BMW Convertible Soft Top Pump Fluid Fill and Check E46 3-series

[@salfuchs9189]

Hey, can ya help me with my issue, I either suspect it’s the fluid or something to do with the hydraulic pump (if it has it) but what my bmw does is when it’s up rolls the windows down and that’s it the top doesn’t move at all, but when the top is already down, If I try to get it up it open the cover and it starts getting the stop up but it only can lift it for about 2 or so inches and then it stops unable to go further. I fixed/checked other things that could cause issues (before it wouldn’t even open the cover) and now I’m wondering what could cause my car to not be able to pick itself up

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to watch my video and ask a question. This is a basic question how is your convertible top fluid, are you losing any? You may want to Google search, rebuild and upgrade BMW E46 hydro pump. This will give you some information websites which offer great rebuild services. You can try to reach out to the rebuilders often times they are very helpful. Also do a full scan on your car to make sure you don’t have any faults in other computers that could be playing into the issues. Please share an update, thanks.

[@salfuchs9189]

@@WheelsTips hey, sorry for the late update had a little issue of my engine blowing up lol. But I replaced the engine and started my focus back to it. After a quick assessment I found that my hydraulic pump was way overfilled and filled with what I believe the be super dirty brake fluid. I got a new hydraulic pump from a different e46 at the junk yard and just going to replace the whole thing and see if that fixes my issue. I don’t have any other leaks or electrical faults so I’m hoping this is the culprit.

[@WheelsTips]

@@salfuchs9189 Thanks a bunch for taking the time to update this chat. I am glad you were able to remedy the issue with a used part. Truthfully probably less expensive then rebuilding the unit or about the same. Much luck with your convertible top and enjoy the car.

[@xj1085]

Perfect how to video. Very concise without much of off-topic rambling.

[@WheelsTips]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

MAJOR DOLLAR SAVER BRUH!!!!!! THANK you. My 1st convertible. Still learning the car.

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment, greatly appreciated. Glad I could help with your newly acquired convertible E46 BMW, and enjoy the great car.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

Anytime

[@KierewietNL]

Really nice info and video! I got sometimes some issues my self with my E46 convertible but my E46 is a bit different because it got an s65b40 and e92 m3 Ecu custom wired to al the e46 parts. So when I use the OBD it’s an e92 so I really have to figure it out myself. Sometimes I have to help it close half way and close it manually. After that it will work fine a small while but also sometimes it stops half way and then it’s had to close... when I’m back I holland I will check your tips and tricks 🤝👏😃

[@WheelsTips]

Sweet car! That is really cool 😎 thanks for sharing that information. Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to comment, enjoy the car and my content!

[@biffbrude675]

Thanks dude. Very clear instructions and good video. Bound to help. Thank you.

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Biff B Rude, thanks for watching my video. I’m glad I could help, please consider subscribing to me it would help me a lot, thanks.

[@MiguelRamos-ul2db]

I am trying to replace the hydraulic pump i have all the electric component done But I need to know how to remove the hydrolic cables Thanks Dude for everything you do.

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Miguel Ramos thanks for watching my video. I do not promote any place so I will not give a specific name, but you can google search, rebuild hydraulic pump BMW E46. The top results will suggest a website that has detailed instructions on how to do it. Hope that helps, thanks again for the kind words.

[@jenseninterceptor3416]

GREAT VID thanks l overfilled my reservoir (lm not sure if l have a leak or not) . could you say if overfilling is bad for the system please. lm about 10mil over the top of the circle in a box mark

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to ask a question. Personally I like to keep the fluids in the recommended level. Are you able to suction out a bit of fluid? Please share an update, thanks a bunch.

[@lemmykilmister450]

That's informative, although my top is stuck closed. It opens on the initial electric motor, then nothing .And it's really hot here at the moment lol

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Cam Smith, thanks for watching my video. Try dropping your top manually and seeing if it goes up. Let me know if that works, it will narrow down the problem.

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Raz F, thanks for watching my video. I would recommend you both take a look to see if your red handle is (not sure if it is supposed to be pulled or not) but try checking and manipulating it such as pulling it or disengaging it if it was pulled and see what the top does each time. The red handle is a release for the top. If this helps, please consider subscribing to me it would help me a lot thanks.

