Campaign - Repair Of The Convertible Top
SI B54 01 09Special Roofs
February 2009
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B540109 dated January 2009.
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Service Action: Repair of the Convertible Top
MODEL
E88 (1 Series Convertible)
SITUATION
The plastic insert at the rear of the convertible top cover, where it is secured to the rear bow of the soft top frame, may break due to excessive tension being applied to it. This situation typically occurs when the soft top is stowed after being exposed to the heat of the sun for extended periods of time.
When the plastic insert breaks, it causes the rear edge of the soft top cover to bow upward, directly below the rear window.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves 1 Series Convertibles which were produced up to 5/14/08.
In order to determine whether a specific vehicle is affected by this Service Action, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
The chassis number ranges listed are only for informational purposes, and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.
CAUSE
Excessive tension on the plastic insert in the convertible top cover
CORRECTION
Perform the following modification to the convertible top.
This modification will prevent the convertible top cover from becoming damaged.
Note that the convertible top cover does not need to be replaced provided that it's not already damaged.
If the rear edge of the convertible top is already bowing upward, then it is damaged and must be
replaced and claimed separately from this Service Action. If the cover needs to be replaced, please refer
to SI B54 07 08.
PROCEDURE
NOTE:
When performing work such as this, where the convertible top is in an interim position, a suitable prop rod must be used to hold it partially open. If not supported, the top will move as the hydraulic pressure slowly bleeds down. In addition, the ignition must be switched off during the repair, or hydraulic system damage could result.
1. Open the convertible top until the rear bow is in the vertical position as shown.
2. Use a wedge and/or pry tool to lever out the plastic support spacers located on the soft top frame, directly under the rear window. Each spacer is held in place by 2 force fit clips and is easily removed.
3. Obtain the 2 felt pads and cut each of them down to 60mm in length.
4. Install one self-adhesive felt piece to each of the locations where the support spacers were previously removed (1). When these are installed, the window must be separated slightly from the steel frame in order to slide the felt pieces into place, in the direction of the arrow. If the felt pieces are not positioned properly, the glass may contact the rear bow of the convertible top, creating a rattling noise.
PARTS INFORMATION
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Service Action has been assigned code number 533. After the vehicle has been checked and/or corrected, obtain a label (SD 92-352), and:
A. Emboss your BMW center warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
B. Punch out code number 533 (2), printed on the label; and
C. Affix the label to the B-pillar as shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one, because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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