Convertible top repair in Portland (Sandy: buying, closing, price)

[Stepney]

Does anybody have a suggestion on where to take a BMW to fix the convertible top?

Thanks

[AndyAMG]

What model/yr is it and what is actually wrong with it? I had a 94 325iac I installed myself after buying it online after a bmw mechanic wanted $1500 to replace it. On an older 88 e30 325iac i actually did it myself by over laying canvas and using a giant needle, painstaking difficult work but no one had any clue it wasn't a new top. Any BMW mechanic can do this operation expect 1000 minimum. If its jsut the back window that's another story. An upholstery shop can usually do it cheap and fast. There are tons of bmw mechanics here all are good. They have a premium customer base and a reputation to uphold.

My Buddy uses Boyd Motor Werks. boydmotorwerks.com they are on NE 18th and Sandy.

[Nell Plotts]

Waagmeester Canvas Products has been to go-to provider for many years.

[Stepney]

Thanks for the info. The canvas is actually in good shape. The back plastic window will need replacing soon but the main problem is the mechanical/electrical aspects of it. The thing hung up half way closed. Had to disengage the motor and ended up closing it manually with the little allenwrench. It is a 99 323i. Got it closed up now but could use some advice about how to get it functioning properly. I understand there are a number of switches and sensors and two tension straps and the linkage to the motor, and they all need to co-ordinate to make it work right. Does that kind of sound halfway close?

[karlsch]

BMW Top Repair (E36) MillerTimeBMW - DIY 3 - YouTube

[AndyAMG]

oh 99 is an E36 which was the same as my 94. I would check up on bimmerforums. I just happen to be a German car fanatic. Would it close again or did it hang up and not go anywhere or would it go open but not closed. If the motor is working then that is good that will save you money. Does it grind or make noise? or does it just stop?

It sounds like you are saying the back deck opens, then the top comes out but it never gets to the point where the rear deck closes? I know there is a position sensor that tells the top that the back of the top is clear of the rear deck and says okay you can close the back deck so i can put the back of the top down.

Or is it just getting stuck at the last part where the deck is closed the back of the top is down and locked then your left with the front hanging out at a 10* angle?

Either way take it to a BMW specialist, it will be pricey but they will do it right and make sure it works for some time to come.

If i remember that part is still pricey. Mine got to the end then I would have to grab it and slam it down into the top frame to get it to close properly. Convertible tops suck.

nice video Karlsch. I love youtube.

[Stepney]

Thanks Karl and Andy. That was a good video. Just bought this car. Before the power just seemed to stop working with the top halfway open/closed we opened it up under power but the back rib of the ragtop frame would bang into the plastic cover that covers the top when in the open position. Then when we went to close the top, under power, the cover would lift up but not quite high enough, and then the back rib of the cover would hang up on that cover again. Then when we tried to manually clear the back rib from the plastic cover, with the top halfway closed the power just stopped. I suspect that while trying to manipulate the top manually we may have tripped one of the sensors or switches.

I guess I'll do some checking around take it in to get it fixed right even though it will be costly. Thanks again guys.