Convertible Top - Pulls Away From Rear Window Trim
Group: 54Special Tops
Bulletin Number
54 01 93 (3754)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 1995
Product Engineering
This Service Information supersedes S.I. number 54 01 93 (3754) dated July 1995, which should be removed from your S.I. binder and discarded. It clarifies shop materials used in the repair. Changes are indicated by asterisks.
SUBJECT:
Soft Top Material Pulls Away From Rear Window Trim
MODELS:
E30 and E36 Convertibles
Situation:
Convertible tops, both original equipment and replacement parts, with a zip in rear window may have the top material pull out of the plastic channel of the rear window trim, especially at the fold points. Once the material has pulled away, the adhesive strip around the rear window loses its stickiness, and the material will not stay in place.
Tops and replacement rear windows made after 7/94 have a wider plastic channel (Item number 2 in illustration) that covers more of the top material, which prevents this problem.
The material that the channel is made out of was also improved so that it is more flexible.
Correction:
In case of customer complaint, an attempt to repair the window currently in the top should be made.
^ Unlatch the top to release the tension on the top material.
^ Carefully clean the inside of the top material and the adhesive strip in the area where the material is loose with mineral spirits, and allow to dry.
^ *Brush an even coat of convertible top adhesive (BMW part number 81 22 9 407 524 until your stock is depleted or 3M number 1357 High Performance Contact Adhesive) inside the top material and on the adhesive strip. Allow the adhesive to dry for about ten minutes, and then press the top material back in place, inserting the edge of the material into the plastic channel. Put pressure on the inside of the soft top and rub vigorously on the outside to set the adhesive.
3M 1357 High Performance Contact Adhesive is now available in 1 pint containers through 3M Automotive Products distributors. Contact your local 3M representative to locate your closest source or call 800-521-8180, extension 6890 to be put in contact with your local 3M representative.*
If for some reason the above repair does not last, the rear window should be replaced. Carefully clean off all old adhesive inside the top material before installing the new window.
Warranty Status:
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car or Spare Parts Warranty as applicable.
Re-gluing rear window.
Defect Code: 54 31 03 48 00
Labor Operation: 00 51 503 3FRU
Replacing rear window.
Defect Code: 54 31 03 48 00
Labor Operation: 54 31 013 E30 - 10 FRU
E36-11 FRU