[@JoseJimenez-nf9cg]

Bro great video thanks

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment. Glad I could help with your Mercedes W211, enjoy the car.

[@rahdigga6031]

Did you ever replace the cylinder's on the drivers side? I have a leak in my system as well and I suspect it may be the same thing. Looking for the DIY of the fix/replacement

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to comment. I would Google search something like, BMW E46 Convertible Storage Compartment Lid Hydraulic Cylinder Removal pdf. Please share an update, if you find a interesting PDF using that search check some of their other PDFs as they may have what you are looking for as well as having the part for sale or rebuilding yours at a fraction of the cost. Looking forward to an update, thanks.

[@nestorona9455]

I have the same problem and took it to the dealer. After they diagnose the problem, they recommend replacing the pump on top of the hydraulic fluid. I have not done that due to the cost and can't find a video to how to do it.

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Nestor ona thanks for watching my video. In my experience I have not replaced the pump instead I got it rebuilt. In the past I would google search, rebuild convertible hydraulic pump. That search would yield sites that can save you a lot of money along with some removal instructions. Please share your experience.

[@nestorona9455]

@@WheelsTips CAN YOU SHARE THE SITE OR INFO WHERE TO REBUILT THE PUMP?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey nestor ona I personally do not promote any specific company, subsequently I will not give specifics. I can guide you to the best results by google searching the model of car you have along with the phrase rebuild convertible pump. For example, rebuild E46 convertible pump. When searching that one of the first 5 results yields a site that has a pdf of how to remove it and the place to send and rebuild. Please share your experience.

[@ibrahimabosaleh3588]

Hi thanks for the video, My problem is the pushing of the oil inside the motor is too slow is there any chance to fix it?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey ibrahim abosaleh thanks for watching my video. If the motor is not operating properly google search, rebuild convertible top pump E46. This will give you a variety of places that you can send the pump out to get it rebuilt at the fraction of the cost of getting a new one. Please share an update, thanks.

[@shanecarpino9750]

My fluid levels are good and all I get is a red blinking light even before I do anything after I turn the engine on could it be a faulty wire I just got this car very recently and the owner said he got the top fixed and it worked plus could a brake engine like stop it or what other codes on a reader ?

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to comment. It would be best to scanner the entire car to get a sense of what is going on. Please share an update, thanks.

[@juliendhanraj9573]

Hello do you think if the fluid too low it may make the red light blinking ?

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to comment. Truthfully I would just check your fluid level, here’s how you could see the fluid level kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJeYkmmDmd6BqLc please share an update if your fluid level was low.

[@ryanadams1276]

At any point should you replace all of the fluid in the cylinder,? if the cylinder is still good. Kinda like you would for changing the brake fluid.

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks for watching my video and taking the time to ask a question. Personally I have not done that myself, it is a sealed system so unless moisture is to enter I don't see why it would be necessary. Please share an update, are you having issues with the unit? Preventative care is best to keep the top clean, keeping top up so that mold and shrink doesn't occur. There is an interesting writeup with some people strengthen their convertible top parts, which I have not done but it is interesting to read and see where the top is prone to issues. Google search, BMW E46 DIY: Strengthen/Repair Windshield Latches. Please share an update, thanks a bunch.

[@juliendhanraj9573]

When i press the button to open the raise a little bit and then nothing when i checked the level of the hydraulic fluid it is nearly at the bottom do you think it can cause the red light blinking and put the roof in a security mode?

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to comment. Did you make sure your hood, trunk, and doors are all closed, before using the top?

[@albertogalasso9197]

I'm looking for a video for bmw e46 soft top master cylinder disassembly

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to comment. I know there are services that can rebuild the modules for you, to my understanding it requires lots of special seals that need to be replaced after opening. I would Google search, rebuild remanufacture repair BME E46 soft top master cylinder. Please share an update, thanks.

[@mustbenice3829]

I have a question. when replacing the hydraulic pump in the trunk of the car should the top be down when i remove it or should it be in the up position?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Must Be Nice thanks for watching my video. If you can see the position in the video, that is the best advice I could give you. I haven’t payed attention to the positing in a while and don’t have the car on hand.

