97' e36 328i cabriolet roof won't go down. HELP!!!!!

[sheriffjonny]

The roof on the e36 will not go down, it is the one button operation model, i don't have to undo any clips, it does it all itself from the roof button.
The problem is that it starts to go down, but the folding cover near the boot will not lift up to let the roof fold into it. I'm sure that because this won't happen that is why the roof won't go down.
Can anyone help, please don't tell me its motors as i know how expensive they are
i look forward to hearing your advice.
regards j

[bmwdrivernigel]

I presume you have checked in the boot to see if anything is fouling the mechanism?

[sheriffjonny]

yeah no fouling at all in the boot

[john_p]

Just guessing from how the E46 works, I assume E36 is similar;

Could the cover release mechanism cable be broken?
There should be a mechanical release in the middle of the rear seats somewhere, check in the manual. If that doesn't work then maybe the cable has bust.. if it works then maybe the release mechanism has broken?

[sheriffjonny]

i'll check that tomorrow thanks alot

[john_p]

www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BK82&mospid=47421&btnr=41_0016&hg=41&fg=55

www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BK82&mospid=47421&btnr=41_0849&hg=41&fg=55

[poshgit]

read the link on resetting the convertible top

www.bmwpages.co.uk/

then go and join www.e36coupe.com tons of help there