the relative position of the hall sensor on the left main bearing to the steel tab on the convertible top frame which covers it.
3. If the tab on the frame (1) is more than 1.0 mm from the hall sensor (2), bend the tab slightly to achieve this desired clearance.
E. The soft top frame is deformed or damaged:
1. If the frame is visibly damaged and does not fold properly, it will need to be replaced.
NOTE:
If the frame is not damaged, do not replace it, or the canvas cover, as this will not improve latching in the stowed position.
F.[NEW] Unfavorable tolerances:
1. If procedures A-E do not provide a solution to the problem, a hydraulic stowage lock may be fitted in place of the existing mechanical latch.
2. Installation instructions for this kit can be found in the procedure "locked Convertable Top Not Folded Away".
NOTE:
When securing the main bearings included in this kit to the frame, the upper bolt should be reused, while the lower bolt should be replaced by the longer bolt (PN 54 34 7 193 453) ordered with the complete hydraulic unit.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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