[@brewcesroofless-E46]

05 325ci cabrio.... so my fluid is Definitely leaking from one of the "top" lines. I cant find any vids on how to find / repair these. My top has oily build up. I constantly decrease it, but more builds up along the metal skeleton frame holding the fabric top. Any Suggestions?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Brewce Rawdriguez thanks for watching my video taking the time to comment, greatly appreciated. I have personally never rebuilt the hydraulics myself but what I did do is send my hydraulic cylinders and pumps to get rebuilt. Also if you have line 23 and 24 leaking (common issue) Google search, BMW E6 extended hydraulic lines number 23 plus 24. Since I don’t advertise for any site I will not mention by name but they are ‘top’ notch and offer a lot of DIY help and rebuild service that is affordable. Please share an update, thanks a bunch.

[@JohnWayneII]

Fill plug at 2:20 can u please tell me what size that fill plug is? Some one stripped it out and I cant figure out what size it is now?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey John Wayne Show thanks for watching my video. Maybe one of the viewers can chime in on this I no longer have the car or can remember. Good luck if you find out, share with us here, thanks.

[@souljagirl6553]

Hi thanks for your fast response back..I seen the part you were talking about..but i was wondering what do u use to fill the fluids with.. is it a special tool used to add the fluids with?

[@WheelsTips]

LAKEE AKA SOULJA GIRL No special tool just remove the screw and turn it sideways, with a small funnel for the hole just pour the proper convertible top fluid in. Let me know if you need more clarification, glad to help.

[@alenamarie700]

Ok so my problem is, where you see in the trunk that black rectangle handle that locks/unlocks the convertible top is broken. So do you know how to fix that?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Alena Marie thanks for watching my video. Please share how you fixed your problem, thanks a lot.

[@mpsw7]

Hi, the roof of my bmw e46 330ci convertible just stoped, don’t open anymore, what’s the frequencies problem with this roofs?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey mpsw7 thanks for watching my video. Does your roof respond to the button when pressed? Or there is no reaction of any sort?

[@WheelsTips]

Are you able to run computer diagnostic? Have you checked all your fuses?

[@michaellambert2612]

Very helpful, thank you

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Michael Lambert, Thanks for watching my video. Consider subscribing to me it would help me, thanks.

[@enfirior1437]

my problem is i cant get my top down and im out of fluid is there a way to manually take the top down

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Enfirior thanks for watching my video. You can manually lower the top, it requires a few steps. I would recommend google searching, lower BMW E46 soft top manually. This will yield some good write ups as a few steps are involved. FYI a common fix to the top not working is the luggage microswitch going bad. You may want to also google search, BMW E46 luggage micro switch fix. Please share your experience and outcome, thanks.

[@IronmanEli]

I just wanna convert mine to manual mine openers up fine manually but it time to close it gets stuck with tension like 3 inches before closing complete after a while and I try it again it closes fine

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks for watching my video and taking the time to comment. Personally I have used the system as designed, but I have Google searched, bmw e46 cvm and convertible pdf. In that document check the ‘emergency operation’ section on how to manually close and open. Please share an update, thanks.

[@eliasboukhalil7891]

Hello thank you for the video, after pushing the open button the red light goes on and only the locks works, then the top won't open. I tried putting it up again after manually putting it down and nothing happens either (the red light does not flash if the top is closed so no wiring issues but it keeps on flashing when manually down) the oil level is good and I've run out of ideas. If you have any other suggestion please let me know. Thank you

[@WheelsTips]

Hey elias bou khalil thanks for watching my video. It seems you have done some diagnostics already which is great, have you had a chance to scan the car for fault codes and to gather what data the micro switches are sending to the convertible top module? Also do you have access to proper wiring diagrams? Please share your experience it will help many, thanks a lot. Please consider subscribing it would help a lot, thanks.

