BMW 325I Convertible Top Won't work

BMW 3 Series convertible top repair. Specifically 2002-2006.
I talk about other top issue causes at the very end of the video.
Convertible top systems can be complex as they consist of hydraulics, electrical, computer module (cvm) and many sensors and sensor types. They all have to work together in a domino affect type of motion to operate. If one signal is interrupted during the motion, then the system will stop or go offline.
This video shows the easiest things to check before in depth diagnosis is needed by a professional.
I diagnosed this vehicle first using diagnostic software test plans.

[@bencahan4532]

Holy crud, Mike, so glad I found this video. My 325 had the exact same issue, stopped as I was closing it months ago. Thought I'd have to spend big bucks at the shop. But, when I cut away the threaded harness wire covering at the same spot you did, what do you know, a wire was cut. Some wire strippers, solder and electrical tape later my top works again. Unbelievable but awesome! (I just did solder and electrical tape as that was what I have on hand.)

[@gregjones8501]

Glad I found this channel. For some reason I’ve gravitated to working on more Bmws at my shop and this channel has a lot of helpful tips on how to repair some of the issues that I’ve encountered in the past and could not seem to figure out lol… Thanks for the tips and you definitely just gained a new subscriber! Had this exact model Bmw come in for this same problem and I had no clue how to fix it then. I bet this was the problem the whole time! 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@mulligancham2658]

Thank you for this Vid, My soft top stopped working and it showed all the signs you mentioned. the problem was a broken wire on the harness. working as good as new now. Ta

[@jetblack9911]

good job man thank you!

[@user-jx9tl5nn3x]

Good job . Thanks 🙏

[@MikeMDs]

Welcome 👍

[@harvrindrsingh]

Hi from dubai. Thanks for great information. Can you suggest i got a x5 2008 4.8i. Its has codes 2A6B AND 2A64.

[@kennethbrison3690]

What did you use to hold up the back of the top & cover while you did the repair? And how were you able to open the trunk to disconnect the battery while doing the repair, if you did disconnect same.

[@standtall7646]

GREAT ADVICE and tutorials! Thank you. If you respond to me here, I'd like to tell you my problem and get your help/advice on it. Thank you!

[@MikeMDs]

How can I help you?

[@standtall7646]

My top suddenly decided to not open. First, it would not close all the way down. I manually closed it down. Now, it won't open. It stops after about a 2 second attempt. Light blinking on console for Open?Close of top. No gears clicking. I just finished opening up the cowl and inspected all parts, Motor, gears, latches and wiring/Connectors. All looks in perfect condition. Reassemble. Still: Blinking light. Top moves for a second on open then, stops. I ran a Foxwell Scanner and it says: Convertible Top Module CVM Fault: Close Control Button Permanently Active. CVM Switch, Cowl Locked, short to ground or open circuit. I hope this is clear and you can offer some help here. I just did one more scan after reassembly and got Trouble code 87: KOMBI: Kbus. Nothing happens when trying to open other than the 2 second attempt: No humming of pump/motors or activity. Thanks for your help and time. UPDATE: I JUST PUT MY ELECTRONIC/ELECTRICAL BRAIN AND SKILLS TO WORK. I FOUND ONE SMALL broken wire and spliced it back together and my top is back to working again :) However: I am wondering: How often should convertible hydraulic pump motor reservoir fluid (Pentosin) be changed? I changed mine in 2017. It only looks darker than it used to.Thank you, again, Mike! @@MikeMDs

[@MikeMDs]

It sounds like you may have the issue in the video. Hard to tell without diagnosing it in person.

[@nic-wrightwright1212]

So my hood opens and locks in to the boot - but it won’t go up - started happening today had to put it manually up - on your vide where the wire threads are cut - the metal frame Woudlnt not go straight even in manual mode , any ideas - had to unscrew a bolt each side of the hood to make the metal frame go straight -

[@spectralbeings]

thank you for this video. Our issue seems to be a tad different. something crunched in the back trunk when top was opening nad havent been able to automatically open and close top / Doing it manually each time wihici is a pain. I think ours is safety featue of some kind? Thank for the video!

[@nic-wrightwright1212]

Sounds like the motor has gone A where he takes the seat of and shows the manual part to press in there is the motor and usually that’s what goes if u can hear crunching clicking noise x

[@theodorecollier8999]

Hi! I’m late to the show. I’ve rewound this a few times but couldn’t quite understand where you stated we could buy the connector/crimps from. What was that website again? I can’t seem to find them that small. Thanks!

