Hard Top - Roof Shell Slams Down on Cowl when Closing
SI B 54 06 07Special Roofs
July 2007
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B54 06 07 dated May 2007.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Roof Shell 1 Slams Down on the Cowl when Closing the RHT
MODEL
E93 (3 Series Convertible)
SITUATION
When the retractable hardtop (RHT) is closing from the open position, the front roof shell should slow down as it approaches the cowl. Intermittently, roof shell 1 may not slow down and will slam down on the cowl. When this occurs, the RHT will not latch closed. The convertible top switch must then be released and pressed again in order for roof shell 1 to latch closed.
CAUSE
The contact point for the "cowl panel reached" microswitch, located under the left side cowl plate, is not centered in the centering pin receiver. This causes the contact point to be trapped under the striker when it's pressed down. The microswitch is now stuck in the open position.
CORRECTION
The position of the contact for the microswitch can be optimized.
In addition, a guide has been developed to lead the contact back up through the centering pin receiver, preventing it from becoming stuck.
PROCEDURE
1. Verify that the contact point (1) for the "cowl panel reached" microswitch is not centered in the centering pin receiver.
This contact point (1) is located in the left side cowl plate.
2. Remove the cowl panel trim cover per repair instruction RA 51 44 150.
3. Inspect the plastic contact lever portion of the microswitch.
If the contact point is heavily damaged or deformed, the microswitch should be replaced. In most cases this is not necessary as modifying the microswitch bracket and installing a guide will restore function.
If the contact point is off center in the hole of the microswitch bracket, but is not heavily damaged, proceed with the following modification procedure.
If the contact is not off center, proceed to step 7.
4. Clamp the microswitch bracket at point 1 in a vice or similar holding fixture.
5. Bend the bracket slightly about line 2 until the plastic contact point (3) is perfectly centered in the hole of the bracket.
6. Reinstall the microswitch in preparation to install a new guide part.
7. To install the guide, remove the right side bolt securing the "cowl panel reached" microswitch to the striker plate.
8. Position the guide (1) over the contact for the microswitch.
9. Hand tighten the bolt previously removed while holding the guide in position.
10. Insert a 6 mm drill bit or similar through the hole in the top of the striker plate. This will center the guide so it can be fully secured.
11. Secure the right side bolt for the microswitch.
12. Remove the drill bit from the striker plate.
13. Visually inspect from above the striker to ensure that the guide is centered.
14. Reinstall the cowl cover and verify proper operation.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Please refer to the latest KSD for all applicable labor operations and allowances.
If the appropriate labor operation is not contained in KSD, then a work time labor operation should be used.
Defect Code 54 37 24 15 00
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