E93 m3 owner here, this video saved me from getting rained on. Roof was stuck on top stacked together but trunk would not open and roof would not go foward. Used the manual procedure to lower the roof into the trunk, manually pushed trunk closed then the motor was able to complete the closure prodecure from there. Thanks a lot for this video excellent work
I intentionally drove myve first car, the BMW 335i, into a police car after the roof would not reattach during Hurricane Ian. I had water up to my neck while I was driving the vehicle and got a battery warning. I had already invested 350,000 dollars fixing the car over eight years. After realizing this was the end, I just decided it was time to head to the mental hospital and I totaled my car on purpose into a cop car. I have now been committed over the past 10 years to driving a bicycle for the rest of my life because cars do not drive. Name one car that can last a week without breaking down. There is none.
328i e93 2008 shits been lasting me 16 years u prob just dont maintenance your own car thats your problem you got to learnd a couple things or 2, to keep the life of the car going@@jamesjarvis931
Mate I’m e93 car owner too but I have the same problem and it randomly keeps on occurring where the trunk and roof doesn’t come back off once it’s off and I don’t know why
Hi Klaus, excellent videos (both long and short versions). I've just bought a 2008 E93 and am doing my homework. Whilst I don't have any current problems with my roof I like to stay ahead of the game just so I am prepared if the worst happens. Hopefully I'll never find myself in a roof stuck down/stuck up situation but if I do I feel much better about it having now watched this video. Thanks very much, very informative and well presented (and also put my mind at rest).
Hi I hope your ok I am about to get one but I am scared from getting a roof problem, for exmaple roof leaking, getting stuck or finding mould on it one day 😭😭
Great video its helping me out so much, as im very weary and scared of damaging electrics, I figured out a way without a 12v or a special tool to lock front of roof so happy lol
Great video your AWESOME! A lot of little steps that with out your knowledge I would have not been able to complete a damaged rear panel replacement. Thanks again
Great video, thanks for posting. I just want to add that you really need to be careful with the trunk lid..It is very important that it is secured cause if it falls on your fingers.... you get the picture.
great vid. I F83 convertible has a roof shaking and rattle issue. Anytime car goes on bumpy roads the whole roof starts rattling. any suggestion what to look for? I showed my car to a lot of mechanics. No one was able to find the problem.
Hi, thanks the video. I am having trouble pulling the panel out like you showed in the video. Do you have any guidance on how to loosen the panel like that? I have already tried using a trim release tool but the panel won’t budge. Thank you
Anyone searching for instruction with convertible top up and window not rolling down. You need to use a diagnostic OBD tablet (I use Autel MqxiCOM mk808) plugs into car OBD port, go through menu to command car to put convertible top on service mode, once in service mode, you can open the convertible using the open button on the car. If top acting weird after replaced the window regulator, then you have to go through the menu to initialise power window regulators. I hope this helps anyone who got a broken window regulator flooded inside the rear quarter panel.
You are a star. Thank you for sharing a video. I have a question I have same car, the roof wants to open its lifts up a little by 3 inches the stays their and wont open. Any idea what could be? You assistant in will be much appreciated. Looked forward to hear.
My roof wouldn't close last night. Going to have a go today using your method. The boot electrically lifts up but then when it's fully lifted itself the second process of the roof itself doesn't move and I get the bleep sound followed by the red flashing light. And a picture icon of a window. I think I may only need to release pressure on hydrologic. The question is if I'm then successful in lifting the roof up and back into position. Will it lock. Fingers crossed. Either way really appreciate you showing us this. Good job
@@Therealhershey basically a sensor had gone on my BMW. So when I tried to close the roof, nothing happened. I did try to lift it with the help of my dad. However I wasn't able to thinking I'd damage it. When I took it in. The guys were able to lift the roof. But obviously they had experience with such things. If your experiencing the same issue. Just take it in. I spent around £300 for the repair. It was just a faulty sensor. And what I meant by will it lock. Is basically if you were able to lift a BMW roof back up manually. Would the locking mechanism engage. There are two pins that lock once closed. Securing the roof lid. And stopping it from retracting. Hope this helps
Hello Klaus, Great video! Watched both versions! I am having issues with the roof system. It puts the top down by itself all the way, including raising the windows; however, it does not complete the process when putting the top back up. It fails to do the final lock. I followed your instructions, releasing the pressure and tried to manually latch the frame via the two cylinders, one cylinder stays further back than the other one, but neither moved despite pulling it with a wire, pushing from the inside of the trunk, and using the tool you showed on the video. The only thing i have not tried is following your instructions regarding the electric motor since it worked when putting the top down. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
The cylinders and mechanisms in the F33 (2014-2020 4-Series) are identical. There are slight differences in the pump and in the control module. The manual actuation valve on the F33 pump has an Allen head and is located at the end of a black guide cone. The electrical connector for actuation of the front lock is different on the top control module, but roughly in the same location.
