54 34... Notes on EH convertible top (Z3 Roadster, M Roadster)

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NOTE: All door windows must be lowered slightly.

Important!

Ensure absolute cleanliness when working on the hydraulic system while opened as even the smallest dirt particles can cause malfunctions in the hydraulic system.

Function Description (Open/Close):

Actuation of convertible top is only possible:

With vehicle stopped.
From ignition lock position "R" (radio setting).
With brake pedal depressed.
With convertible top unlocked (by hand) and raised over dead center (open).
With tonneau cover removed (close).
While control switch in instrument panel is pressed.

Fig 1: Locating Actuation Of Convertible Top

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Emergency Actuation Of Convertible Top:

Remove luggage compartment trim on left. Refer to 51 47 151 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT TRUNK WHEEL HOUSING TRIM (Z3 ROADSTER, M ROADSTER) .

Older Hydraulic Unit:

Open emergency valve (1) counterclockwise by a half turn (system is depressurized).

Convertible top can now be closed and opened by hand.

Fig 2: Locating Emergency Valve

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Newer Hydraulic Unit:

Open emergency valve (1) counterclockwise by a half turn (system is depressurized).

Convertible top can now be closed and opened by hand.

Fig 3: Locating Emergency Valve

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Checking Fluid Level In Hydraulic Unit:

Remove luggage compartment trim on left. Refer to 51 47 151 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT TRUNK WHEEL HOUSING TRIM (Z3 ROADSTER, M ROADSTER) .
Open convertible top (motor-driven) once and close again to bleed the system.
Convertible top must be closed.

Older hydraulic unit:

Fluid level must be in range of marking (1) on hydraulic unit (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Fluid Level

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Newer Hydraulic Unit:

Fluid level must be in range of marking (1) on hydraulic unit (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Fluid Level

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Topping Up Fluid In Hydraulic Unit:

Remove luggage compartment trim on left. Refer to 51 47 151 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT TRUNK WHEEL HOUSING TRIM (Z3 ROADSTER, M ROADSTER) .
Open convertible top (motor-driven) once and close again to bleed the system.
Convertible top must be closed.
Open emergency valve counterclockwise by a half turn (system is depressurized).

Installation:

Replace oil filler plug and seal.
Tightening torque: 11 Nm.
Check fluid level after filling (see work step further above).

Older Hydraulic Unit:

Undo oil filler plug (2). Replenish as much hydraulic fluid until it lies in area of marking (3)
Close emergency valve (1).

Fig 6: Removing Oil Filler Plug

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New Hydraulic Unit:

Partially remove hydraulic unit. Refer to 54 34 005 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HYDRAULIC UNIT FOR CONVERTIBLE TOP DRIVE UNIT (Z3 ROADSTER, M ROADSTER) .
Turn hydraulic unit so that oil filler plug (1) points upwards.
Undo oil filler plug (1).

Fig 7: Locating Oil Filler Plug
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque: 11 Nm.

Replenish hydraulic fluid until it lies in area of marking (2).
Position hydraulic unit in mounting and check fluid level, install if necessary.
Close emergency valve (3).

Extended Storage Of Hydraulic Components:

If the hydraulic unit is replaced or remains removed for an extended period, the bores on the hydraulic unit and the hose connections for hydraulic cylinder must be sealed off.