Convertible Top Motor Relocation Question

[Phillies8008]

Either this weekend or next I'm going to need to undertake the super-fun process of relocating my convertible top motor to the trunk, along with replacing it. Question: it seems like re-using the same plastic housing that it's already in would be a good idea, but since no one seems to do that, I assume it's not. Why is that?

Also: I'm doing this on a Z4M, but most of the instructions are for regular E85s. Is there anything particularly different about the procedure that I need to know, or is it all the same?

Thanks!

[JAS1169]

1st, It's the same.

Unless you want to kill yourself, I would strongly suggest trying the method shown in the attached video: (I honestly wish I had known about this method when I did my relocation)

[Resoelg]

No reason to reuse the plastic covering if relocating the pump to the trunk. It is a pain in the ass job. Good luck.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by JAS1169

1st, It's the same.

Unless you want to kill yourself, I would strongly suggest trying the method shown in the attached video: (I honestly wish I had known about this method when I did my relocation)

The only thing that worries me about this guy's method is that he seems very cavalier when he pops off all of that plastic trim – I have worries that it's going to be brittle and I'm going to end up breaking a bunch of tabs, etc. He mentions at the beginning that he's parting out the car, so I wonder how much he really cared about breaking things. But it is tempting.

Originally Posted by Resoelg

No reason to reuse the plastic covering if relocating the pump to the trunk. It is a pain in the ass job. Good luck.

The only reason I asked is that I've read that some people end up putting it into some kind of container, but maybe that's really not worth doing.

And thanks – I can't say I'm looking forward to it, lol. It decided to be hot as balls here this last weekend, so I decided to punt on it until the coming weekend when the weather is supposed to be much nicer.

[B328iC]

I have seen some people have made covers for it when trunk mounted.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

The only thing that worries me about this guy's method is that he seems very cavalier when he pops off all of that plastic trim – I have worries that it's going to be brittle and I'm going to end up breaking a bunch of tabs, etc. He mentions at the beginning that he's parting out the car, so I wonder how much he really cared about breaking things. But it is tempting.

I’d rather risk breaking few tabs (and having to buy new replacements) than removing the entire top. I’d only consider the latter if the soft top itself needed to be replaced. But go slow, use pry tools, worst case use heat gun to warm up plastic bits. But quickly scanning the video, I don’t see any trim pieces that would give me concern. Luckily e85 production numbers are so high you could probably source used trim pieces easily if you needed to.

[Phillies8008]

I get what you're saying, but the other option is to go in through the trunk as most others have, not to remove the top entirely. I agree that if removing the top were the only other option, I'd be following this guy's guide for sure (which I still might anyway).

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

I get what you're saying, but the other option is to go in through the trunk as most others have, not to remove the top entirely. I agree that if removing the top were the only other option, I'd be following this guy's guide for sure (which I still might anyway).

My back hurts just picturing that lol

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

My back hurts just picturing that lol

You think your back hurts picturing it – that's my future Saturday

[JAS1169]

Well, having walked this walk, my only other suggestion, would be to have about three outdoor lawn furniture cushions (dry) placed at the bottom of the trunk. You'll understand once you start.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by JAS1169

Well, having walked this walk, my only other suggestion, would be to have about three outdoor lawn furniture cushions (dry) placed at the bottom of the trunk. You'll understand once you start.

Thanks! I'll definitely do that.