Convertible top motor does not run - 1999 BMW 323 Series

There are only Two things in the right rear the pump motor and the top ajar switch. This sounds like the motor is locked up or the top is jammed or going the wrong way. First disconnect the motor and if the noise stops it's the hydraulic unit trying to move the top watch the top to make sure it's going the right way, the top ajar switch could be bad. If you're confident in the hydraulic unit and motor the only thing left is a jammed top, a bad connection at the hydraulic unit, or the top ajar switch. I hope this helps. Take care.

try a spray lubricant into the motor mechanism and grease any visable wire cables that run from/to motor ,not the electrical cables the bare wire winder cables,also grease/ lubricate any accessable pivot/hinge points , gently pull the cord and gently push the roof back and forth occasionally trying motor with a bit of patience this should get the roof moving , also look for anything that may be snagging the roof/mechanism as there is a pressure protection system to stop the roof being fully closed on say someones hand so preventing injury

Check to see if the top motor is running when you press the top up switch. Car has to be in park with emergency brake engaged. If motor runs but top will not move or binds then one or both of the lift cylinders are bad. Usually there will be hydraulic fluid leaking from the cylinders if one or both will not hold pressure. Replace cylinders if bad. The top could probably be manually closed if the lift cylinder arms are detached from the top frame.
If motor does not run when the switch is pressed then check your fuses, the switch and the connector at the top motor to see if it is getting power.

i AM SURE THERE IS A WAY TO DO THAT TAKE THE OVERHEAD COVER THERE IS A SMALL BOX YOU HAVE TO TRY TO OPEN IT WITH A SMALL SCREW DRIVE AND UNSCREW ITAND PULL THE COVER CAREFULY AND YOU WILL SEE THE TOP CONVERTIBLE MOTORE AND DESCONNECT THE WIRE AND RUN A WIRE FROM THE BUTTERY AND CONNECTE IT WITH THE END OF THE MOTORE IF IT DOESN'T MOVE TRY TO SWITCH THE WIRE OK i HOPE THIS WILL HELP YOU ME TOO I HAVE A PROBLEME WITHE MY BMW 323I 1998 THE TOP DOESN'T GO DOWN THE CONVERTIBLE SWUITCH DOESN'T HVE A POWER A REACHING IT IF SOMEONE HAS UNSWER PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL [email protected] THANK GOOD LUCK.

Almost all power convertible tops are electric over hydraulic. The ecectric motor runs a hydraulic pump. The pump pushes fluid to the cylinders that work the top. Most are located behind the rear seat backrest. Either remove the rear backrest or access the motor/pump from the trunl. It will be shaped like a cylinder. At one is the electric motor, at the other end is the hydraulic reservoir. At the end of the reservoir is a rubber plug. With the top down, remove the plug and fill it with tran fluid till it over flows. replace the plug and cycle the top up and down as far as it will go. Repeat the process till it will take no more fluid. A turkey baster with a piece of vacuum line makes a good filler tool. With that said, you must find the leak. You may have a leaking pump, hydraulic line or cylinder. RNever replace one line. Do them all. Always replace cylinders in pairs.

Good luck, Karl at aoksales.com

The motor/tank is usually in the boot/trunk, either under the spare wheel or behind a side panel.

Sounds like there is either air in the system, or most likely a bad pump...either way will require service.

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1997 BMW 318is 328i Electrical Troubleshooting Manual ETM

If what you are trying does not fix your problem and the motor runs, then crack the line loose at each top cylinder, the cylinder is equipped with a check valve inside it that may be stuck, releive pressure and try again to operate, if possible check pressure at the pump.

the convertible top motor is underneath the upholstery in the rear trunk compartment underneath the package shelf.undo the upolstery clips and lower the cloth in the trunk exposing the motor and reservoir. make shure after motor replacement you refill the reservoir completely and cycle the top up and down a few times to purge the lines of air. otherwise you will have erratic top operation.