e30 convertible power hood problems??

Post Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:46 pm

Hey guys im new to this forum ive recently gained possession of an e30 318i lux conv to go with my e21. The elec hood dosnt work and the stowage lid wont open as its elec, so ive got a couple of questions as to how i go about sorting this out so please bear with me!!

1. is my roof semi elec or full elec how can i tell as ive never seen it working?

2. is there a manual release for the horse shoe lid anywhere.

3.can it be lowered and stowed without the elec motors working or do i have to remove them/disconnect?

4.if i cant do any of the above what do i need to do to convert it to a manual operation and has anyone done it, and point me in the direction of gaining what i need parts wise or a garage that does it to carry it out if its not stupid expensive.

sorry for all the questions any help would be great cheers

Post Fri Feb 21, 2014 5:37 pm

Try doing a search on here for "electric AND roof".

Ben

Post Fri Feb 21, 2014 5:50 pm

Hello Pacey,

Firstly, I don't think there is anything such as a part electric hood. It's either electrically operated (hydro version too) or manual.

To see if it is electric, you should have a rocker opening and closing switch in the cabin and if you look in the boot, there are two electic motors. The one in the centre opens and closes the horseshoe. The one on the right hand side is the main roof opening and closing one.

If your horseshoe isn't opening, then it can be released by disconnecting the middle motor. You do this by inserting the long rod type tool from the tool kit into a hole (sorry, forgot to mention, you will have to remove the cover first to see them) and pushing to the left (may be right).

Once the horseshoe is open, you will have access to the roof compartment. If the roof motor isn't working, to fold the hood down, you will have to disconnect the right hand side motor, I mentioned earlier.

Note: only disconnect the motors with the roof closed and locked. The motors are master splined (I think that's the term) so will only go back in in one position.

Let us know how you get on.

Post Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:10 pm

Gert_8 thank you for an excellent reply I shall have a go at your instructions tomorrow if my missis isn't on my case to do something else!! I shall let you know how I get on thanks again.

Post Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:21 pm

No worries buddy.

Post Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:27 pm

If we find we can't get the roof working, your option is to convert it to a manual set up. Pacerpete, Adit or B7 are good guys that may be able to supply all the necessary bits.

Post Sat Feb 22, 2014 1:36 pm

It's not quite fully electric like modern ones. You have undo the front clips by hand and push the front of the roof up before pressing the button.

Ben

Post Sat Feb 22, 2014 1:52 pm

If its got a broken pivot and / or dodgy control box you can still wire the horse shoe motor up to an old electric window switch. Much cheaper that converting the horseshoe to a manual one.

Post Sun Feb 23, 2014 11:31 am

Cheers for the info guys. I got to the motors and the elec roof motor had already been disconnected and fiddled with by previous owner at some point. I also found a rod in the boot about 12+ inches long with an eye end at each end one of which is adjustable its also got a bend in it, looks like its been in the wars the adj eye is bent on threaded portion does this sound like its off the roof? i got the horse shoe lid open and got the roof down stowed but couldnt obviously lock it down as the lid motor dosnt work, im assuming it can only lock electrically or is there a manual way? it does not latch the lid with the roof up either which isnt a massive prob coz the roof holds it shut but seems odd i cant latch it is this also normal?
Stew72 I was thinking about that yest, im guessing the lid motor isnt working as the roof is out of sync or because someones already messed about with it, im gonna get a sparky mate to have a look because as long as the lid latches ill be happy with leaving it like that.

Post Sun Feb 23, 2014 1:33 pm

Put some pictures up.

Also where about are you. If you're near surrey/London I could have a look. Have taken apart and repaired my roof after buying it mom functioning.

Post Sun Feb 23, 2014 2:53 pm

Laith - alright mate yeah I've taken pics but my lap top doesn't wanna play at the mo I'll try later my misses is move computer savvy than I am!! I'm in West Sussex so not far I might take that offer up if I get stuck. did you repair the elec hood or convert it to manual or switch set up?

Post Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:05 pm

Repaired the electric hood. Parts were missing and the whole good needed re calibrating then the horse shoe motor needed a refurb to get it working again. It's a fairly basic system when you figure it out so I could save you some time. I'm just a bit useless at explaining things via forums.

Post Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:06 pm

Ps I wouldn't convert to manual it's a waste of a good hood!

Post Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:15 pm

I'm aware of the problems you have stated. All typical stuff and resulting damage.

You need to firstly see if both motors actually work. If they do, then the bent rods will need replacing (straightening doesn't work, as they have been weakened). All items are available from your local dealer.

If the rods have bent, then I would certainly recommend looking at the pivot point on the main motor. Remove the two levers that cover this and inspect. If it slightly bent or damaged, you will need a repair plate (available off eBay.de)

Post Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:16 pm

One rod is meant to be bent though. Get a photo up!

Post Mon Feb 24, 2014 4:16 pm

This is an excellent thread, I too have a u/s electric roof but reading your responses is also helping me.
Ps my roof rod (one with the swivel) was bent at 90 degrees once I inspected it. Now replaced and waiting for warmer weather to operate it.

Flute.