Interior - Headliner Loose At Front Corners

SI B54 17 08
Special Roofs

January 2009
Technical Service

SUBJECT
Headliner is Loose at the Front Corners

MODEL
E88 (1 Series Convertible)

SITUATION
When the soft top is closed, the headliner may be loose at the front corners where the soft top meets either of the A-pillars.

CAUSE
The plastic fastening plate, which secures the front corners of the headliner to the soft top frame, has fractured.

CORRECTION
Do not replace the headliner.

Modify the fastening plate and resecure the headliner.

PROCEDURE

1. Open the soft top partially to the point where the rear bow is vertical (service position).

NOTE:
Use a prop rod to hold the soft top in this position, as the hydraulic system will depressurize in approximately 5 minutes.

2. Remove the cowl panel trim per Repair Instruction RA 54 34 127.





3. Remove the headliner fastening plate on the side that is loose by removing the T20 fastener behind the fabric (1), and pulling the plastic plate out of the retaining bracket in the frame (2).





4. At this point, you can see where the corner of the plate, which includes the brass bushing (1), has separated from the section that is stitched to the headliner (2).





5. Press a pick or reamer through the headliner fabric, using the brass bushing on the damaged fastening plate as a guide. This will locate a hole (1) about 2mm from the stitching on the headliner. Be sure not to damage this stitching on the headliner.

6. If the brass bushing is still partially attached to the fastening plate, it should be removed with the remaining plastic that fractured off of the fastening plate. When removing it, be sure not to damage the stitching on the fastening plate.

7. Insert the original screw (1) through a 6mm flat washer (2), and then through the hole created in the headliner.





A Wurth 6mm washer, article # 9650570, is recommended, but any washer with the following specifications will be effective:

^ Internal diameter: at least 6.0mm

^ External diameter: up to 13.0mm

^ Thickness: approximately 1.0mm

8. Fasten the screw to the soft top frame.

9. Seat the top of the fastening plate into the associated bracket in the frame.

10. Reinstall the cowl trim panel.





PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION





Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.





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