[@MikeMDs]

You can solder them together and put use heat shrink.

[@MrBubba59]

This is helpful because the symptoms on mine are the same. Would there not be a fault code if wires are broken in this area? The front releases and closes but there is no sound from motor that pulls the roof back - only a relay type click from the valve block area in the left rear.

[@MikeMDs]

It may or may not throw codes. The codes may be super random as well if the harness is broken. It is a good spot to check visually to rule out.

[@MrBubba59]

It's working now but any further issues and I'll open into that loom. The only reason I am looking elsewhere is the low usage of this car. We can measure top down time in days rather than months in this part of the world but I recognise the wire sheathing goes brittle with age. I am told the pump relay can also go intermittent. Thanks for the reply.

[@jethrovanveelen6429]

Gonna try it tomorrow brother imma lyk

[@MikeMDs]

Best of luck!

[@vernulery104]

I have 2004 m3 convertible and the driverside rail will not lock straight as it is going doing therefore it won't reach to lock. Any suggestions?

[@MikeMDs]

Are you able to help it down with manual pressure?

[@Michael-di4fq]

Same issue

[@gregorywstroud]

Just a quick clarification. You did not splice in any new wire at the bend, and the larger wire, you left alone. Can you elaborate on this? I’ve got a 2004 330ci stopping 4” from closing. I’ve cut the loom open at the bend but no wires are visibly broken but some have scuffing. Just wanted to get your perspective and make sure I didn’t miss anything.

[@MikeMDs]

Hi . Every scenario is different. If the wires notably are weak from so much bending then I will cut it and re-butt connect it as shown.

[@Michael-di4fq]

Where can I find the bump stops for the top?

[@nicolasdouglas3188]

Can anyone please help , I have a e46 330ci 2002 I’ve replaced hydraulic pump , rewired the breaking point wires and it is still slow now I have to push it to move it

[@taylorn8432]

My left side lock is completely locked shut. The ride side opens just fine.. I tried to remove the side weather strip for the long 5mm Allen but when I went to put the Allen in it wasn't grabbing anything so I looked inside and all I see is a bar. Im afraid my left side latch my be closed for life! It's very unfortunate cause it need a new top. I found one for only $400 bucks but I can't get my left side roof latch to open so I may just end up selling the car.. I may be able to cut the long panel under the latch to get to the latch or cut the top up so I can get to the 5mm Allen bolt " if its even there.. I really start to hate convertible BMWs. I will Never own one again. So many issues it's ridiculous.

[@buster349100]

Thanks 😊

[@diamondlimitedenterprises6778]

I have a question man so my top stopped working at that last closing section as well, does that button under the rear seat release those hydraulics that keep the roof open that last foot or two. So I can close it manually? All the way

[@Catfishplays]

Omg I’m going thru the same thing can’t get the front of the top to go down

[@nic-wrightwright1212]

@@Catfishplayswhat did u do to get teh front to go down / the metal Frame don’t want to go flat on mine today

[@Catfishplays]

@@nic-wrightwright1212 I ended up taking off two little bolts where it folds one bolt on each side I forgot what size it was I’ll look for the link that helped me real quick I just open the top manually now I don’t have time for the top not wanting to go down

[@Catfishplays]

@@nic-wrightwright1212 it was the u joints

[@nic-wrightwright1212]

@@Catfishplays I’m debating weather to get rid as I’ve got mot and service coming up it always costs me so much had some Oil thing done on head gasket last year cost me 900quid and the mot - probably cus I’m a women take the biscuit out of me- I’ve had the car 15 years I’m worried incase everything starts to go wrong now as it is 2001 plate ;( - I just don’t kno why it’s goes down electrically but mot goes back up- makes me wanna cry x

[@ameenlockett5584]

How much does something like this cost

[@isaacthom6604]

@mike mds I have a 120 series soft top 2009 , the problem is tht when it opening the roof it doesn’t completely open, it then closes automatically, what could be the problem 🤔🤔🤔

[@MikeMDs]

Many things can cause that. It would have to be diagnosed

[@Tx03edge]

Will the top still work if you have a dead instrument cluster?

[@MikeMDs]

I'm not sure on that

[@takissamantas7378]

How can I contact you by email? Please