M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Exterior => Topic started by: BlackBMWs on August 06, 2009, 08:58:42 AM

Title: E30 Vert top question
Post by: BlackBMWs on August 06, 2009, 08:58:42 AM

The rear portion of the top on my 91 E30 Vert dosen't always fold back enough to clear the folding top cover when I want to stow the top in its storage location.  Sometimes it does fold and stow properly with no effort, Othertimes, it seems that part of the frame isn't fully folding.   Apparently the PO had this problem and allowed the two contact points to rub where it started to wear the cloth on the top.  

Anyone else have this issue?  Is there and adjustment for the frame itself?  I know if I fold and unfold the frame a few times, it will go full vertical and close without rubbing, but I haven't observed yet where the frame might be sticking or catching.  I have lubed all pivot points on the frame I could find.

Thanks for any insight...   :cool:

Title: E30 Vert top question
Post by: vonkamp on August 08, 2009, 07:44:21 AM

I have the same problem. it only happens on the passenger side. I think I know what the problem is but it's easier to show in a picture. I will work on getting that done...

Title: E30 Vert top question
Post by: vonkamp on August 08, 2009, 08:02:29 AM

Man, posting pic's here is a PITA!
If you go to realoem (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BA73&mospid=47325&btnr=54_0146&hg=54&fg=10) E30 318i folding top, you will see a parts breakdown. the part that I believe is causing the problem is:

04 Stud, gas strut  2   54311943752

It's located on the passenger side. Mine was bent so I removed it.

Title: E30 Vert top question
Post by: BlackBMWs on August 09, 2009, 08:49:37 PM

Quote from: vonkamp;76542

Man, posting pic's here is a PITA!
If you go to realoem (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BA73&mospid=47325&btnr=54_0146&hg=54&fg=10) E30 318i folding top, you will see a parts breakdown. the part that I believe is causing the problem is:

04 Stud, gas strut  2   54311943752

It's located on the passenger side. Mine was bent so I removed it.

Interesting, I'll check as it looks like the OP (and i) had his issues on the passenger side as well.  For me, it's been a problem about half the time...

Thank you...  I'll let you know what I find as well...:cool:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update:  While working on something else, I did notice it was catching on something on the drivers side.  I was getting dark, so I'll have to continue troubleshooting it this week sometime.  :cool:

Title: E30 Vert top question
Post by: BlackBMWs on August 15, 2009, 12:23:12 PM

Quote from: vonkamp;76542

Man, posting pic's here is a PITA!
If you go to realoem (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BA73&mospid=47325&btnr=54_0146&hg=54&fg=10) E30 318i folding top, you will see a parts breakdown. the part that I believe is causing the problem is:

04 Stud, gas strut  2   54311943752

It's located on the passenger side. Mine was bent so I removed it.

Dead on.  Part three for me on the drivers side is plastic, off the strut and crushed.  Ordered the new sleeve and should arrive on Wednesday from the local dealer.  $6.50.  Thanks!  :cool:

Title: E30 Vert top question
Post by: ponchiz318 on September 05, 2009, 10:32:40 AM

I assume that the e30 vert also has tension straps like the e36 does. On the e36, the tension straps start to fail and fo not pull the last bow towards the front. When the bow is pulled, it gives the back portion enough room to clear the storage compartment lid. I have a manual top and I also need to replace the tension straps. The gas strut is another problem but you guys figured that part out. Good luck.