» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | | 1999 M3 Swap 09-07-2023 10:10 PM 05-02-2024 08:18 PM 6 Replies, 405,344 Views | | | | | 09-01-2005, 05:35 AM | #1 | Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: boston, ma Posts: 15 | California Top Diagram Does anyone have a diagram of how the California top is put together or know of any publications that would have such information? My '97 California top recently won't close and I am looking to fix this myself. If anyone has has had an experience where the motor closes the top most of the way then won't finish the last inch or so I'd appreciate it. It sounds as if it is grinding or as if the track gets stuck at that point. Thanks! | | | 09-01-2005, 06:01 AM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,587 | | | | 09-01-2005, 01:13 PM | #3 | aka Stabby Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mead, CO Posts: 5,336 | Quote: Originally Posted by jac_buffalo Does anyone have a diagram of how the California top is put together or know of any publications that would have such information? My '97 California top recently won't close and I am looking to fix this myself. If anyone has has had an experience where the motor closes the top most of the way then won't finish the last inch or so I'd appreciate it. It sounds as if it is grinding or as if the track gets stuck at that point. Thanks! | also search the forums as issues with the cali top have been discussed a number of times. usually seems to be a problem with the motor so there's some decent detail on what to do for those issues. __________________ 1996 318ti, California package, 267k miles current mods: bilstein sports, bavauto springs, e30 m3 LCABs, solid metal ball joints, bavauto RSMs w/reinforcements, e30 3.73 LSD & halfshafts, supersprint cat-back exhaust, turner rear sway bar reinforcements, IE poly subframe & RTABs + camber/toe kits, powdercoated e36 32x front calipers, sport mirrors, H&R 28mmF/19mmR sway bars, x-brace, auto solutions SSK w/poly bushing upgrade, BMW CD43 head unit, DICE HD Radio w/iPod integration and "stealth" HD antenna, staggered style 68s, orange electronic TPMS, leather arm rest, JT Designs metal undertray acquired and awaiting install: heated seat kit, cali top switch relo, lumbar support kit, park distance control kit, heated washer nozzle kit, m-coupe rear subframe, trailing arms, differential, and halfshafts, m-coupe front/rear brakes with master cylinder, under hood light kit, mud flaps, rear sun blind, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering wheel retrofit, apexcone 5000K HIDs with 55W ballasts 2002 X5 4.4 Sport Package, 53.5k miles Current Mods: e46 m3 steering wheel | | | 09-01-2005, 01:22 PM | #4 | Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: England, UK Posts: 1,288 | maybe i should get one fitted for the 2 weeks of sun we have here..... __________________ 1995 BMW 316i Cosmos Black Mods: • Magnex Cat-Back Exhaust • Smoked Corner Lights + Repeators • M3 17" Wheels • De-Baffled Air Box • AC HandBrake Handle and Gear Knob • DEPO Euro Epsiloids + Predator Chronium Rings • Chrome Interior bits •IE Poly-Urethane RSFMs • Kenwood Power Series Audio • Powder Coated e36 325 Front Callipers • Sports Seats | | | 09-01-2005, 03:13 PM | #5 | Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: boston, ma Posts: 15 | Quote: Originally Posted by CirrusSR22 | Thanks, the diagram is helpful. I noticed it mentions there is an emergency tool. Is anyone familiar with this (know where to find it, how to use it, etc?) I've currently got a garbage bag masking taped to keep the rain out but an emergency tool sounds like a great option to close it right now. Also, I've noticed other posts refer to pictures of the motor that show the overide capscrew. However, these pictures are no longer available. Anybody have new pictures that can point to this particular feature? | | | 09-01-2005, 06:36 PM | #6 | Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,587 | I believe that the emergency tool is just an allen wrench that sticks into the motor assembly. You can then crank the roof closed, if the motor breaks. | | | 09-07-2005, 09:03 PM | #7 | Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: boston, ma Posts: 15 | Thanks for your help everyone. It turns out the gears in the motor are shot. If anyone has a used but working motor they would like to sell me, please contact me. | | | 02-10-2006, 08:49 PM | #8 | Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: OHIO Posts: 1 | California Top Im having trouble replacing mine too. only my motor works there was jusr a spot it didnt seal, then one day on the highway caught wind and ripped open so i still have motor,trac, main ragtop .. i just need all the arms and little stuff to get this back. any one knw where to purchease these parts? id GREATLY APPRECIATE it since im stuck with basically no roof right now ! | | | 02-10-2006, 09:33 PM | #9 | aka Stabby Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mead, CO Posts: 5,336 | i can only imagine that you'd be able to get them from the dealer. order from one that gives 20% off like crevierbmw.com or possibly pacific. ordering from out of state you'll also avoid sales tax (but pay shipping instead). __________________ 1996 318ti, California package, 267k miles current mods: bilstein sports, bavauto springs, e30 m3 LCABs, solid metal ball joints, bavauto RSMs w/reinforcements, e30 3.73 LSD & halfshafts, supersprint cat-back exhaust, turner rear sway bar reinforcements, IE poly subframe & RTABs + camber/toe kits, powdercoated e36 32x front calipers, sport mirrors, H&R 28mmF/19mmR sway bars, x-brace, auto solutions SSK w/poly bushing upgrade, BMW CD43 head unit, DICE HD Radio w/iPod integration and "stealth" HD antenna, staggered style 68s, orange electronic TPMS, leather arm rest, JT Designs metal undertray acquired and awaiting install: heated seat kit, cali top switch relo, lumbar support kit, park distance control kit, heated washer nozzle kit, m-coupe rear subframe, trailing arms, differential, and halfshafts, m-coupe front/rear brakes with master cylinder, under hood light kit, mud flaps, rear sun blind, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering wheel retrofit, apexcone 5000K HIDs with 55W ballasts 2002 X5 4.4 Sport Package, 53.5k miles Current Mods: e46 m3 steering wheel | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |