How to - Manual Convertible top

[German Villa]

Does anyone know if there is a way to use the conv top manually like in some other BMW'S ? without having the pressure of the hydraulic... is so expensive to repair that i would not mind manually. I had a Miata many years ago and it was very easy and took just seconds. 2003-z4 2.5

[Shipkiller]

Search: 'Emergancy Opening/closing' of the top. It is in the owners manual.
It is not a hard repair. Just time consuming. If you do it yourself, the cost comes down to less that $500.

Emergency closing / emergency opening
In the event of failure of electrical and/or hydraulic functions, the top can be opened and closed using emergency unlocking/locking systems.
Emergency closing:
In the luggage compartment on the left-hand side below the convertible top compartment floor, pull out the plastic ring attached to a Bowden cable as far as it will go.
With a 90-degree turn, lock the plastic handle in this position.
In the hydraulic unit, a short circuit is enabled, making it possible to open and close the folding top by hand.
Pull the handle of the Bowden cable in the rear panel of the luggage compartment.
The interlock in the convertible top compartment is released.
Move the top forwards by hand until it reaches the cowl panel.
Take the Allen key from the on-board toolkit.
Remove the plastic panel from the front roof brace.
Insert the Allen key in the uncovered internal hexagon.
Lock and unlock the cowl panel lock by turning the Allen key.
Take out and replace the Allen key.
Emergency opening:
Perform steps 1 and 2 as well as 5 to 7 from 'Emergency closing'.
Unlock and open the cowl panel lock by turning the Allen key.
Take out and replace the Allen key.
Move the top backwards until it reaches the convertible top compartment

[German Villa]

Thanks a lot, i will go give it a try.

[dreamingat30fps]

Not sure if its the same for all model years, however on mine I didn't have to do any of the allen key stuff. My locking mechanism still worked so I just released the cable in the trunk and that was pretty much it. I could still use the button to lock it in place and just lift or lower it by hand.

[German Villa]

didnt work! i am so f@$#%^& pissed! i tried a million times and it doesnt release the top, the pressure from the hydraulic still there. it will disengage the latch at he windshield and them it doesnt move unless you put a LOT of pressure but i already cracked a plastic piece on the frame by doing that. the plastic ring doesnt even move one millimeter and since is a wire cable i am not sure what they mean by turn 90 degrees??? i even pull the red ring and tied it to keep the pressure, i pilled the bowden cable and tried and tried. the top still wont move.

[German Villa]

that is exactly what i want to be able to do, i dont mind the manually part considering the locking mechanism still works. the problem is that mine doesnt go down after doing everything in the manual and your instructions. i have been trying for a couple of months already and nothing. i guss the release is stock..

[Shipkiller]

The Softtop is the same in a 2003 or a 2008.

After unlocking the top, if you cannot move the top then you have not PROPERLY set the hydraulic bypass in the trunk.......

The system is not that hard...



.

[dreamingat30fps]

The release barely moves (thought it was broken also). You just pull it out a TINY bit and lock the handle so it doesnt close again when you release it.

[Shipkiller]

Each system (car) has some variances but that is essentially correct.

NOW, with that said....

If you are sure you have set the bypass properly, the bypass plunger ball on the pump may be so corroded that it will not depress and route the hydraulic oil around the pump so you can manually move the top.

If this is the case, sorry... In any event, you need a new pump and properly seal it up when installing it.



.

[German Villa]

i tried again today and this thing wont budge.. like you said it may corroded. I am going to try a local shop that works on convertibles. i will keep it as manual as long as the locking device to the windshield continues to work.