54 34 120 Replacing convertible top fabric

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 12 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW Z4, 2008 BMW M Roadster, 2008 BMW M Coupe, 2007 BMW Z4, and 2007 BMW M Roadster. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 9 321

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove convertible top . See 54 34 101 Removing And Installing Complete Convertible Top .
Remove front window guide 54 31 155 Removing And Installing/Replacing All Window Guides On Right And Left Of Convertible Top .
Remove rear window seal 54 31 155 Removing And Installing/Replacing All Window Guides On Right And Left Of Convertible Top .
Remove trim on convertible top catch.

EH convertible top only:

Partially remove roofliner (1st bow/cowl panel and last bow)

Release screws in area (1).

Fig 1: Releasing Screws In Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release front strap (1) on left/right.

Drill out blind rivets (2) on left/right.

Remove trim, if necessary suspend from roofliner.

Fig 2: Releasing Front Strap On Left/Right

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws in area (1).

Fig 3: Releasing Screws In Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detaching fabric from bow 1:

Pull fabric in middle towards front and fold upwards at rear.
Pull fabric over a corner towards front and fold upwards at rear.
If necessary, use special tool 00 9 321.
Pull off fabric over other corner.

Fig 4: Detaching Fabric From Bow
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drill out rivet joint (1) on left/right.

Feed out tension cable bearing (2) to one side.

Installation:

Replace shims.

Fig 5: Identifying Rivet Joint On Left/Right

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

EH convertible top only:

If necessary, release holder of hydraulic lines.

Fig 6: Releasing Holder Of Hydraulic Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw on left/right on convertible top strip.

Feed fabric welt out of clamp.

Fig 7: Feeding Fabric Welt Out Of Clamp

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screws on left/right side.

Feed out fabric welt further.

Fig 8: Feeding Out Fabric Welt Further

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection for heated rear window.

Fig 9: Disconnecting Plug Connection For Heated Rear Window

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drill out rivet joint on B-pillar on left/right.

Pull off fabric towards top.

Installation:

Replace shims.

Fig 10: Pulling Off Fabric Towards Top

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach fabric from bow at rear.

Installation:

If necessary, remove double-sided adhesive tape.
Before installing, fit convertible top fabric on 1st bow so as to obtain the correct tension.
Bring holes of fabric link and bow in line.

Fig 11: Detaching Fabric From Bow At Rear
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drill out rivet joint (1) from rear tension cable bearing on left/right.

Release screw (2).

Remove fabric.

Feed out tension cables towards front.

Installation:

Replace shims.

Fig 12: Drilling Out Rivet Joint From Rear Tension Cable Bearing On Left/Right

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The dimensions and tolerances of the convertible top frame and the convertible top fabric are designed so that it is not necessary to correct the tension. When fitted, new convertible top fabric is always a little "taut" in the initial stages. If the vehicle remains idle with the convertible top closed for some time (e.g. overnight) the fabric "settles" so that the closing forces are then normal again.

IMPORTANT: Excessive convertible top tension not only increases the closing forces but also gives the convertible top the characteristics of a "drum". The acting wind forces and falling raindrops during driving will literally "drum" on the fabric resulting in significant impairment of the interior acoustics.
On the other hand, if the convertible top is not tense enough, it droops "and, at higher roadspeeds, it starts to make a flapping noise".