Convertiable roof problem

[timboraf]

I wonder if any one can help me with this problem.

I own a K reg 318I E30 convertiable the metalic blue version i think there were only a few hundred made of this version, when i bought it the automatic roof cover which closes over the roof when its lowerd wasnt working and when i looked at it saw that the ball joint and one cable which raises the roof cover up and locks it down when it is shut had been disconnected, i was told this had been done for some reason when the last owner had a new roof cover fitted. I have tried to reconnect these but the ball joint wont seem to stay on, when i press the button on the dash you can hear the motor trying to work but nothing seems to happen.
Has anyone come across this before or have any ideas on how solve it?

[Quincy56]

Not sure if it will help with your problem, but there is some good info on tops here:
http://www.e30ic.com/