@@TopHydraulicsI need help. My f33 rear window is stuck. This guide helps me a lot but there are two separate bronze valves. Do I adjust just the one on the side with the black cone or both?? The left side is cluttered with lines and may be tough
Hello top hydraulics. Your videos are very useful. when closing mine manually i cant fully close the hinge piston 7:50 . I think theres a bout an inch more.. whats the effect of this not fully closing? Also, even if i lock in the roof with the motors, I cant get to bring the windows up. Is the hinge not fully closed the reason for it? I can hear the screw motor continously working when i press the top button.
Thanks for asking, we have no such plans, as we don’t normally work on cars and we don’t own an F33. However, many people would be very grateful to someone like you who owns an F33 if they could make a video following all the steps in this E93 video with the few subtle differences in the F33.
The BMW E89 Z4 is easier to close manually than the VW EOS, but we don’t have a video for manual operation yet. Give us a call during business hours and I may be able to give you some pointers. tophydraulics.com
Awesome video. I had a question, the cylinders under the rear door trim, are they user replaceable? My rear module doesn't close smoothly, it comes down in a jerky motion (at the end of roof closing cycle). The top overall works fine, opens and closes normally, but was hoping I could fix the jerky motion.
Thanks for asking. It sounds like you have bad gas struts in the trunk module. They are user replaceable. You need a strut compressor tool. BMW sells the tool for some $300, but you can use a very basic strut compressor, as well. While you're at it, be sure to replace the two gas struts for the roof, as well - they are located a bit forward of the pump. The gas struts help the pump lift the top and the trunk module.If you don't replace worn out gas struts, then the pump has to work too hard and will eventually burn out.
@@TopHydraulics Thanks so much for responding! I do in fact think it's the struts that are worn. The car is a 2007 after all. However, I've had it for 2 years in this condition and it's still exactly the same as I got it. Is there a writeup addressing those strut removals I could read and assess if it's possible to do at home?
@@shaazy I would imagine that someone has covered this in an E93 forum, but haven't searched for it myself. If you find some good posts about it, then please share them with us and let us know how it turned out in the end. Thanks in advance!
Hi, great video! Thank You! I recently experienced a fault in the system. When trying to close, it actually managed to put the stacked roof panels almost into place, when it stopped working. Error Code 00A68E and 00A6A4. I managed to close the roof but I cant do anything else, the car is open now and I cant close the windows and so on. Have you ever experienced a similar problem?
Thanks for asking. We will need more details in order to narrow this down. Exactly how far did the system stack the roof panels before it failed? Did your code reader give you a description of the two codes you mentioned? The windows will not go up before the computer knows that your top is properly latched. Did you follow the closing procedure in this video and manually latch the frame via the two cylinders behind the rear windows? If so, did the electric motor latch the front afterwards?
From one mechanic to another, how temperamental are these convertible tops? My wife has her eyes set on a 2013 328i. It’s a great looking car, but I’m a Benz guy and her last car was a w208 convertible. What scanner do you recommend that can read all modules?
The 328i E93 top is well engineered and no more temperamental than a Mercedes top. Unlike a Mercedes CLK top, I rarely ever hear of sensor problems in the E93 and the cylinders are better protected than in a CLK. The weakest spot is the pump, especially if you allow it to get wet via failing weatherstripping and clogged floor drain. That does not at all mean the pump is poorly designed - almost all convertible top pumps have a limited service life span. The second weakest spot are the gas struts that help with lifting he top and the trunk module. Those should not be anywhere near the end of their service life in a 2013. We will be coming out with a lot more E93 videos as time permits - we already have an awesome "top on a bench" set up for filming.
@@TopHydraulics Ah ok. I see. The dealer does offer an extended warranty. Would you recommend a warranty? Again, from someone who does their own repairs haha. The vehicle has 85k miles.
I had a trim piece come loose on top of the middle top panel. Upon opening the top, the painted trim piece cracked. The clips got pinned under the hinge assembly. I didn’t realize that. Closed the roof. The drivers side front panel did not seat down in one corner where it meets the middle panel.The system froze. The windows quit working too. The blinking red light on the switch activated. It pulled a a6a1 code. I could not open top or activate top locks. I followed the long version of this video. (Wow, well done including the cool power drill battery trick. My battery was 20v) manually opened the roof. Stowed in trunk. Then manually put the roof back up. Everything seated properly this time. And locked the roof w drill battery. Pulled the 2 locks back w 90 degree pliers. Tightened back the hydraulic relief screw. I cleared the code w a Foxwell with BMW software. It throws a new code that I can’t clear. A693. CTM: Microswitch, Coupling fastener, right, closed Did I break something? I can’t get the top to open. I can’t get the windows to close. I have to use the blade key to open the trunk/boot. Help!!! Addendum: I found a wire clip I snatched when closing the piston on passenger side. The 90 degree pliers slipped and I must have hooked the 2 wires
There is a micro switch located near the coupling cylinder, located maybe a couple of inches below the rear end of the cylinder's body. That switch reads either open or closed - I currently don't know which way it should read while the top is closed. There is also a Hall sensor clipped onto the cylinder's body, which is not a switch in the classical sense. It changes high frequency resistance as the magnetic permability of its surroundings change, I.e., it detects the presence of a steel piston when the controller sends modulated pulses through the sensor.
