is my power hood fcuked

[jamesroools]

after putting my hood down today i found out that the whole power hood mechanism was broken
here are some pics:










is it fcuked or can it be fixed, and if it can be fixed how and how much could it cost
any help would be much appreciated

[briansoton]

I had a similar problem, you will need a new drive unit which the roof motor joins to. I have seen some on E-Bay, but from BMW they are expensive. I decided to convert to a manual roof which cost approx Ԛ£120 including cables / latches / flap gas shockers / rear flap release handle / etc. If your flap motor / drive is ok, and the motor on your roof unit, these will sell for approx Ԛ£75 & Ԛ£50 respectively, which is what I did and this paid to convert to manual. You can also sell you elctric roof main ECU unit for approx Ԛ£50 too. It looks like your rod connecting the roof is bent? I have a nearly new one if you need a replacement / decide to repair yours. let me know, if you decide to convert, I can give you a list of items needed from BMW, or ask someone on E30Zone who are breaking a car for the bits.

Cheers
Brian

[orangecurry]

hi - I bought a project E30 conv with the mech in exactly the same condition, and unfortunately the man Brian is spot on. All the 'motors' I have seen on ebay have been broken in the same way; motor fine, mech broken. Sorry no help, but at least you know you are not alone.

I also have a plush E30 conv with a manual hood, so I know they are definately the way to go. I DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD CONVERT THAT EASILY!!!!

Obviously the 'slot' for the manual rear flap release handle is part of the bodywork, but I can really just add-in the latches ?

Brian - can you post the list of bits I need to convert to manual please, or email orangecurry@hotmail.com - thanks

ps the rear flap release handle is just a drivers door inside handle turned upside down, so a breakers would be a cheap way of getting that part!

[briansoton]

yes you can buy the latches from BMW along with the cables / special connector that fits to the handle and to the cables. You have to remove the old motors / mechanisms totally, and just leave the flap operated by hand. The latches replace the existing "claw" devices that normally close the flap. I will send you a list of the parts, including the 2x shock absorbers that keep the flap open when putting the roof away / taking it out. I went to my loval BMW delaer and they looked at their ETK parts system and told me all I needed. Basically you need the handle (as you say it is a normal door handle) + special connector / clips; 2x cables to each of the new latches to be fitted each inside the roof compartment. The only thing I had to farbicate was a bracket for the bottom of the shock absorbers for the flap as these are not fitted on the electric model. There are also some miscellaneous cable clips / etc that you will need, I will post a list next time I am on. Most of the parts had to come from Germany but it only took a few days.

Anyway manual roofs are much quicker to put up and down!

[Gromit]

Hiya James!

Don't throw all hope away and convert to manual just yet! Your pictures could have been taken from my car a couple of months ago and I am still a happy owner of a convertible with a FUNCTIONING power hood.

IF the motors are still working, a reasonably priced fix is the following, this is what I did:

From your local dealer, pull rod P/N 54348112787, roughly 30Ԛ£ to replace the bent one. Perhaps also the joint link and inexpensive bolts ans screws needed. Check this link for part numbers if broken:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=54&fg=10

Then to the main cure! I was lucky to find a fix from the German Ebay. Obviously we are not alone with the mechanics breaking off from the motor, our German friends are offering third-party solutions. This is the exact fix I bought:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... eName=WDVW

It replaces the sore spot with a metal plate, ingenious! A great guy and ships to Europe.

In total, you are looking at very little Ԛ£ and getting a durable solution. If any further questions, I have just done this so ask away!

[GuyM]

jamesrools..
i was left with the same broken bit on my convertible mechanism. have removed the motor casting and taken it to a local welder who thinks he can weld it together for about Ԛ£40. due to pick it up in the next couple of days so will try and refit it and will post if it has been sucessful/strong enough...or not!

[gazza]

if you check the thread about a week ago i put the e-mail address of this man who makes these plates on he will supply to uk and stated that if a few of us get together (bulk buy) he would supply them at a discounted rate ........but only a couple of people wrote on the thread and it didnt seem to generate much interest ....i am the same as you, same part broke but i am thinking of buying one of these plates .....maybe we should post another thread and see if we can generate some interest

[christo]

Sorry to hijack your post but am looking for motor for my hood any idea where I might buy one? thanks in advance.

[HartgeH27]

Cotswold BMW but prepare for the price !!

[Gert_8]

Unfortunately, I can't see the images you have posted, but I might be able to help being an owner of a convertible with an electric hood that I managed to get operational when the rods and link arms have broken.

There is a repair plate that can be bought on ebay, of the hood motor has broken off.