Removal & Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW Z8, 2002 BMW Z8, 2001 BMW Z8, and 2000 BMW Z8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Close convertible top. Remove auxiliary brake light. Remove ventilation louver on left and right in convertible top compartment. See Fig 1 . Pull convertible top compartment interior panel out of tensioning frame. See Fig 2 . Detach locking pin from center convertible top brace. Unlock convertible top brace and force off completely from base plate. See Fig 3 . To avoid problems when lifting out convertible top, make sure the convertible top brace remains unlocked. Detach locking pin on left and right from convertible top brace. Unlock convertible top brace and force off completely from base plate. See Fig 4 . To avoid problems when lifting out the convertible top, make sure the convertible top braces remain unlocked.

Fig 1: Removing Ventilation Louver
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Fig 2: Pulling Convertible Top Compartment Panel Out Of Tensioning Frame
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Fig 3: Detaching Locking Pin & Unlocking Convertible Top Brace
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Fig 4: Unlocking Convertible Top Brace & Forcing Off From Base Plate
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With convertible top open, lift left and right rubber covering on "B" pillar. See Fig 5 . Unscrew bolt and pull rubber covering on left and right upward and expand retainer. See Fig 6 . To prevent damage, on left and right tape off top edge of side panel with fabric adhesive tape. See Fig 7 . If necessary, cover side panels and rear lid. Press off panel on left side on inside of "B" pillar. Disconnect plug connections. See Fig 8 . Press off panel on right side on inside of "B" pillar. Disconnect plug connection. See Fig 9 . Slide locking clip on left and right upward. See Fig 10 . Unclip hydraulic stamp toward inside. Remove screw and nut on left and right. See Fig 11 . Remove nut on left and right. Pull off convertible top compartment seal. See Fig 12 .

Fig 5: Lifting Left & Right Rubber Covering On "B" Pillar
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Fig 6: Expanding Retainer
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Fig 7: Taping Off Top Edge Of Side Panel
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Fig 8: Disconnecting Plug Connections
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Fig 9: Disconnecting Plug Connection At Inside Of "B" Pillar
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Fig 10: Sliding Locking Clip Upward
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Fig 11: Removing Screw & Nut On Left & Right
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Fig 12: Pulling Off Convertible Top Compartment Seal
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Detach convertible top compartment seal from outer skin all around. See Fig 13 . Separate tensioning frame on left and right from convertible top frame with a screwdriver. See Fig 14 . Remove sill cover. Remove rubber grommet from sill. See Fig 15 .

Fig 13: Detaching Convertible Top Compartment Seal From Outer Skin
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Fig 14: Separating Tensioning Frame From Convertible Top Frame
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Fig 15: Removing Sill Cover & Rubber Grommet From Sill
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Another person is needed to help carry out the following tasks. Raise convertible top in following sequence over outer skin:
- Left convertible top frame.
- Left tensioning frame.
- Right convertible top frame.
- Right tensioning frame.
Feed out water drain on left and right toward top. See Fig 16 . Lift out convertible top at rear and set it down outside vehicle. Note number of shims on left and right. See Fig 17 . Detach convertible top compartment seal from tensioning frame. See Fig 18 .

Fig 16: Feeding Out Water Drain Toward Top
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Fig 17: Identifying Location Of Shims
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Fig 18: Detaching Convertible Top Compartment Seal From Tensioning Frame
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To install, reverse removal procedure. Feed hose through rubber grommet. Insert rubber grommet in sill. Coat rubber lip with anti seize agent or tire mounting paste.