@@TopHydraulics I replaced the micro switch that I broke trying to close the coupling cylinder. It fixed the new error message I had caused. You do a good job of describing the force required to close those cylinders and even warn to press down hard while also pulling. One slip of the 90 degree pliers and I damaged the sensor. Fortunately it was only $50 for a new sensor. It takes nimble hands and a magnetized small 10 mm star to replace the micro switch. Things I learned in this project: 1) the trim piece in the middle section of the roof broke and dropped some small clips in the channel that the trim piece tries to hide. These broken clips prevented the front section of the convertible to seat properly. This threw an error code for the front locks and disabled the convertible and windows. 2) if this happens to you watch the long version of this video because you will need the extra steps to remote battery operate the front locks. 3) no special re-aligning of the top was necessary once the broken clips were removed from the channel and top was manually opened and closed. It fixed itself and reseated perfectly. 4) be extra careful (yet very forceful) closing the coupling cylinders. It takes great strength. Push down like described in the video to prevent slippage while pulling HARD. Otherwise you might break some wires/switch like I did when the pliers slipped. 5) to open the coupling cylinders the video describes a plastic trim tool method and a 90 degree pliers method. I found the plastic trim removal tool method better even though it does mar up the plastic tool. Get the coupling slightly open with the plastic tool, then finish completely opening the coupling w the 90 degree pliers. 6) the video says any 12 volt to 18 volt portable tool battery will work. All I had was a 20 volt drill battery. 20 volt works very well too. GREAT video series Top Hydraulics
@@paullangan3153 Hello Paul, Thank you for the detailed response - I'm sure it will help someone in the future. Glad to hear that the damage was fixed without you spending a fortune!
Remember how I was struggling a little in the video with manually retracting the latching cylinders behind the rear quarter windows? Did you retract those all the way? See th-cam.com/video/U_CjirF86ms/w-d-xo.html
Hi friend, thanks for your video, I have a 2009 335i convertible twin turbo e93, I have a problem, when the convertible is closing it falls with a blow on the front of the windshield. Could you give me an idea please 🙏 thanks
Start out by checking the fluid level in the pump. That is likely okay, but it's an easy check. More likely, the problem is electrical: There is a sensor in the right roof top cylinder (under the top panel, the cylinder has a large spring on it), which indicates to the computer when the top is almost fully closed and forces the pump to slow down the top movement. There are two sensors on the cylinder and the one towards the front of the car is responsible for sending the signal that the top is almost closed. I don't have the part number for the sensor and you may need to consult a BMW expert for more help.
Mine opens the roof by itself 5-10 seconds after I lock the doors (like it's supposed to do when as I'm long pressing the 'open' button in the remote keyless thing, except I'm not pressing anything). Have you ever seen that behaviour? Thanks
Yes, model year 2010 BMW 328i is an E93 chassis. This procedure applies to the E93 hardtop convertible series made as model years 2006/2007 through 2012/2013 (model year nomenclature depends on the country in which the car was sold).
Hello I follow these procedures to the place to center portion due to a tree falling on it no I have everything back installed and I’m able to unlock it was the switch but it won’t go past there seems like there’s no pressure going to the cylinders I do hear pump. Is there any bleeding procedures or something that I am missing?
Thanks for your message. Did you dictate into your phone? It is hard to understand what has been done to the top and exactly how far it will move right now. Thus, I can only give you a simple answer: the system is self bleeding as long as there is enough fluid in the pump. Maybe I can help you further if you can take the time to type a precise description of what has been done and which problem you are encountering now.
A tree feel on the center part of the convertible top so it needed to be replaced. I followed your procedures in order to gain access of removing the center roof section. Repairs have been completed now that I am trying to Open it normally with the switch. It will unlock but will not retract back
The F33 4-Series is the same concept (same cylinders, same frame), only slightly different pump and controller. The pump has a black cone on it as a guide for an Allen wrench to go into the manual actuation valve and you will have to find the wires for the front lock in a different position on the controller. Indeed, you need to replace the rear window regulator before the top will work again. Once the window regulator has been replaced, you need to fully open or fully close the top and synchronize the windows the same way you would if your battery had been discharged.
Good question. I doubt that you can manually close the top without opening the pressure relief valve on the pump, but would be happy to hear from you whether it works. Compared to the effort of manually operating the top, emptying the boot might not be a big deal...
@@TopHydraulics luckily I haven’t had trouble with my roof but was wondering for example if you have a box in the boot with the roof down and are unable to remove the box from the boot. Can you still lift the roof out of the boot. What part does the pressure valve control? Is it just the unfolding of the roof when it is out of the boot? Just thinking of the worst case scenario
Managed to lift the boot to point where your suppose to lodge a piece of wood in so the roof then can be lifted. But was not able to as it seemed to be locked in place somehow.
Let's make sure we are on the same page. Are you referring to the manual closing procedure and you have followed all the steps until it is time to manually lift the top out of the trunk? The top is quite heavy - how many people were lifting it?
@@TopHydraulics thank you soo much for your reply. I followed the manual closing procedure I unlocked the pump in the boot and and released the two cylinders on either side of the back seats. I managed to gently lift the boot till it got to its closing position. But am still unable to close the roof it appears to b stuck and cannot be picked up. It is four guys lifting it together. Could there be some electronic mechanics holding it down.
@@TopHydraulics maybe I should also add that the battery is completely dead and it died while the roof was open so I need access to it. It’s been parked like that for the last 3 weeks. When I try to jump start it from the front the red roof light starts flashing. But the roof does not close even with the regular switch.
My convertible is broken and when I drive the gong sounds goes off then entire time. The top is on the it’s not noticing that it’s on. Is there a fuse or something that I can pull so I don’t have to hear the annoying dong sound the entire time.
Normally, that gong is going off for a good reason. Make sure that the top is fully closed and latched, using our videos. Once it is fully latched, the gong should go off. I am not aware of a simple way to silence the gong, as taking power away from the module tht controls the top will also impact other functions in the car.
Hello I own a bmw 4 series (F33) convertible and when the roof goes up the left side pushes slowly h do you have any idea what the problem is? thank you
If the top moves unevenly, then you likely have a bad gas strut on one side (the gas struts help with lifting the top), or something binding in the frame, or something plugging up one of the hoses going the the cylinders. Most likely the strut.
@@TopHydraulics Hello I made a diagnosis at the bmw dealership who told me that the hydraulic pump is out of order as well as the hydraulic cylinder, what do you think? Thank you
@@TopHydraulics My top is down in the trunk. Trunk is not opening. The roof button is blinking in red. Comes up with the fault "Roof System", "Hardtop not latched". Windows are down as well, not going back up.
@@pole040 That could become tricky. How come the system will not close the top when pushing the button - is there more to this story? You would want to find out if the problem was hydraulic or electric. If it is hydraulic, then we can come up with a way to fool the system into thinking the top is latched hydraulically and you can push the button to close all the way afterwards so that the electric latch in the front of the top panel engages and you can open the trunk. Does it appear as if the two latches on the side, between the trunk lid and the rear bench have latched all the way?
@@TopHydraulics The problem is with a system. It's blocking from operating. I took it to the garage and they said COMFORT CONTROL UNIT ECU needs to be replaced. So I will go ahead, order and replace that.
E93 m3 owner here, this video saved me from getting rained on. Roof was stuck on top stacked together but trunk would not open and roof would not go foward. Used the manual procedure to lower the roof into the trunk, manually pushed trunk closed then the motor was able to complete the closure prodecure from there. Thanks a lot for this video excellent work
Congrats and thanks for sharing!
I intentionally drove myve first car, the BMW 335i, into a police car after the roof would not reattach during Hurricane Ian. I had water up to my neck while I was driving the vehicle and got a battery warning. I had already invested 350,000 dollars fixing the car over eight years. After realizing this was the end, I just decided it was time to head to the mental hospital and I totaled my car on purpose into a cop car. I have now been committed over the past 10 years to driving a bicycle for the rest of my life because cars do not drive. Name one car that can last a week without breaking down. There is none.
328i e93 2008 shits been lasting me 16 years u prob just dont maintenance your own car thats your problem you got to learnd a couple things or 2, to keep the life of the car going@@jamesjarvis931
Wow you're really good at following instructions, I'll have to re-watch a few times so many steps.
Mate I’m e93 car owner too but I have the same problem and it randomly keeps on occurring where the trunk and roof doesn’t come back off once it’s off and I don’t know why
Hi Klaus, excellent videos (both long and short versions). I've just bought a 2008 E93 and am doing my homework. Whilst I don't have any current problems with my roof I like to stay ahead of the game just so I am prepared if the worst happens. Hopefully I'll never find myself in a roof stuck down/stuck up situation but if I do I feel much better about it having now watched this video. Thanks very much, very informative and well presented (and also put my mind at rest).
Hi I hope your ok I am about to get one but I am scared from getting a roof problem, for exmaple roof leaking, getting stuck or finding mould on it one day 😭😭
Great video its helping me out so much, as im very weary and scared of damaging electrics, I figured out a way without a 12v or a special tool to lock front of roof so happy lol
Thank you i have managed to close it using your video, much appritiated from me in south africa,
Excellent, thanks for letting us know!
Great video your AWESOME! A lot of little steps that with out your knowledge I would have not been able to complete a damaged rear panel replacement. Thanks again
Thank you. This saved me last night.
Congrats, glad to hear that!
Great video, thanks for posting. I just want to add that you really need to be careful with the trunk lid..It is very important that it is secured cause if it falls on your fingers.... you get the picture.
great vid. I F83 convertible has a roof shaking and rattle issue. Anytime car goes on bumpy roads the whole roof starts rattling. any suggestion what to look for? I showed my car to a lot of mechanics. No one was able to find the problem.
Hopefully, you will find the cause after googling "BMW M4 roof rattle". There are a lot of forum posts about this.
