BMW 128i (2008) convertible top won't open

[bes14]

Hello everyone,

I've searched for various troubleshooting methods for this but I think my issue may be super simple and I'm just a noob not understanding how to troubleshoot correctly.

Yesterday, I had a lot of luggage in my trunk and I pressed the 'top open' button, and it did not move. After I removed the luggage and emptied the trunk, I pressed the button again but the light stayed consistent red (not blinking) and the top did not move. There is no sound of motor trying to start. Tried several times since then without a result. There are no other electrical issues, the windows open just fine. Do you know what may be causing this or how to fix this?

I bought the car used and have never had an issue opening / closing the top for half a year.

Thank you!

[..Rush..]

Is the inside trunk panel in the down position?

[bes14]

Originally Posted by ..Rush..

Is the inside trunk panel in the down position?

I'm not sure, how do I make sure it is?

[..Rush..]

needs to be in the down position.

[..Rush..]

Well....

Did you get it to work?

Originally Posted by bes14

I'm not sure, how do I make sure it is?

[bes14]

Originally Posted by ..Rush..

Well....

Did you get it to work?

My trunk looks a bit different, and I pulled the middle handle down, it seems to be in the down position. However, the left handle is not really moving down (the right one is responsive but the left one seems to be stuck and doesn't budge as much as the right one

[c0bra]

Yours looks exactly like mine, 2009 E88. Sometimes it can be temperamental.
Even if it's in the down position, the sensor does not always pick it up properly.

Try to push it all the way up/in and then pull it back down to "reset" the sensor. Instead of using the middle handle, grab it by the outsides near the little strut things and pull it down and towards you. Make sure it's good and locked in the down position, sometimes it takes a little bit of force. Then try the top open button again.

I've actually been meaning to hit mine with some silicone spray lube, but I keep forgetting since it's in the down position 99% of the time.

EDIT: In your pics, it's in the up position. Give it a little force and try to move the strut/bars down and towards you. It does have some flex in it sometimes.

[bes14]

That worked, thank you guys!

I was just scared to break something by pulling the handle down too hard but a bit of pressure did the trick