CONVERTIBLE TOPS

Subject Page

E36 Convertible Tops

Overview .................................................................................................. 2
E36 Automatic Electro Mechanical Convertible Tops................................ 4
• Features ........................................................................................ 4
• Components
- Control Module ........................................................................... 6
- Top Switch.................................................................................. 6
- Motors ........................................................................................ 7
- Top Drive Linkage/Thrust Rods ................................................... 8
- Top Cover Latches/Drive Linkage................................................ 8
- Micro Switches ........................................................................... 9
- Components Review................................................................... 11
• Operation ...................................................................................... 12
• EM Top Emergency Operation....................................................... 17
• Re-connecting the drive motors .................................................... 18
• EM Top Initialization ....................................................................... 19
• Control Module Diagnosis/Troubleshooting.................................... 20
• Convertible Top Storage Lid Position Hall Sensor Tests................. 22
• E36 Convertible Top Adjustments (Repair Manual excerpts) .......... 23
• E36 Convertible Specific Service Information Bulletin Reference.... 29

Z3 Convertible Top

Overview .................................................................................................. 30
• Components ................................................................................. 31
• Operation ...................................................................................... 32
• Adjustments .................................................................................. 33
• Z3 Convertible Specific Service Information Bulletin Reference...... 35

Convertible Tops - 1
E36 CONVERTIBLE TOP
OVERVIEW

E36 - 318i, 323i, 325i and 328i: The top design consists of two pivoting sections;
the tension bow at the rear and the foldable top section with multiple bows.

When lowered, the top is stowed in a storage well behind the rear seat. The well is cov-
ered by a hinged convertible top cover.

Convertible Tops - 2
The E36 base convertible top is manually operated. The higher line top is an Electro
Mechanical variant that has evolved through two versions:

• Semi Automatic
• Fully Automatic

The mechanical movement and sequenced steps of operation are the same for all three
variations.

• After the windows have been lowered • The tension bow is then raised to a ver-
slightly, the top is released from wind- tical position.
shield frame.

• The top cover body panel is then raised • The top is folded back into the storage
which opens the storage well for top well.
stowage.

• The storage cover is then lowered and

latched closed.

Convertible Tops - 3
E36 AUTOMATIC ELECTRO MECHANICAL (EM)
CONVERTIBLE TOPS
The Automatic EM convertible top was introduced as a “Semi” Automatic in the 1994
model year. The top was upgraded to a fully automatic top in 1997. Except for a few addi-
tional components and an additional function on the fully automatic version, both systems
function the same. For this reason the systems are described simultaneously and high-
lighted as required where differences occur.

FEATURES

The top is designed as a self tensioning, electric mechanical power operated folding top.
The main features include:

BOTH VERSIONS:

• Electrical interlock of the trunk lid when the top storage cover is unlocked or open.

• Automatic partial lowering of the four side windows when lowering or raising the top.

• Automatic full raising of all four windows once top is stored in the storage compartment.

• Fully diagnosible EM Top Control Module.

• A textile, crease free interior liner clipped to the top frame.

• Emergency release handle inside the passenger compartment, for manually raising the
top with an electrical failure.

• A removable (zipper) green tinted plastic rear window.

• Soft top material of 3-ply with 40% cotton fabric lining and 100% Arcyl outer skin.

SEMI AUTO ONLY:

• A centrally located turn lock fastener on the for-

ward edge of the top for locking and unlocking
the top to the windshield frame.

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FULL AUTO ONLY:

• A concealed top lock motor with twin (left/right) lock drive mechanisms on the forward
edge of the top for automatically locking and unlocking the top to the windshield frame.

• Comfort close feature which is activated from the driver’s or passenger’s door position.
Holding the key in the lock position automatically closes and locks the top and win-
dows from outside.

• Automatic full raising of all four windows once top is up and fully locked to the wind-
shield frame.

Convertible Tops - 5
COMPONENTS

CONTROL MODULE:

• Located behind the left side rear seat interior

quarter trim panel (1).

• All relays and operating electronics are installed

in the module. The control module is fully diag-
nosible with the DIS or MoDiC.

TOP SWITCH:

• The top switch is positioned in

LED-Fully Automatic Top Only
the center console.

• The switch of the fully auto-

matic system contains an LED
that flashes when the top is
not fully closed and locked to
the windshield frame.

However, the LED will not

flash when the top is fully
stowed in the top compart-
ment with the lid closed.
Control module memory of lid
position via Hall sensor.

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MOTORS:

• Top drive motor (A) with gear assembly and position micro switches (S1 & S2). The top
drive motor is located under the top storage compartment on the left side of the trunk.

