Convertible Top Hydraulics

[rebellonghorn]

Just purchased a 2008 135i Convertible (66K mi, 6 sp manual, Black on White) and did so knowing the top had a slight glitch when it is being lowered. Figured it would be an easy fix or I would just leave it since all it takes is a little nudge as it is lowering and then the cycle is completed. It raises just fine.

So a trip to BMW to get the car checked out and on a maintenance schedule and to get the top reviewed and repaired. The only solution the dealer had was to replace all of the hydraulic components. ($4700 in parts plus $1500 labor)
I opted out of this solution and decided to start searching the internet for solutions. The independent Bimmer shops in town fix the cars, but not the tops.

Apparently the pump and the 6 operating cylinders can all be sent out and rebuilt for about $500 and it was noted that the seals will normally go bad at about 10 year intervals so mine is currently 9 years old.

So before I start taking apart the components to get them rebuilt I needed a diagram to show where the parts are located and how they all go together. After talking to several service manual companies apparently they cover every part of the car except these tops.

Does any one know where to go to find the service information on the top hydraulics and electrical? I did not find anything searching this forum nor have I found a good source on the internet.

I can go this on my own, but I am hoping someone has been down this road before and can offer some good sources for information.

[Matticus91]

Are you just looking for diagrams for the parts? Try realoem.com if that's the case. Otherwise I'm afraid I don't know of a manual with details on the verts.

Edit in case the forum auto-masks that website:

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[xQx]

Wow. I have the same car. Thankfully, not the same issue. Sometimes I'm surprised at the cost of these repairs. When I paid $2,000 to fix the passenger side headlight, that was one of those days. Today is also one of those days: $6,200 USD to fix the roof - wow.

I'd be googling and calling around to people who sell aftermarket soft tops, or soft-top conversions.

[angler]

Here you go. Hope this helps.

https://www.convertibletopguys.com/c...ies#hydraulics

[zapatista]

I've never had a motor problem but thanks for the link angler!

[angler]

Originally Posted by zapatista

I've never had a motor problem but thanks for the link angler!

It is a link that has all the parts of the top not just the motor...