54 37 290 Hardtop emergency opening

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW Z4, 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW Z4, and 2009 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove ROOFLINER FOR ROOF SHELL AT FRONT
Remove ROOFLINER FOR ROOF SHELL AT REAR
Remove LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR TRIM

NOTE: Roofliner for roof shell at rear can not be removed without sustaining damage.

IMPORTANT: Always perform the emergency opening procedure with the aid of an assistant.
The applied force must always be even on the left and right otherwise the linkage will bend.
Always execute all movements of the roof module with the assistance of a second person.
Risk of injury by trapping!

Step 1: Open rear roof shell

Open rear lid.

Remove foam cover.

Open screws on hydraulic unit 1.5 turns.

NOTE: System is now depressurized and can be moved manually.

Fig 1: Opening Screws On Hydraulic Unit

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Insert special tool 54 0 320 in convertible top linkage and unlock rear roof shell on left and right.

Fig 2: Inserting Special Tool 54 0 320

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Evenly lift up rear roof shell with an assistant and set down on front roof shell.

Fig 3: Lifting Rear Roof Shell With Assistant On Front Roof Shell

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Step 2: Open cowl panel lock

Slide open retaining clip (1) and unclip ball head.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Secure control rod on left and right with cable tie to prevent them hanging down and rattling.

Fig 4: Sliding Open Retaining Clip

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Unlock retaining hook (1) on left and right.

Fig 5: Removing Retaining Hook

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Fig 6: Inserting Special Tool 54 0 330 Between Convertible Top Compartment Lid Frame And Side Panel

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Step 3: Open rear module lock

Open rear lid.

Insert special tool 54 0 330 at rear left and right between convertible top compartment lid frame and side panel.

Feed in tip of special tool through bore hole.

NOTE: Bore hole is visible from direction of special tool with a torch.

Fig 7: Installing Tip Of Special Tool Through Bore Hole

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Tip of special tool 54 0 330 must butt against joint for hydraulic cylinder (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Hydraulic Cylinder

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For the ideal pressure point of special tool on joint, proceed as follows:

Press outwards
Pull tool upwards
Press tool to unlock convertible top compartment lid latch

Fig 9: Pressing Tool To Unlock Convertible Top Compartment Lid Latch

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Open rear module.

IMPORTANT: Rear module can tip.
Have an assistant support the rear module.

Fig 10: Opening Rear Module

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Evenly lift up roof module (2) with an assistant and set down in vehicle.

NOTE: Only grasp the front roof shell when raising the roof shells.

Close rear module.

Fig 11: Lifting Roof Module With Assistant On Vehicle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: The convertible top must not be moved any further after emergency opening.
Move the vehicle as little as possible to prevent vibrations.
Roof shells which are not locked may cause irreparable damage.