54 37 625 Replacing the left or right control rod

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

Check the control rod

Move the rear roof shell (1) into the position shown.

Fig 1: Moving Rear Roof Shell

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Secure rear roof shell against sinking. Insert auxiliary tool on left and right in gap (2) below soft top linkage (1). Roof shell is blocked when hydraulic system is depressurized.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to remove auxiliary tool again before moving roof. Risk of damage! Cover roof outer skin and rollover protection.

Fig 2: Identifying Frame On Openings

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Slacken nut (1). Remove washer.

Tightening torque 54 37 16AZ.

Release screw (2). Remove spring (3).

Tightening torque 54 37 17AZ.

Important! Left-hand thread!

Slacken lock nut (4). Do not change position of lock nut. Dimension is used for pre-adjustment of the new control rod.

Tightening torque 54 37 18AZ.

Unscrew clamping nut (5) together with control rod.

Fig 3: Removing Control Rod

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Pull off connector (1) for heated rear window and unclip cable from clamp (2).

Fig 4: Unclipping/Clipping Cable At Clamp

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Installation of control rod

New control rod is pre-adjusted.

IMPORTANT: Left-hand thread!

Remove front section (1) of control rod. Screw control rod to soft top linkage.

Fig 5: Removing Front Section Of Control Rod

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Position spring (1) on retaining hook of control rod (2). Check that spring is correctly positioned (arrow) in bore hole.

Fig 6: Positioning Spring On Retaining Hook Of Control Rod

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Attach special tool 2 294 573 (3) to soft top frame. Centre retaining hook (1) with bore hole (2) and screw in screw.

Fig 7: Centering Retaining Hook With Bore Hole

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Tighten screw (2). See Fig 8.

Tightening torque 54 37 17AZ .

Tighten nut (1) with washer. See Fig 8.

Tightening torque 54 37 16AZ .

Tighten the lock nut (4). See Fig 8.

Tightening torque 54 37 18AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Specific Nuts And Bolts Locations

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Connect connector (1) for heated rear window and clip cable into clamp (2).

Fig 9: Unclipping/Clipping Cable At Clamp

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Carefully close soft top.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Fin must slip into the provided recess when the roof shell is lowered.

Fig 10: Ensure Fin Fits Into Provided Recess When Roof Shell Is Lowered

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Check the control rod: Close the roof. Roofliner has been removed.

Measure the gap between the rear retaining hook (1) and roller (2) using a drill (3). Nominal dimension 3±0.5 mm. Visually check the gap between the front retaining hook (4) and the roller (5) (difficult to see). Nominal dimension approx. 0.5 mm.

Fig 11: Identifying Gap Measurement Locations

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If the dimensions differ, the control rod needs to be adjusted. First, loosen the rear clamping nut and adjust it until nominal dimension 3 mm is reached. Then check the front gap for nominal dimension 0.5 mm and adjust using the front clamping nut if necessary. Tighten all nuts with the specified torque. Carry out procedure on both vehicle sides.