• Top storage cover motor (B) with drive linkage and an integrated hall sensor. The cover
motor is located in the trunk on the left side behind the trim cover.

• FULL AUTO ONLY: Top Lock Motor with flexible drive tubes and lock drive mecha-
nisms. The lock drive mechanisms also activate the off tension linkage rods for auto-
matically moving the top to the off tension position.
RIGHT LOCK/DRIVE TOP LOCK MOTOR LEFT LOCK/DRIVE

FLEXIBLE DRIVE TUBES

OFF TENSION LINKAGE RODS

Convertible Tops - 7
TOP DRIVE LINKAGE/THRUST RODS:

Located in the top storage com-

partment on the left side are two
actuating rods, one for the tension
bow and the other for the top
frame.

The rods are moved in a predeter-

mined sequence based on the
pivots and notches of the main
drive and tension bow plates.

The top drive motor is linked to

the top motor drive plate by a
splined shaft.

When the motor is activated, the

drive plate turns either pushing or
pulling the rods to move the top to
the predetermined position.

When the top is lowered into the

storage well the tension bow plate
completely disengages from the
top motor drive plate.

TOP COVER LATCHES/

DRIVE LINKAGE

The convertible top cover motor

unlatches the cover locks via bow-
den cables and raises/lowers the
cover panel via a linkage rod.

Convertible Tops - 8
MICRO SWITCHES:

S1 - Identified as Convertible Top Position Microswitch in the ETM (Not Adjustable)

• Located on Top Motor (not adjustable)

• Open when top is fully up or fully down.
• Closed when tension bow is not horizontal.
• Open when tension bow is horizontal.

S2 - Identified as Convertible Top Position Microswitch in the ETM (Not Adjustable)

• Located on Top Motor (not adjustable)

• Open when top is fully up or fully down.
• Closed when tension bow is vertical.
• Open whenever tension bow is not vertical.

S3 - Identified as Rear Window Blower Microswitch in the ETM (Adjustable)

• Located in Storage Well on driver side folding top

hinge assy.
• Closed when top is stored in well
• Open when top is up

This switch also provides a ground for the rear

window blower when top is up.

S4 - SEMI AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY: Identified as Convertible Top End Position

Micro Switch in the ETM (Adjustable)

• Located on the driver side tension bow linkage

arm.
• Closed when top is up and locked to windshield
frame
• Open when top is pushed past tension point

Convertible Tops - 9
S5 - Identified as Trunk Lid Microswitch in the ETM (Not Adjustable)

• Located on Trunk Lock. Prevents convertible

top operation when trunk is open.

• S5 is also used on fully manual top. It provides a ground for the convertible top stor-
age lid lock motor. This is a unique component only found on the manual top system
which electrically prevents the storage lid from being opened manually when the trunk
lid is opened.

• S5 utilization on the automatic top system provides a ground signal to the control mod-
ule when the trunk is open. The control module cancels any top operation when this
ground signal is present.

S6 - Identified as Convertible Top Storage Lid Microswitch in the ETM (Adjustable)

• Located on Right Side Storage Cover Lock

Latch
• Signal is input to ZKE IV General Module.
• Low signal indicates convertible top storage
cover is open. Trunk can not be opened.

S7 - FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY: Identified as Position Microswitch Locking in

the ETM (Not Adjustable)
• Located on Top Lock Drive Assembly.
• Open anytime top is not locked to windshield
frame.
• Closed when top is locked to windshield frame.

S8 - FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY: Identified as Position Microswitch Unlocking

in the ETM (Not Adjustable)
• Located on Top Lock Drive Assembly.
• Closed only when the top lock motor is driven to
the fully unlocked position.
• Open all other times.
S8 S7

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COMPONENTS REVIEW

Convertible Tops - 11
OPERATION
The following prerequisites must be met for the top to function:

Trunk Lid Closed - Electrical interlock of the trunk and top. Due to the design of the top
storage cover and trunk lid, damage to the cover or lid would occur if both were open at
the same time.

Ignition key switched on KL R, (preferably engine running to prevent unnecessary bat-

tery drain)

Vehicle stopped (speed “A” signal <3 MPH)

Roll over bars retracted (if equipped) - bars interfere with the top operation as it is low-
ering into the storage compartment.

LOWERING THE TOP

• SEMI AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY - Unlock the top with the turn lock fastener and push
the top over the tension point. S4 must close for the top to operate. Press and hold
the top switch. Go to “TENSION BAR RAISED” on next page.

• FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY - Press and hold the top switch. All Side windows
lower automatically regardless of their position, by a signal from the top module to the
General Module (ZKE IV).

1. The top lock motor is powered in the unlock direction.

2. The left and right side locks are mechanically released via the drive cables.

3. Microswitch S7 opens indicating the top is unlatched from the windshield frame.

4. Once the locks are completely released, the top lock motor continues to run lifting
the front bow above the tension point via the tension rods.

5. As the front bow passes the tension point, micro switch S8 closes. The top lock
motor switches off and the top motor is switched ON.

Convertible Tops - 12
TENSION BAR RAISED
At the same time the windows are lowering, the top drive motor is switched on and the ten-
sion bar is raised to a vertical position. The drive lever of the top linkage rotates counter
clockwise to push the tension bar to a raised position.

The control module recognizes the raising of the tension bar by the closed contacts of
micro switch S1 in the motor assembly.

When the tension bar has raised to the full vertical position micro switch S2 closes and the
motor is switched off.

STORAGE COVER OPENED

The top storage cover motor is switched on and turns counter-clockwise. This action
releases the locks of the cover via the bowden cables. The locks are forced out of the
clamps by spring pressure.

The drive linkage continues to push the cover to a raised position. A hall sensor integrat-
ed in the cover motor provides status of the storage lid movement and position to the CVM.
The motor is switched off when it reaches the end of its predetermined travel.

S6 also closes the moment the storage cover is released from its locked position. The sig-
nal is provided the GM to prevent the trunk from opening.
Convertible Tops - 13
TOP ASSEMBLY LOWERED

The top motor turns clockwise immediately opening S1 & S2. It pulls the top into the stor-
age compartment. The tension bar drive linkage is mechanically released from the top drive
as the motor continues to run. Once the top is completely lowered microswitch S3 closes
signalling the control module to switch the motor off.

STORAGE COVER CLOSED

The storage cover motor is switched on and the drive linkage pulls the cover down. As the
locking clamps grab onto the cover locks, the linkage engages the bowden cables and the
cover is locked closed.

The CVM monitors the storage lid position via the hall effect sensor signal. When the fully
closed position is detected, the top cover motor is switched off.

WINDOW RAISING

If the top switch is held down after the top storage cover is closed, the windows will auto-
matically close. The EM top module signals the ZKE to closed the windows. Once the top
switch is released the window operation is terminated.

E36 Fully Automatic Convertible Top Micro-Switch Logic Chart

Top Position S1 S2 S3 S5 S6 S7 S8 Hall
(GM) Sensor
Top Up and locked Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Lo Hi Not active
Switch pressed to Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Not active
open, top lock motor
activated
Front of top Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Lo Not active
automatically raised
past tension point
Tension Bow Lo Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Lo Not active
Raising
Tension Bow fully Lo Lo Hi Hi Hi Hi Lo Not active
raised
Storage cover Lo Lo Hi Hi Lo Hi Lo Active
opening
Cover opened and Hi Hi Hi Hi Lo Hi Lo Not active
top lowering
Top fully lowered in Hi Hi Lo Hi Lo Hi Lo Not active
storage comp.
Storage Cover Hi Hi Lo Hi Lo Hi Lo Active
Lowering
Storage Cover Hi Hi Lo Hi Hi Hi Lo Not active
Closed
Trunk opened -- -- -- Lo -- -- -- Not active

Convertible Tops - 14
 E36 Semi Automatic Convertible Top Micro-Switch Logic Chart
Top Position S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 Hall Sensor
(GM)
Top Up and locked Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Not active
Top Unlocked and Hi Hi Hi Lo Hi Hi Not active
pushed past tension
point
Tension Bow Lo Hi Hi Lo Hi Hi Not active
Raising
Tension Bow fully Lo Lo Hi Lo Hi Hi Not active
raised
Storage cover Lo Lo Hi Lo Hi Lo Active
opening
Cover opened and Hi Hi Hi Lo Hi Lo Not active
top lowering
Top fully lowered in Hi Hi Lo Lo Hi Lo Not active
storage Comp.
Storage Cover Hi Hi Lo Lo Hi Lo Active
Lowering
Storage Cover Hi Hi Lo Lo Hi Hi Not active
Closed
Trunk opened -- -- -- -- Lo -- Not active

Convertible Tops - 15
RAISING THE TOP

The procedure for raising the top follows the same pattern as lowering.

Press and hold the top switch.

• The windows are automatically lowered.

