Converting an electric E30 roof to Manual... Please help...

Post Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:51 pm

Hiya,

A lovely person has just informed me that it is possible to convert my 1993 318i E30 convertible's roof from an electric (which has stopped working) to a permanent manual way of using it and gosh, I didn't know that was a possibility and is definitely worth considering.

Please can you tell me many things?

How this can be done? Do I need to buy a kit and if so, where do I get one from?.... and does anyone know someone experienced who could change it for me in north London please?

Also, does a person need to be strong to raise and lower the roof if it is converted to manual? I'm a 5.3" girlie wimp!

Many thanks,

Truffle x

Post Wed Mar 16, 2011 8:38 pm

Truffle,my wife can manage the manual hood on our cabbie....

So no need to be strong...

Certain that no kit is needed,just need to dis-connect the drive gear,but it's not something that I have done myself,so hang about until you get better help.

Post Thu Mar 17, 2011 5:30 pm

Hiya Willnz.

Thank you for your reply. I don't know is the answer. Nothing happens anymore when I press the open/close button on the dashboard (for it to work electrically) and I don't know how to do anything other than that myself. I am looking for someone who knows how to convert the operating system over to manual and that can do it for me, if I pay them. T x

Post Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:02 pm

Truffle

Have you checked that the relevant fuses for electrical operation are good? If you open your bonnet and look into your fuse box, all of the fuses should have complete wires linking from one end to the other.

Post Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:45 pm

Hi Beemerbird. Thank you for trying to help. The Mechanic said the fuses were fine. It just suddenly stopped working after he replaced one of the control arms (he doesn't know E30's and isn't interested in fixing it - I suspect he may have broken the motor). I am so glad that I've got lots of hair.... to pull out! So frustrating!

Post Thu Mar 17, 2011 7:42 pm

It sounds to me like you should either take it back to the mechanic who bodged it, or get it fixed elsewhere and get him to cover the cost. That's very shoddy treatment.

Post Thu Mar 17, 2011 7:50 pm

I know Beemerbird... but he is a nice guy and obviously out of his depth... So I am moving on and holding out for someone who knows these gorgeous cars who can help me. ...

Post Thu Mar 17, 2011 8:33 pm

Thank you Willnz. I am in north London. I know it sounds pathetic and thank you for the information but I can't do things like that. I don't understand cars. I need to find someone who can help me practically.

Post Thu Mar 17, 2011 8:54 pm

Ahhh, you are sweet. Thank you... And you are right, both motors can't have failed! ...

Post Fri Mar 18, 2011 12:57 am

Very best guy that I can suggest is Ant at A Tech,Bromley.

www.fastbimmer.co.uk

Post Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:50 am

Thanks guys. Bromley is far away, but I will call and ask him. Does anyone have his number please? I have tried googling for it to no avail..

Post Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:57 am

Oooh, just realised you sent it in that link Daimlerman. Thank you.