[@eliasboukhalil7891]

@@WheelsTips I don't have a proper wiring diagram but I'm planing to scan it to see if any micro switch is malfunctioning. I'll make sure to post the outcome as soon as I get them. One more question, can it be that the top controle unite module computer situated behind the driver, is blocking the whole operation because of accumulation of faults ? And the OBD2 will be helpful of I need a special scanner ? Thanks again P.S. I already subscribed :)

[@eliasboukhalil7891]

@@WheelsTips I forgot to mention that I had a wiring issue ( the thinnest blue wire was broken) I got it fixed.It worked perfectly for 2 times then the problem that I talked about in the first place appeared. That's why I'm questioning if the soft top computer is blocking the operation and it needs to be reset somehow, by a special type of scanner or a reset button somewhere in the car. Thank you

[@WheelsTips]

Hey elias bou khalil a generic OBD2 scanner will not communicate with the convertible top module but you can google, OEM BMW scanner and the bay should offer nice options. These relatively inexpensive tools will often require a laptop to emulate dealer level diagnostics. Other options are hand held units that are more expensive and mention that that actually scan all or most modules including the convertible top module.

[@eliasboukhalil7891]

@@WheelsTips Thank you for your time . I'll make sure to post the update when the problem is solved.

[@Zando_17]

thanks bro but my drop won't close all the way down and the light is. blinking and then it goes off what does it mean

[@WheelsTips]

Hey forzando mebane thanks for watching my video. Did you restore function to your BMW E46 convertible top and if so, please share the fix, thanks a lot.

[@bbcs9923]

I have a problem with the passenger side back locking mechanism that will not completely lock in the open position. Do you think that is a fluid problem or is it another issue. Thanks

[@WheelsTips]

Hey BBC’s thanks for reaching out with the question. Have you checked your fluid level? It is important to see whether you have a leak in the line or one of your micro switches is bad. Please consider subscribing to me if any of this helped. Please follow up with me so I can help.

[@bbcs9923]

I will check the fluid level this weekend and I will let you know thanks again

[@bbcs9923]

I checked the fluid level and it was good so I guess there is another problem.

[@WheelsTips]

BBC's you would have to scan it to see if you have any codes for micro switches. Also you need to check the cables at the motor. Which move the locking mechanism.

[@ابوقصي-م3ف]

BBC's where is the microswitch where can i found it?

[@madfisherisme]

My convertible top works it's just been slow however all of a sudden when I put the top back it it's not getting enough power to bring it back up...

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to ask a question. Did you check if your pump has fluid? If your pump has fluid it is possible the pump may need a rebuild. There are online services that offer pump rebuilds which are way cheaper than replacing the pump. Google search , rebuild remanufacture BMW E46 pump. Please share an update, thanks.

[@madfisherisme]

@@WheelsTips I checked the fluid and in it's current position it does look I little below the circle. But when I undo the bracket and stand it straight up it lines right in the middle of the circle. Thanks for the fast reply!

[@madfisherisme]

Would this mean it's to low or?

[@madfisherisme]

?

[@WheelsTips]

I wouldn’t say that is exactly too low it is possible you need a rebuild on the pump. Google search rebuild service for hydro unit hydraulic pump BMW E46. Please share an update if you found an easier solution.

[@ابوقصي-م3ف]

where is the microswitch where can i found it?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey thanks for watching my video. The micro switch is in the trunk mid part of the back seat, if that makes sense. Please let me know if you were able to locate it.

[@quartermasterbambooii9629]

Does the top have to be down?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Quartermaster bambooii thanks for watching my video. It is best to reference your owners manual for vehicle specific information every car is different. The way I would do it was with the top down the the fluid in the indicator, then cycle it a few times. While checking the levels , letting it cool down, and cycling 2 more times and checking the fluid. Please share your experience.

[@gearheadmoff1232]

What size and what kind of fill..plug .my bmw is at the min. Mark and will not retract...

[@WheelsTips]

Hey gearhead moff123 thanks for watching my video. Off the cuff I can not recall. Have you scanned the vehicle for fault codes? Please share your diagnostics.

[@gearheadmoff1232]

Its not pulling any codes pertaining to top . "per" auto zone diagnostic test.

[@gearheadmoff1232]

Do I have to purchase a special code scanner for electric?

[@WheelsTips]

Did they scan all the modules or just and OBD scan of the engine module? It is best to do a full system scan, where someone can observe live data. Did you check the basics such as the luggage compartment stow away?

