How to raise and lower the 328ci convertible top manually
I just bought a 1996 328iC (the "C" is for convertible). I bought the car with the knowledge that the roof needed a motor replacement (~$300 for the part alone + ~1-2 hours labor) and that I would need to open and close the roof manually if I wanted to take advantage of the convertible part of the car.
After some trial and error, I figured it out and now it takes me <30 seconds to open or close the top (manually). Note: my top is a semi-electric roof, which I think is what came on the 328iC, you have to lock into place after you close it.
Here's what you do:
1- open all of the windows
2- unlock the roof by turning the latch between the sun visors.
3- push the front of the roof towards the rear of the car - be sure to push in the middle of the roof, where the latch is.
4- lift the back of the roof up off of the roof storage compartment
5- while holding the back of the of the roof up, lift up the roof storage compartment door
6- let go of the back of the roof so that it drops right into the storage compartment
7- push the rest of the roof into the storage compartment
8- close the storage compartment door.
To close the roof, follow the steps above in reverse order. Remember: this is a German car, so you use a little bit (or a lot) of force and you won't hurt it (I think it actually likes it ;-D ).
Good Luck!!!
Roman
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