• The top storage cover opens
• The top is raised out of the storage compartment
• The top storage cover is closed and locked.
• The tension bar is lowered. Micro-switch S1 signals the lowered position of the ten-
sion bar.

FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP - The top lock motor is activated, S8 opens. The motor is
switched off the moment S7 closes. The top is fully raised and locked to the windshield.

SEMI AUTOMATIC TOP - Pull the top over the tension point and lock it to the wind-
shield frame.

The automatic closing of the windows on raising the top is not functional due to lack of
anti trap feature during this function.

Convertible Tops - 16
EM TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION

In the event of electrical failure, the top can be raised manually. The procedure is as fol-
lows:

• Pull the release lever located under the left rear

seat cushion as shown.

• Both motors are disconnected from the gear

drives.

• The top storage cover is unlocked.

NOTE: The top can not be lowered again until electrical power is restored to the system.
This is due to the fact that the top storage cover can not be locked until power is restored.

Convertible Tops - 17
RE-CONNECTING DRIVE MOTORS

Due to the interlock of the trunk lid an unlocked top storage cover, the following procedure
must be followed to reconnect the top drive motors, to restore electrical operation:

• Lower all the side windows with the central switch

• Unlock the top from the windshield frame, raise it over the tension point and open the
storage cover.

• Lower the top into the storage compartment and close the storage cover.

• Disconnect fuse #7 in the front power distribution box (this will override the forced lock-
ing of the trunk).

• Open the trunk lid and remove the trim cover from the left side of the trunk.

• Reconnect the motors with the gear drives. The actuating rods can be moved slightly
to allow the gear teeth to engage.

• Close trunk lid and reinstall fuse #7.

• The EM top system must now be initialized to restore normal operation.

Convertible Tops - 18
EM TOP INITIALIZATION

Initialization of the system is required for the CVM to learn the end limits of the top storage
cover. The CVM counts the pulses from the integrated hall sensor in the cover motor to
determine the cover position.

An initialization run occurs automatically after every eighth operation of the top. This
ensures that the hall sensor counting circuit is not adversely affected by any backlash or
elasticity of the top cover drive mechanism.

The hall sensor counter reading is

stored in a NV RAM, however it is
possible for this data to be incor-
rect or out of sync for the following
conditions:

• Power supply interrupted while

top is in operation
• Electrical failures that require
manual closing of the top.

Follow the procedures on this page

or refer to Group 54 in the Repair
Manual of TIS.

INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE

1. The top must be placed in the storage compartment

• Motors engaged with the drives.

• Top storage cover closed

2. Ignition key switched OFF.

3. Press and hold the top switch in the lowering direction.

4. Switch the ignition on (KL R).

5. After approximately 10 seconds the top storage cover will start to close and lock.

6. At this point release the the top switch. The initialization procedure will continue run-
ning. The procedure is complete approximately 0.5 seconds after the top storage cover
is closed and locked.

NOTE: The initialization procedure can be interrupted by switching the ignition off.

Convertible Tops - 19
CONTROL MODULE DIAGNOSIS/TROUBLESHOOTING

• Faults that occur during opera- Fault Code Description

tion of the top are stored in the
CVM. 1 Short to ground motor
2 Short to B+ motor
• They are accessed with the DIS 3 Position not plausible
Tester or MoDiC. 4 Distance/time measurement of the
convertible top
• The table reflects the possible 5 Fault “rollover sensor”
fault codes stored in the CVM. 6 Internal fault of the module
7 Current through CVM too great

• Additionally, the diagnostic

requests (status) and compo-
nent activation function pro-
vides quick diagnostic checks
of signal status and output
function of components.

• Always verify the control mod-

ule identification against the
tester display screen when
testing or troubleshooting the
EM top system.

• Always check any associated

or inter-connected systems
when troubleshooting EM top
problems. (ie: ZKE IV).

• Check the coding data to

make sure the control module
is coded correctly for the spe-
cific top system in the vehicle.

• Always use the latest software

available to test and trou-
bleshoot the system.

Convertible Tops - 20
Convertible Tops - 21
CONVERTIBLE TOP STORAGE LID POSITION HALL SENSOR TESTS

FLUKE 87 FLUKE 87

87
E
UK
FL
Hz

mA
mV
v
v
M v
CO
mA
A

Before testing always verify pin numbers and

wire colors from the appropriate ETM.

DC Voltage Test Procedures:

• At X13145 disconnect and access ground

(pin 6) and the hall sensor supply voltage
(pin 3) = battery voltage.

• Re-connect plug and check hall sensor sig-

nal (pin 2), activate convertible top, with
storage lid in motion = 5.0 volts.

