E36 Electric Roof Problems - help!

[NIKI1966]

Just bought a 1997 E36 328i convertible, all it's history, one owner, low mileage, etc, etc. It took bloomin ages to find a good one! The first time I put the hood down, no problems and now it works perfectly about once in every four attempts! It all starts off OK but then the roof doesn't actually move far enough out of the way to allow the metal flap from the car to spring right up, the two things get stuck together and the whole process has to start again. I have a technical manual for the car but this doesn't help, the motors seem to be working perfectly but could it be a micro switch? Can these be purchased separately from the whole motor? I'm running out of ideas... really grateful for any help.

[spants]

had this problem with an e36 m3..... dealer was useless trying to fix it. You will find that if you grab the roof on about the second bar and easy back whilst the roof is moving then it will work every time..

[NIKI1966]

Thanks.. It does work with some manual help but I really want it to work automatically as it should - any advice on a specialist who may be able to help - the local BMW dealership didn't give me much confidence!?
Cheers. Niki

[spants]

sorry Niki - after 5 goes with the garage (under warranty) I gave up. They wanted to replace motors and stuff as wear/tear and as I had no faith in them I gave up.

[wattsm666]

I have the same problem with my car. I think you will find that the elastic straps in the roof have stretched and need replacement. I believe it is also possible to get them shortned to make them work properly again. I did find some stuff on a forum about this once, but have never fixed it.

[fixedwheelnut]

Wattsm66 hit the nail on the head the elasticated fabric straps weaken and the roof bar baulks the rear one stopping it moving out of the way.
They are available as a pair to be repaired, I have also seen some come in bodged with bits of elastic that seem to work.

[NIKI1966]

Thanks so much - I wondered if it was the elastic straps, although my husband claims it could not possibly be the case - I reckon he doesn't fancy replacing them!
I'm currently grabbing the roof from the inside to help it back, which seems to work but it lacks street cred!

[p_nea001]

Hi Nikki, I have recently sent you an e-mail explaining how to cure the problem with your roof. If you have got that then great, if not and for the benefit of others I can offer a way of fixing the cause of the problem. This includes how to shorten the two straps, how to shorten the ajustable rod in the stowage compartment and lubrication of the hindge at the base of the second bar in ( that forms the top of the back window) All of the above helps this to rock forwards and lean towards the front of the car allowing the last bar (the one that forms the bottom of the window) to go further up and out of the way so that when the stowage lid opens it doesn't collide with the bar at the base of the window causing them to lock together. I have the same car, same year, same problems. Anything else you want to know?