BMW e46 convertible hydraulic fluid top up for roof

To check and top up the fluid level you need to stow the hood away (your handbook will give you the emergency hood folding proceedure if it is stuck).

1.Remove the N/S boot side carpet trim.

2.Behind it you'll find the hydraulic unit with it's integrated fluid reservoir - it will be encased in a foam jacket and fixed to the body by a 13mm nut - reove the nut.

3.With the unit upright the fluid level should be within the little circle that is moulded into the plastic of the reservoir (bullseye)

4.If it's not at the required level you'll need to top it up as follows; At the top of the unit on the side of the metal part you'll see two 4mm allen key headed plugs. Remove the lower one - taking care not to drop it's small copper washer.

5.Lay the unit on it's side and pour a little hydraulic fluid in to the hole left by the allen screw (have plenty of rag and atray available as it can be messy). NOTE, you should be able to get this hydraulic fluid from your local BMW dealer - it MUST be the correct type (yellowish brown coloured not pink steering fluid).

6. Keep ading fluid little by little, holding the unit upright each time to check the level again. You'll be surprised how little fluid will be required to get it working again.

7.Once the level is correct, refit everything and operate the hood a couple of times to bleed any air out. Don't forget to refit the little copper washer to the allen headed plug!