[@jongkeunlee]

good informative video clip. So how did u fix your leaky cylinder?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Jongkeun lee, I am making a follow up video where I show the source of my leak. It ended up being a common issue on the E46, it was what is known as line hydraulic line #23. It was a big job about 3 hours. You can check whether you have this problem by putting your top down and manually pulling back the left initial slider and looking down at the metal joint, there you will see a black hydraulic line broken.

[@danieledelia8150]

How did you fix it?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Daniele D'Elia thanks for watching my video. I recommend sending out the they cylinders to get rebuilt. There are a lot of good places offered just by google searching for example, E46 convertible top cylinder rebuild. Please share your experience.

[@maddog-oi3hq]

Why do I have to help push the top bk to open it

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Lamont Austin thanks for watching my video. I would start by doing a basic check to see your fluid levels in the hydraulic pump. Please let me know so I could help you narrow down your diagnostics. Please consider subscribing to my channel it would help me a lot, thanks.

[@heatherfoust8888]

What if the top will not come down?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Heather Hanson, thanks for watching my video. Have you tried manually putting your top down and seeing if your top will go up. This will help you diagnose the issue, get back to me with the results. You can google how to manually operate your top on a E46 Bmw. If any of this helped please consider subscribing, it would help me a lot

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Heather Hanson, did you get it to work ?! Please share. Thanks for watching my video.

[@Pipmen]

Is the hdydaulic oil level checked when the roof is open or when it is closed?

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Pipmen thanks for watching my video. I always check the tops with them closed. I do not believe it matters, but it is important that you cycle the top after adding fluid to get some of the fluid to move through the system, then check it again to see where the level is. If you add fluid after cycling and cycle again, find that the pump is missing even more fluid you should check for leaks. There are common hydraulic lines that fail in the e46 such as line 23 and so on. Please keep me updated so I can continue to help. Please consider subscribing to me it would help me a lot, thanks.

[@Pipmen]

@@WheelsTips thanks for the quick reply, subscribed! But your answer confuses me. If it would not matter than they would not have made the minimum/ maximum markings. I have checked it like you when it is closed...then iz shows max level. When the roof is closed it is over the max level. Where is line 23. Can you explain it or make a video about the leaking lines? I don't think that mine is leaking but it is always good to know.

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Pipmen, if you fill with top open or closed to the middle line and cycle the top it will go to minimum then you add to middle. Even if the top was cycled it would just move to maximum. I hope that cleared up the confusion.

[@Pipmen]

@@WheelsTips Thanks...will check it. Could you watch my video and give me a hint what the issue could be? I already have changed the hydraulic pump, but it didn't help. Please take a look, thanks!

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Pipmen have you checked the wiring harness in the soft top drivers side where the top bends. It’s a common spot where the wires overtime break. If you look at your video at about 11 seconds follow the drivers door handle up to the roof that bend is often where the wiring harness breaks. Check that and get back to me. It might be smart to get a BT tool and scan the convertible top module for faults.

[@souljagirl6553]

How do you fill the fluids?

[@WheelsTips]

Hi thanks for watching my video. At about 2:15 I show where the screw is that you need to remove to add fluid. Let me know if that works.

[@gearheadmoff1232]

What shape and size is the plug..hex ..star... ect...

[@ve-nature1769]

BMW Convertible E46 Top, how to remove it.

[@WheelsTips]

Hey Ve - Nature thanks for watching my video. Currently I do not have a video removing the convertible top on an E46, I have done it before but it is a lengthy process. I will definitely keep it on my to do list. Thanks a lot for the advice!

[@andrewcarreras9968]

How do you extract old fluid?

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks a bunch for watching my video and taking the time to comment. I was not doing a flush of the the system, otherwise an extraction tool for liquids. Are you flushing your system or just adding?

[@andrewcarreras9968]

@@WheelsTips flushing I got the old fluid out but I think my pump is shot same slowness after fluid change

[@WheelsTips]

Thanks for the update, you may need a hydraulic unit rebuild. Google search, rebuild remanufacture convertible top pump Mercedes W124. This will give you much cheaper options than replacing the pump, if the pump is faulty. I believe some services benchtest your pump before repair to see if it is the pump. Please share an update, thanks.