e30 convertible hood problems

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jazzleeds
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Post Fri May 12, 2006 11:18 am

hi

i have just bought a e30 325i convertible 1991. it has a semi electric hood. ie you pull back the hood manually and then press a botton to lift the flap on the boot. you then push in the hood and press the botton to close the flap. my problem is that once the hood is folded back the flap does not close fully leaving about 3 inch gap.

can anone tell me where the problem is.

thanks
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Nitramyelffo
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Post Fri May 12, 2006 5:47 pm

Hi

Never heard of a semi electric hood.

My cab has two motors one for rear canopy & one for the hood,someone correct me if I am wrong but it sounds like one of your motors is not working.

Cheers

Martin
DaveD
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Post Fri May 12, 2006 5:58 pm

it looks like you have an electric hood roof that has been converted to semi manual...ie the only bit that is now electric is the raising and lowering of the flap.

does the motor make a clicking sound when it tries to close the flap...if so it is f....ed ..if not check the cables that go to the hooks at either side and see if they are ok

maybe the hood needs pushing down a bit more before you try the switch


best of luck
robmpulse
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Post Sat May 13, 2006 1:03 pm

most likely it is out os sync.

and yes, I have never heard of a semi manual hood, unless it was made that way by an owner that did not want to shell out the money to fix the original motor.

in fact, I think I have the DIY on how to do this conversion.......

okay, I couldn't find it, but I did find this conversion which is similiar.......


http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e30/exteri ... rsion.html

only your conversion went a step further....instead of only using a switch to lock the babrio flap, it's mechanized......

the following is onfo on how to align your top.......

http://www.e30ic.com/powertop.htm#realignment
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jazzleeds
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Post Mon May 15, 2006 10:27 am

thank you for your help. i thought the hood is odd. there are two motors one in the centre for the flap and the other on the side. the one on the side has nothing connected to it so i suppose the roof has been converted to manual. the motor on the side is working.

does someone know where i can get hold of a e30 convertible diagram of how the hood operates.

thank again
DaveD
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Post Mon May 15, 2006 10:35 am

have a look on realoem..but have a look at this link

http://c-24-60-57-160.hsd1.ma.comcast.n ... /index.htm

as the odds are that the previous owner converted it cos the motor was broken

you can fix the motor casing for a reasonable ammount ...thats if you want to...........
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jazzleeds
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Post Mon May 15, 2006 3:44 pm

I HAVE CHECKED AND BOTH MOTORS ARE FULLY WORKING. THW MOTOR WHICH ON TOP OF THE WHEEL ARCH IS WORKING BUT HAS NO CABLE OR BRACKETS ATTACHED TO IT.

ANY IDEAS
DaveD
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Post Mon May 15, 2006 4:36 pm

if you look at this it shows the connecting rods from the motor to the hood assembly...but are the micro switchs still there...i would get it checked by an expert...i used a guy in sheffield

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=54&fg=10


you are certain the casing of the motor is still 100%
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jazzleeds
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Post Tue May 16, 2006 9:47 am

once i have sorted out this problem i then need to repalce the rear plastic window as it has a crack in it. can anyone tell me if this replacable or i have to get a new hood.
DaveD
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Post Tue May 16, 2006 10:49 am

£225 for new plastic...... £525 +vat new hood...at least it is in sheffield
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jazzleeds
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Post Tue May 16, 2006 12:17 pm

where is this place in sheffield, can you give me details please

thanks
DaveD
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Post Wed May 17, 2006 12:00 am

Sheffield Trimming Co Car Trimmers
Tel: 0114 2448033
19 Beverley St, Sheffield S9 3TR

not far from meadowhall so if you are in south leeds about 3/4hour
it takes a full day and ask for the BAS material