Hi, thanks the video. I am having trouble pulling the panel out like you showed in the video. Do you have any guidance on how to loosen the panel like that? I have already tried using a trim release tool but the panel won’t budge. Thank you
Anyone searching for instruction with convertible top up and window not rolling down. You need to use a diagnostic OBD tablet (I use Autel MqxiCOM mk808) plugs into car OBD port, go through menu to command car to put convertible top on service mode, once in service mode, you can open the convertible using the open button on the car. If top acting weird after replaced the window regulator, then you have to go through the menu to initialise power window regulators. I hope this helps anyone who got a broken window regulator flooded inside the rear quarter panel.
You are a star. Thank you for sharing a video. I have a question I have same car, the roof wants to open its lifts up a little by 3 inches the stays their and wont open. Any idea what could be? You assistant in will be much appreciated. Looked forward to hear.
Does the pump keep running while you push the button, or does it stop immediately after 3 inches of movement?
Mine same as OP , u can hear pump running... relays ?
Thank you soo much for that buddy, very helpful..!!
This is crazy, I saw one model that all u have to do is remove a panel and rear seat cover and the. Twist a alien screw
Amazing in very good timings
Great video! Once you release the pressure valve and put the roof up, can you operate the roof normally next time or not?
Yes, you can repeat it. However, this is meant as an emergency procedure that you don’t want to do on a daily or weekly basis.
My roof wouldn't close last night. Going to have a go today using your method. The boot electrically lifts up but then when it's fully lifted itself the second process of the roof itself doesn't move and I get the bleep sound followed by the red flashing light. And a picture icon of a window. I think I may only need to release pressure on hydrologic. The question is if I'm then successful in lifting the roof up and back into position. Will it lock. Fingers crossed. Either way really appreciate you showing us this. Good job
How did you go ? My 2008 just developed this problem.
@@backinthegame34 turned out to be just a sensor. Still cost me about 250 for the part and labour. Didn't go to BMW mind. Just specialist
Can u explain what do u mean just the sensor mine developed this issue I know ur comments like 2 years old but do u remember
@@Therealhershey basically a sensor had gone on my BMW. So when I tried to close the roof, nothing happened. I did try to lift it with the help of my dad. However I wasn't able to thinking I'd damage it. When I took it in. The guys were able to lift the roof. But obviously they had experience with such things. If your experiencing the same issue. Just take it in. I spent around £300 for the repair. It was just a faulty sensor. And what I meant by will it lock. Is basically if you were able to lift a BMW roof back up manually. Would the locking mechanism engage. There are two pins that lock once closed. Securing the roof lid. And stopping it from retracting. Hope this helps
Thank
You because I am currently struggling!!!
Hello Klaus, Great video! Watched both versions! I am having issues with the roof system. It puts the top down by itself all the way, including raising the windows; however, it does not complete the process when putting the top back up. It fails to do the final lock. I followed your instructions, releasing the pressure and tried to manually latch the frame via the two cylinders, one cylinder stays further back than the other one, but neither moved despite pulling it with a wire, pushing from the inside of the trunk, and using the tool you showed on the video. The only thing i have not tried is following your instructions regarding the electric motor since it worked when putting the top down. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
F33 4 series convertible is identical. Thank you for this video.
The cylinders and mechanisms in the F33 (2014-2020 4-Series) are identical. There are slight differences in the pump and in the control module. The manual actuation valve on the F33 pump has an Allen head and is located at the end of a black guide cone. The electrical connector for actuation of the front lock is different on the top control module, but roughly in the same location.
@@TopHydraulicsI need help. My f33 rear window is stuck. This guide helps me a lot but there are two separate bronze valves. Do I adjust just the one on the side with the black cone or both?? The left side is cluttered with lines and may be tough
@@TopHydraulicsor maybe it's not the bronze at all. They're both very difficult to get an Alan key to
I like this guy
Hahaha, thanks! It was a nice challenge to figure this one out and to present the process in a video...
Hello top hydraulics. Your videos are very useful.
when closing mine manually i cant fully close the hinge piston 7:50 . I think theres a bout an inch more.. whats the effect of this not fully closing? Also, even if i lock in the roof with the motors, I cant get to bring the windows up. Is the hinge not fully closed the reason for it? I can hear the screw motor continously working when i press the top button.
Hinge not closed all the way. He was struggling with it in this video
Any chance you figured out how to fully close the piston, I'm having the same issue
Thank you for sharing this
Please help! Could yiu do a similar video for an F33? I think many people would be extremely grateful.
Thanks for asking, we have no such plans, as we don’t normally work on cars and we don’t own an F33. However, many people would be very grateful to someone like you who owns an F33 if they could make a video following all the steps in this E93 video with the few subtle differences in the F33.
Great video. Thank you!
Does this works on z4 e89 too? Please no one can fix my car for months now and it’s open
The BMW E89 Z4 is easier to close manually than the VW EOS, but we don’t have a video for manual operation yet. Give us a call during business hours and I may be able to give you some pointers. tophydraulics.com
Now do this when its raining.... store a plastic tarp in the trunk
Best plan b ever.
Awesome video. I had a question, the cylinders under the rear door trim, are they user replaceable? My rear module doesn't close smoothly, it comes down in a jerky motion (at the end of roof closing cycle). The top overall works fine, opens and closes normally, but was hoping I could fix the jerky motion.
