Power Top Issues

[Enemy]

Subject: 2003/ 2.5i/ 5-Speed/ Sport/ Premium

Is there something wrong with the way my top sits when down?

I've noticed that on several occassions during "top down" driving, the power top button flashes red. I stop my vehicle, push the button down again, it stops flashing. Minutes later, it will start flashing red again during driving. Also, there are plenty of squeaks and rattles from my top while I'm driving with it down.

I'm assuming that it doesnt sit/latch properly when it is down.

What can I do to resolve this issue?

Edit: Posted here because I wasnt sure which technical sub forum to post in. Thank you.

[caseysc]

Originally Posted by Enemy

Subject: 2003/ 2.5i/ 5-Speed/ Sport/ Premium

Is there something wrong with the way my top sits when down?

I've noticed that on several occassions during "top down" driving, the power top button flashes red. I stop my vehicle, push the button down again, it stops flashing. Minutes later, it will start flashing red again during driving. Also, there are plenty of squeaks and rattles from my top while I'm driving with it down.

I'm assuming that it doesnt sit/latch properly when it is down.

What can I do to resolve this issue?

Edit: Posted here because I wasnt sure which technical sub forum to post in. Thank you.

It may be that the top is not latching in the down position. There is a pushbutton lock release above the center storage compartment door. I suggest you push down the top until it latches. A visit to the dealer for adjustment may be necessary.

[Enemy]

How does that pushbutton operate exactly?

When the top is already down, but refuses to come back up to the closed position, do you push down on it to release it?

[caseysc]

Originally Posted by Enemy

How does that pushbutton operate exactly?

When the top is already down, but refuses to come back up to the closed position, do you push down on it to release it?

It's in the owner's manual on page 23. If you do not have one, go to BMWUSA.com to download one. Attached is the manual for my "05.

[BlackSapphireZ]

when your top is folding, stop in the middle, if the fabric is folding inward, then fold outward and try again. it makes it easier.

I've had my top replaced under warranty @ 54k due to this issue.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by BlackSapphireZ

when your top is folding, stop in the middle, if the fabric is folding inward, then fold outward and try again. it makes it easier.

I've had my top replaced under warranty @ 54k due to this issue.

How did you get it replaced at 54K? Was it under CPO warranty? I had the same problem for a while and now I have a bent frame

[Enemy]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

How did you get it replaced at 54K? Was it under CPO warranty? I had the same problem for a while and now I have a bent frame

I'm under CPO as we speak but only for another month. I'm curious about that as well.

[Enemy]

Lol... is this an '03 2.5i problem? Most of us have the same car.

[MinneapolisJeff]

I have a little squeaking while driving w/ top down also

When that red light has flashed, I've just held the button longer and it goes away momentarily. I don't actually hear anything happening but for some reason it thinks the top isn't fully closed? Regardless, after holding the button in, the red flashing goes away and it doesn't return

[Enemy]

Originally Posted by jman1975

I have a little squeaking while driving w/ top down also

When that red light has flashed, I've just held the button longer and it goes away momentarily. I don't actually hear anything happening but for some reason it thinks the top isn't fully closed? Regardless, after holding the button in, the red flashing goes away and it doesn't return

Difference between you and me is that the flashing does return.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by Enemy

I'm under CPO as we speak but only for another month. I'm curious about that as well.

Bad news is, CPO only covers the electrical parts of the top. Anything goes wrong with the mechanical parts, you're out of luck. At least that's what the BMWUSA website says and I was told by the dealer. They charged me $190 to tell me it isn't covered under warranty....