Get Controls and features -> Convertible top Guide for BMW 3 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (1997-2006)

Electric power windows

Convertible top

The completely automatically operated

convertible top combines assured pro-

tection against the elements together

with simple and easy handling.

After the ignition has been

switched off

After the ignition has been switched off:

You can still use the electric power win-

dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as

no one opens any of the doors.

So that you will get the most out of

enjoying your convertible, here are a

few tips:

>It is advisable to close the convertible

top when the vehicle is being parked.

The closed convertible top not only

protects the passenger compartment

from unforeseeable damage from the

weather, it also provides a certain

degree of theft protection. In addi-

tion, keep valuables only in the

locked luggage compartment, even

with the convertible top closed

>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage

rack on the convertible top

>At temperatures below 147/–106

do not operate the convertible top to

prevent damage.

Never store the convertible top

while it is wet to avoid permanent

damage from moisture.<

⁴²Convertible top

Driving with the opening or clos-

ing operation not completely

If possible, only operate the con-

vertible top with the vehicle

ended can lead to damage and/or inju- stopped, as otherwise the process may

ries. be interrupted.

Traffic laws applicable in your area take If you set the convertible top in motion

precedence when you operate the con- with the vehicle stationary and then

vertible top, otherwise you may be

breaking the law.

have to start suddenly – for instance, at

a traffic light – you can still complete

the operation by driving as slowly as

possible and again pressing and main-

taining pressure on the button.

Do not lay objects on the convertible

top, since they would fall off when the

convertible top is operated and cause

damage or injuries.

Before closing the convertible top,

remove any objects from the windshield

mechanism during opening and closing. frame that could keep the convertible

Do not reach into the convertible top

1 To close

2 To open

Keep children away from the moving

parts of the convertible top during

operation.<

top from closing properly.<

Locks and security systems

To close the electric power win-

dows while driving, always be

sure to first close either the rear win-

dows, or all 4 windows at the same

time, otherwise, at high speed, the win-

dows may not close tightly.<

From ignition key position 1 or higher,

with the vehicle stationary

If at all possible, only operate the con-

vertible top if the engine is running. This

saves unnecessary battery wear.

1. Read and comply with the preceding

safety precautions

At higher speeds, the ensuing

vacuum in the passenger com-

2. Before opening the convertible top,

make sure that the convertible top

compartment panel in the luggage

compartment is lowered, refer to

page 37

partment can cause the convertible top

to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-

ply via the ventilation controls so that a

vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<

3. Make sure that the luggage compart-

ment lid is closed

Convertible top

4. Press and hold the corresponding

When operating the convertible top, the

Operate the convertible top manu-

ally in emergency situations only

press the button, and after the opening to avoid causing damage due to incor-

button for convertible top operation. windows will lower slightly when you

The red indicator lamp will light up

while the convertible top is in motion. or closing operation has finished, they

It goes out as soon as the opening or will go back up, if you keep holding the

rect operation.<

closing operation has been com-

pleted.

button down for more than 2 seconds

after the indicator lamp has gone out.

If the opening or closing operation

is interrupted, the convertible top

remains in the respective position for

15 minutes, and the sequence can be

continued in the desired direction with

the button. After that, the convertible

top can be moved again and, if it is an

emergency situation, you may have to

help the top along manually. This can

also be done in ignition key position 0.

In certain cases, the luggage compart-

ment lid cannot be opened if the open-

ing or closing operation has been inter-

rupted.<

If the red indicator lamp flashes after

the button is released, then the

opening or closing operation is not

yet completed. The sequence can be

continued in the desired direction by

pressing this button.

If the yellow indicator lamp lights up

continuously with the button

pressed, then the convertible top

compartment panel is raised and the

convertible top cannot be moved,

refer to step 2.

The luggage compartment lid cannot be

opened while the convertible top is in

motion.

Do not close the side power win-

dows using the buttons if the con-

vertible top operation has been inter-

rupted.<

If the convertible top has been

stored in the convertible top com-

partment for longer periods, e.g. during

the winter months while the hardtop is

being used, it may be necessary to

manually support the first automatic

closing operation: if the convertible top

should halt right before the closing

phase is completed, press against the

front part of the convertible top frame

from the outside to help the closing

process along. Keep pressing the but-

ton while doing so until the top starts

up again on its own.<

The automatic sequence will be

interrupted immediately if you

release the button that operates the

top. The sequence can be continued in

the desired direction by pressing this

button.<

Convenience operation from the

driver's door lock

Refer to page 33.

During convertible top operation

the rear window moves toward the

passenger compartment. To prevent

injuries, make sure that the closing path

of the convertible top is unobstructed.<

⁴⁴Convertible top

1. Remove the center piece between

the rear seats. Take the trim off of the

guide rod and flip it forward. Press

down hard on the emergency lock 1

– see arrow. After a brief pause, the

mechanisms for the convertible top

compartment lid will be unlocked

If the mechanisms for the convert-

ible top compartment lid do not

unlock, then insert the Allen wrench 2

into the recess 3 and turn clockwise

until the mechanisms unlock.<

Closing manually in the event of

an electrical malfunction

3. Grasp the convertible top by the lat-

eral guide section – see arrow 1 –

and the front convertible top frame –

see arrow 2. Lift out the top and

swing forward until you encounter a

perceptible resistance at a stop.

Position the rear convertible top

frame vertically and close the con-

vertible top compartment lid. Flip the

rear convertible top frame downward

2. If the luggage compartment lid is

closed, open the convertible top

compartment lid up as far as the stop

will allow

1 Emergency operation

2 Allen wrench

3 Recess

Only actuate the convertible top

manually to close it, however

never to open it, as the convertible top

compartment lid cannot be locked and

would open during driving.<

To avoid damaging the side trim,

always fold the convertible top

Manual closing is best carried out

with two persons from outside

with the driver's door open and the

driver's seat folded forward. No one is

to be in the rear seat while you are

doing this.<

forward before folding the rear frame

brace up into its vertical position.<

Convertible top

The closing operation must be

completed, as otherwise damage

and/or injuries may result.<

Please consult your BMW center

to have the defect corrected.<

4. Lift out the cover panel that is in the

center of the front convertible top

frame

5. Put the Allen wrench 2 – refer to

page 44 – into the hex slot – see

arrow

Position for cleaning

To be able to access the convertible

top compartment, lean the rear frame of

the convertible top against the cover of

the convertible top compartment.

6. Pull down on the front convertible

top frame as far as possible. Close

the convertible top further by turning

the wrench in a clockwise direction;

continue turning until the front con-

vertible top frame is locked to the

windshield frame. The rear convert-

ible top frame will automatically be

pressed down onto the convertible

top compartment lid and, because of

the tension, will close completely.

First, use the button for activating

the convertible top to unlock the

locks of the convertible top compart-

ment. Refer to page 42.<

For additional information on vehi-

cle care, refer to the Caring for

your vehicle brochure.<

Controls and features -> Convertible top for Your BMW 3 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (1997-2006)

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