Thanks for asking. It sounds like you have bad gas struts in the trunk module. They are user replaceable. You need a strut compressor tool. BMW sells the tool for some $300, but you can use a very basic strut compressor, as well. While you're at it, be sure to replace the two gas struts for the roof, as well - they are located a bit forward of the pump. The gas struts help the pump lift the top and the trunk module.If you don't replace worn out gas struts, then the pump has to work too hard and will eventually burn out.
@@TopHydraulics Thanks so much for responding! I do in fact think it's the struts that are worn. The car is a 2007 after all. However, I've had it for 2 years in this condition and it's still exactly the same as I got it. Is there a writeup addressing those strut removals I could read and assess if it's possible to do at home?
@@shaazy I would imagine that someone has covered this in an E93 forum, but haven't searched for it myself. If you find some good posts about it, then please share them with us and let us know how it turned out in the end. Thanks in advance!
@@TopHydraulics I did look but none that I could find. Will look some more and share my findings. Thanks again!
Hi, great video! Thank You! I recently experienced a fault in the system. When trying to close, it actually managed to put the stacked roof panels almost into place, when it stopped working. Error Code 00A68E and 00A6A4. I managed to close the roof but I cant do anything else, the car is open now and I cant close the windows and so on. Have you ever experienced a similar problem?
Thanks for asking. We will need more details in order to narrow this down. Exactly how far did the system stack the roof panels before it failed? Did your code reader give you a description of the two codes you mentioned? The windows will not go up before the computer knows that your top is properly latched. Did you follow the closing procedure in this video and manually latch the frame via the two cylinders behind the rear windows? If so, did the electric motor latch the front afterwards?
Do you have to latch the front electronically for the windows to work as I used a 8mm spanner on the pull down manual roof key to lock the front?
From one mechanic to another, how temperamental are these convertible tops? My wife has her eyes set on a 2013 328i. It’s a great looking car, but I’m a Benz guy and her last car was a w208 convertible.
What scanner do you recommend that can read all modules?
The 328i E93 top is well engineered and no more temperamental than a Mercedes top. Unlike a Mercedes CLK top, I rarely ever hear of sensor problems in the E93 and the cylinders are better protected than in a CLK. The weakest spot is the pump, especially if you allow it to get wet via failing weatherstripping and clogged floor drain. That does not at all mean the pump is poorly designed - almost all convertible top pumps have a limited service life span. The second weakest spot are the gas struts that help with lifting he top and the trunk module. Those should not be anywhere near the end of their service life in a 2013. We will be coming out with a lot more E93 videos as time permits - we already have an awesome "top on a bench" set up for filming.
@@TopHydraulics Ah ok. I see. The dealer does offer an extended warranty. Would you recommend a warranty? Again, from someone who does their own repairs haha. The vehicle has 85k miles.
@@jamr2t Hahaha, warranties are not for me...
I’m not a mechanic but the BMW tops are considered to be reliable.
Boy right now i wish you made a similar video for the VW Eos...
Here it is: th-cam.com/video/G31I3ZUxIBQ/w-d-xo.html
Excellent 👌
I've got to the stage of pushing the pistons back but mine do not move, any pointers please
Push harder and/or disconnect the hoses
I got a bmw 428 I hardtop I would like to know what’s the pressure relief valve is on this Moto
It's an Allen bolt with a black funnel on it (the funnel helps guide the Allen wrench into the bolt). Should be 4mm or 5mm.
I had a trim piece come loose on top of the middle top panel. Upon opening the top, the painted trim piece cracked. The clips got pinned under the hinge assembly. I didn’t realize that. Closed the roof. The drivers side front panel did not seat down in one corner where it meets the middle panel.The system froze. The windows quit working too. The blinking red light on the switch activated. It pulled a a6a1 code. I could not open top or activate top locks.
I followed the long version of this video. (Wow, well done including the cool power drill battery trick. My battery was 20v) manually opened the roof. Stowed in trunk. Then manually put the roof back up. Everything seated properly this time. And locked the roof w drill battery. Pulled the 2 locks back w 90 degree pliers. Tightened back the hydraulic relief screw.
I cleared the code w a Foxwell with BMW software. It throws a new code that I can’t clear. A693. CTM: Microswitch, Coupling fastener, right, closed
Did I break something? I can’t get the top to open. I can’t get the windows to close. I have to use the blade key to open the trunk/boot.
Help!!!
Addendum: I found a wire clip I snatched when closing the piston on passenger side. The 90 degree pliers slipped and I must have hooked the 2 wires
There is a micro switch located near the coupling cylinder, located maybe a couple of inches below the rear end of the cylinder's body. That switch reads either open or closed - I currently don't know which way it should read while the top is closed. There is also a Hall sensor clipped onto the cylinder's body, which is not a switch in the classical sense. It changes high frequency resistance as the magnetic permability of its surroundings change, I.e., it detects the presence of a steel piston when the controller sends modulated pulses through the sensor.
@@TopHydraulics I replaced the micro switch that I broke trying to close the coupling cylinder. It fixed the new error message I had caused. You do a good job of describing the force required to close those cylinders and even warn to press down hard while also pulling. One slip of the 90 degree pliers and I damaged the sensor. Fortunately it was only $50 for a new sensor. It takes nimble hands and a magnetized small 10 mm star to replace the micro switch.