Tap switch to display high/low signal -High = 10.0 volts.

Low = 0 volts.

Voltage Frequency Test Procedure:

•With storage compartment lid moving in either direction, pin 2 = 70 Hz.

Convertible Tops - 22
E36 CONVERTIBLE TOP ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: All mechanical adjustments are critical for synchronous top operation.

The following adjustments are possible on E36 convertibles. The Repair Manual section of
TIS provides system component R&R and adjustment procedures.

The following Repair Manual

screens are from Groups 51 & 54.

The individual listings provide all of

the pertinent procedures for effec-
tively repairing a defect and adjust-
ing the components to effectively
maintain the precision operation of
the top mechanisms.

Example: Adjusting left or right

soft top compartment cover lock.

Group 5125.. additionally includes

the following E36 convertible top
specific procedures:

• Configuration of convertible top

cover
• Replace actuating lever
• R&R Bowden Cables
• R&R Top Cover Lock
• R&R Gas Struts for Top Cover

Convertible Tops - 23
Group 54 25.. includes the fol-
lowing:

• Adjusting both top lid locks.

• Adjusting electric motor for

convertible top lid.

• Adjusting both bowden cables

for convertible top lid locks.

Group 54 25.. additionally

includes the following E36 con-
vertible top specific procedures:

• R&R electrical convertible top

lid drive unit
• R&R both convertible top
locks.
• R&R both bowden cables for
convertible top lid locks.

Convertible Tops - 24
Group 54 31.. includes the fol-
lowing:

• Adjusting convertible top

(mechanical).

• Adjusting EM convertible top.

Group 54 31.. additionally includes the following E36 convertible top specific procedures:

• R&R complete EM Convertible Top

• Replacing rear window in convertible top
• Replacing convertible top fabric.
• R&R handle for convertible top lock
• R&R headlining in convertible top
• Replacing convertible top lid cover
• R&R base plate on left or right

Convertible Tops - 25
Group 54 34.. includes the fol-
lowing:

• Adjusting Left/Right
Convertible top lock (fully
automatic system).

Group 54 34.. additionally includes the following E36 convertible top specific procedures:

• Initialization EM Convertible top

• Replacing linkages for convertible
• R&R electrical convertible top drive unit
• Replacing convertible top cover
• R&R finisher on convertible top lock
• R&R headlining in convertible top
• R&R both convertible top locks (fully automatic system)
• R&R motor for converter top lock (fully automatic system)

Convertible Tops - 26
Group 61 31.. includes the fol-
lowing:

• Adjusting micro switch S4.

• Adjusting micro switch S3.

Convertible Tops - 27
Group 54 90.. includes trou-
bleshooting charts for the Semi
and Fully Automatic Systems with
links to repair procedures.

Group 54 90.. also includes a

micro switch logic table for diag-
nosis.

Convertible Tops - 28
E36 CONVERTIBLE SPECIFIC SI BULLETINS
Refer to the following list of Service Information bulletins when servicing an E36 convertible.
Always check the most up-to-date SI’s and recent DCS messages for current service infor-
mation.

• E-36 CONVERTIBLE TOP HEADLINER SAGS.

Repair kit P/N 54 31 8 227 354. SIB 54 03 96.

• CONVERTIBLE TOP CLEANING KIT. P/N 83 12 9 407 806. SIB 54 07 95.

• CONVERTIBLE STORAGE LID PROTECTIVE CAP INSTALLATION. SIB 54 06 95.

• CONVERTIBLE FOLDING ASSIST ROD. P/N 54 31 8 203 869. SIB 54 05 95.

• CONVERTIBLE HEADLINER PLASTIC PANEL REPLACEMENT. P/N 54 31 8 211 902.

SIB 54 04 95.

• CONVERTIBLE TOP PLASTIC BREAKS AT C PILLAR.

Repair Kit P/N 54 31 8 209 781. SIB 54 02 95.

• CONVERTIBLE HEADLINER SAGS. SIB 54 04 94.

• CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILS WHEN LOWERING.

--Needs new drive levers-- SIB 54 03 94.

• CONVERTIBLE TOP SEAL SQUEAKS.

• CONVERTIBLE TOP ACTUATING ROD REPLACEMENT.

• CONVERTIBLE STORAGE LID LATCHING CABLES. SIB 54 06 93.

• E-36 CONVERTIBLE TOP INITIALIZATION. SIB 54 04 93.

• E-36 CONVERTIBLE GLOVE LIGHT STAYS ON. SIB 63 03 93

Convertible Tops - 29