New motor for Cali top
 

OK Cali community,

I should have a new motor delivered Friday for my 98 Cali top from Germany. Before I install it, do I need to confirm top position or motor position ? I suspect yes, like with sunroof motor replacements, so any feedback from folks who have recently done this? Also, I read some folks further lubricated their new motors. How'd that turn out over time?

I will continue to look for a replacement gear for my existing motor to keep as a spare. If anyone has a motor they no longer need, please drop me a PM.

I look forward to using the top on a more frequent basis. Thanks! :cool:

I cannot say for sure but after dissassembling the motor and gears I would say the design does not rely on a position mechanism like the other sunroofs. The gears in the cali top motor have a tension mechanism instead. This is also the reason they are more prone to gear failure IMHO.

Somewhere I found a factory manual posted for servicing the assembly that may detail a process. I will see if I can post it or a link.

What is the current cost of a new motor?

Surely with the new 3D printing technology there should be a way to reproduce gears at a reasonable cost. Even if the 3D printed parts are not as durable, if they are easily reproduced they could just be replaced more frequently.

New motor for Cali top
 

Thanks much! Shipped with tax and the threaded emergency tool was $403 from getBMWparts.com. Lowest price I could find.

I will seek to repair my existing motor as a spare or for parts when the new one breaks.

Here are the service files for the roof:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B82...it?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B82...it?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B82...it?usp=sharing

Sweet! Thanks very much! I actually printed and have these in my workshop reference material now. I have to troubleshoot why the drivers side of the roof sometimes does not retract.


I have a spare Cali roof I will renew and ensure proper operation and swap out this failing one for repair/ renewal. I lucked out and found a spare 98 roof for my 98 car.


1998 & 1997 318ti Sport Schwartz II
1995 318ti Active Alpineweib III