Things I learned in this project:
1) the trim piece in the middle section of the roof broke and dropped some small clips in the channel that the trim piece tries to hide. These broken clips prevented the front section of the convertible to seat properly. This threw an error code for the front locks and disabled the convertible and windows.
2) if this happens to you watch the long version of this video because you will need the extra steps to remote battery operate the front locks.
3) no special re-aligning of the top was necessary once the broken clips were removed from the channel and top was manually opened and closed. It fixed itself and reseated perfectly.
4) be extra careful (yet very forceful) closing the coupling cylinders. It takes great strength. Push down like described in the video to prevent slippage while pulling HARD. Otherwise you might break some wires/switch like I did when the pliers slipped.
5) to open the coupling cylinders the video describes a plastic trim tool method and a 90 degree pliers method. I found the plastic trim removal tool method better even though it does mar up the plastic tool. Get the coupling slightly open with the plastic tool, then finish completely opening the coupling w the 90 degree pliers.
6) the video says any 12 volt to 18 volt portable tool battery will work. All I had was a 20 volt drill battery. 20 volt works very well too.
GREAT video series Top Hydraulics
@@paullangan3153 Hello Paul, Thank you for the detailed response - I'm sure it will help someone in the future. Glad to hear that the damage was fixed without you spending a fortune!
Wouldn't open at all now it does when I put it into trunk. No error coded but trunk won't fold down roof opens and closes
My roof closed but the I get a lid not locking error
Can you help
Hi, do you know if this works on the 335is models? I’m having trouble pushing the cylinders back to unlock the top
Pushing the locking cylinders is the hardest part. The procedure is the same for all E93s.
After bringing the top on and locking it in place with the wires . The windows won't go up and was told the top not locked it ?? Can I get help
Remember how I was struggling a little in the video with manually retracting the latching cylinders behind the rear quarter windows? Did you retract those all the way? See th-cam.com/video/U_CjirF86ms/w-d-xo.html
Hi friend, thanks for your video, I have a 2009 335i convertible twin turbo e93, I have a problem, when the convertible is closing it falls with a blow on the front of the windshield. Could you give me an idea please 🙏 thanks
Start out by checking the fluid level in the pump. That is likely okay, but it's an easy check. More likely, the problem is electrical: There is a sensor in the right roof top cylinder (under the top panel, the cylinder has a large spring on it), which indicates to the computer when the top is almost fully closed and forces the pump to slow down the top movement. There are two sensors on the cylinder and the one towards the front of the car is responsible for sending the signal that the top is almost closed. I don't have the part number for the sensor and you may need to consult a BMW expert for more help.
@@TopHydraulics thanks very much 🙏
@TopHydraulics I will let you know how is everything going
Mine opens the roof by itself 5-10 seconds after I lock the doors (like it's supposed to do when as I'm long pressing the 'open' button in the remote keyless thing, except I'm not pressing anything). Have you ever seen that behaviour? Thanks
That's a new one to me.
Great video thanks!!! ✌️
Is this applicable to a 2010 BMW 328i hardtop convertible
Yes, model year 2010 BMW 328i is an E93 chassis. This procedure applies to the E93 hardtop convertible series made as model years 2006/2007 through 2012/2013 (model year nomenclature depends on the country in which the car was sold).
Hello I follow these procedures to the place to center portion due to a tree falling on it no I have everything back installed and I’m able to unlock it was the switch but it won’t go past there seems like there’s no pressure going to the cylinders I do hear pump. Is there any bleeding procedures or something that I am missing?
Thanks for your message. Did you dictate into your phone? It is hard to understand what has been done to the top and exactly how far it will move right now. Thus, I can only give you a simple answer: the system is self bleeding as long as there is enough fluid in the pump. Maybe I can help you further if you can take the time to type a precise description of what has been done and which problem you are encountering now.
A tree feel on the center part of the convertible top so it needed to be replaced. I followed your procedures in order to gain access of removing the center roof section. Repairs have been completed now that I am trying to Open it normally with the switch. It will unlock but will not retract back
@@emmanueldelcastillo2615 Thanks for the details. Did you close the pressure relief valve on the pump?
@@TopHydraulics yes
Is the an f33 4 series procedure or its the same concept? Rear regulator gone so the roof stuck closed
The F33 4-Series is the same concept (same cylinders, same frame), only slightly different pump and controller. The pump has a black cone on it as a guide for an Allen wrench to go into the manual actuation valve and you will have to find the wires for the front lock in a different position on the controller.
Indeed, you need to replace the rear window regulator before the top will work again. Once the window regulator has been replaced, you need to fully open or fully close the top and synchronize the windows the same way you would if your battery had been discharged.
@@TopHydraulics thank you, will take to a specialist but thought the manoeuvre may be easy ,plus need few tools. Thanks for all your help.
How about when the boot is full and cannot get to the pressure valve? Can you still lift the top up from the boot after unlatching it?
Good question. I doubt that you can manually close the top without opening the pressure relief valve on the pump, but would be happy to hear from you whether it works. Compared to the effort of manually operating the top, emptying the boot might not be a big deal...
