Converting an e36 cabrio roof to manual

[rhett325]

Gents, my brother is keen on an E36 325i cabrio.

However the roof doesn't work automatically anymore.

We are going to look at the car this weekend, its decently cheap and good in all other areas.

I want to know from the experts if this roof can be converted to manual operation and how much it would cost to do?

 

[Peter@AEW]

Rhett if you change the roof module located passenger side rear speaker cover it should work.

The roofs are manual for emergency operations only so would not propose you keep it manual as they are prone to flexing and bending the struts.

Stop by and I shall show you

 

[rhett325]

Rhett if you change the roof module located passenger side rear speaker cover it should work.

The roofs are manual for emergency operations only so would not propose you keep it manual as they are prone to flexing and bending the struts.

Stop by and I shall show you

I have read about this. I assume you unlock it, take the roof down and then relock it? That correct?

 

[pempimpin]

What model is it bro? is it semi auto? with the clip leaver? if so then you can do it manually with out the module, however the the lid wont close, due to the motor not pulling it, if the one motor on the left by the rear lights is working then, its very possible! theres a lever also located under the back seat which can realse the trunk lid.

so basically if the one motor is working, then you need to pull the leaver in the back to relase the motors allowing the cables to move freely, then you can fold the roof manually, and then close the lid( it will sit open slightly) then go to the boot and and pull the motor towrd you, till will make a click sound inicating that the motor is connected. then close the boot and put the key IN, DONT, turn it on yet, hold the roof button down while you turn the key into position two keeping it there for ten seconds. this will pull the trunk down and it will look seemless once again. then to get the roof back up - jus pull the leaver again and fold the roof back :rollsmile:

hope this helps:thumbs:

 

[Peter@AEW]

Rhett if you change the roof module located passenger side rear speaker cover it should work.

The roofs are manual for emergency operations only so would not propose you keep it manual as they are prone to flexing and bending the struts.

Stop by and I shall show you

I have read about this. I assume you unlock it, take the roof down and then relock it? That correct?

No
You unlock it it has an orange pull handle under the rear seat and leave it unlocked.
To lock it you need to remove the rear left inner boot cover and engage the motor again as well as follow the set up procedure.

 

[gerald5ive]

If its the semi auto roof, it will be easy. Just pull the orange tab under the rear seat. Then you can open and close the roof manually.

The down side to this is
1. The tonneau cover(the lid of the top) wont close shut and be loose
2. If the top is down, you wont be able to open the boot(unless you have a friend/heavy object to press the cover down to activate microswitch)

 

[Pho3niX90]

Why not just fix it?

 

[gerald5ive]

Why not just fix it?

+1

Check if the motors are still working/spinning when you hit the "sky on/off" button. Check the gears when u pull the orange tab. Check the push rods under the tonneau cover(mine broke before, cost R1300 for used ones). Also check for water leaks. I heard its a common issue with the e36 cabrios. If the rear windscreen needs replacing PM me.

 

[DROP IT - ZN]

If the lever under the rear seat is pulled the roof can be operated (open/close) without hassles

 

[Luis Malhou]

Fix It and get it over.. sounds like too much PT to do the manual story

 

[Pri]

@rhett325 Did you come right with this bro?