@@TopHydraulics luckily I haven’t had trouble with my roof but was wondering for example if you have a box in the boot with the roof down and are unable to remove the box from the boot. Can you still lift the roof out of the boot. What part does the pressure valve control? Is it just the unfolding of the roof when it is out of the boot? Just thinking of the worst case scenario
Managed to lift the boot to point where your suppose to lodge a piece of wood in so the roof then can be lifted. But was not able to as it seemed to be locked in place somehow.
Any luck????
@@RegulusCo took it to a specialist. Was a faulty sensor cost me £250
Mine doesnt have a spot for the key
I did everything as u said..
But my roof can not be picked up ..
Any ideas please..
Let's make sure we are on the same page. Are you referring to the manual closing procedure and you have followed all the steps until it is time to manually lift the top out of the trunk? The top is quite heavy - how many people were lifting it?
@@TopHydraulics thank you soo much for your reply. I followed the manual closing procedure I unlocked the pump in the boot and and released the two cylinders on either side of the back seats. I managed to gently lift the boot till it got to its closing position.
But am still unable to close the roof it appears to b stuck and cannot be picked up.
It is four guys lifting it together.
Could there be some electronic mechanics holding it down.
@@TopHydraulics maybe I should also add that the battery is completely dead and it died while the roof was open so I need access to it. It’s been parked like that for the last 3 weeks. When I try to jump start it from the front the red roof light starts flashing. But the roof does not close even with the regular switch.
@@TopHydraulics went through it all morning..
And realised the electric latch is still latched.
How do I release it without power.
Thank you
@@TopHydraulics I finally found your other video with the long version and figured it out. Thank you so much all the way from Africa..
My convertible is broken and when I drive the gong sounds goes off then entire time. The top is on the it’s not noticing that it’s on. Is there a fuse or something that I can pull so I don’t have to hear the annoying dong sound the entire time.
Normally, that gong is going off for a good reason. Make sure that the top is fully closed and latched, using our videos. Once it is fully latched, the gong should go off. I am not aware of a simple way to silence the gong, as taking power away from the module tht controls the top will also impact other functions in the car.
Is this process the same for BMW Z4 hardtop E89 as well?
The process is different and easier for the E89 Z4. We expect to come out with a Z4 video in a few months.
@@TopHydraulics Thank you! Looking forward to viewing it.
My roof is latched and I cant seem to pull it up
Any luck???
Hello I own a bmw 4 series (F33) convertible and when the roof goes up the left side pushes slowly h do you have any idea what the problem is? thank you
If the top moves unevenly, then you likely have a bad gas strut on one side (the gas struts help with lifting the top), or something binding in the frame, or something plugging up one of the hoses going the the cylinders. Most likely the strut.
@@TopHydraulics
Thanks 👍
@@TopHydraulics Hello I made a diagnosis at the bmw dealership who told me that the hydraulic pump is out of order as well as the hydraulic cylinder, what do you think? Thank you
@@ficale1000 There are eight cylinders in the top and some gas struts. Maybe I can comment if you tell us the dealer's exact diagnosis.
@@TopHydraulics
hydraulic kinematic cylinder and hydraulic pump
E88 series please
Where are you located? If you are nearby, then maybe we can use your car as the one we film?
Why they make this so fucking hard? Omg..can be so simple with just one handle...
Which machine fix
How can i do the same for a G6 Gt pontiac? It doesnt open
The G6 is slightly less complicated, but we don't have a video on it yet.
How do you do this when you can't open the trunk?
Is your top up or down, and did it complete the opening or closing cycle?
@@TopHydraulics My top is down in the trunk. Trunk is not opening. The roof button is blinking in red. Comes up with the fault "Roof System", "Hardtop not latched". Windows are down as well, not going back up.
@@pole040 That could become tricky. How come the system will not close the top when pushing the button - is there more to this story?
You would want to find out if the problem was hydraulic or electric. If it is hydraulic, then we can come up with a way to fool the system into thinking the top is latched hydraulically and you can push the button to close all the way afterwards so that the electric latch in the front of the top panel engages and you can open the trunk. Does it appear as if the two latches on the side, between the trunk lid and the rear bench have latched all the way?
@@TopHydraulics The problem is with a system. It's blocking from operating. I took it to the garage and they said COMFORT CONTROL UNIT ECU needs to be replaced. So I will go ahead, order and replace that.
@@pole040 Thanks for the update. That's quite possible, hope it was the correct diagnosis. Please let us know how it turned out!
“It’s important not to scratch the shaft”
Did yours get damaged?
@@TopHydraulics one time yes. If your question was not sarcasm then my apologies for my original sarcastic comment.
nice
Thanks, do you have to turn the pressure release again clockwise when done ? And what size alan wrench is it ?
Thanks for asking. It takes a 4-mm Allen wrench. The pressure relief valve needs to be closed again only if you want the pump to operate the top.
Well didn't work
I got the trunk open but we haven’t been able to lift the roof up out of it, won’t even budge up. Any ideas?
Did you release the pressure from the pump ?