BMW E46 convertible top problem metal motor cover replacement

If you have a problem with your convertible top not functioning ( clicking/grinding noise under rear seat) this is how I fixed it.
Put this in Google search
BMW E46RTC
One of the top searches that will show up will take you to the eBay listening.
www.lubrisolut...

[@davidpetrosky4064]

Viewed your video and ordered the part on ebay. Took less than 10 minutes to install and fixed the problem beautifully. Thanks for the effort of posting this. Saved me a ton of money and issues.

[@TAspeed1]

You're welcome. But the true credit should go to the guy who engineered it and making them now. He definitely saved us a lot of money

[@jorgefonseca190]

Hi David Petrosky when do you install the new cover plate you adjust the tension cables ?

[@davidpetrosky4064]

I was perhaps lucky as I did not need to make any adjustments.

[@steepfriends]

Worked perfect. THANK YOU !!

[@rlopezmercadante]

Thanks so much.... I solve my problem with your help....

[@peter455sd]

Thanks Anton

[@JuanaMairena-d6e]

The video is kind of dark but you did a great job 👏

[@ricardohavinga]

Thanks for posting this...I think I have the same problem. gonna check it out and I will let you know my results. Comps to the camera person too!

[@ricardohavinga]

this looks like the part I think. www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-325-328-330-M3-Convertible-Top-Motor-Cover-1999-2006-Patent-Pending/302747179011?epid=943414501&hash=item467d235803:g:8DAAAOSwZetXO6ls

[@Marvolous718]

Anyone know where the link is to find this Bcuz I google what was in the description and still can’t find it

[@TAspeed1]

You're not supposed to google it. You put it in search on eBay (Convertible Top Motor Cover) it's available for sale. I just checked

[@HolyFix]

I tried to put it back with the plastic and it worked until near the end of closing or opening top. Didn’t have parts customer needed car so we put a bolt and nut to hold the gears In place. Just have to take the motor out to place the bolt in place. Nut goes on top of plastic once everything is buttoned up. Hand tight with locktite

[@ivanmoslavac5252]

Any solution for us in Europe?

[@markfuentes1771]

where did you get the metal cover?

[@TAspeed1]

Mark , eBay. The gentleman costome makes them. Sometimes he out of stock on them. On the description of the video you will see the part number that was assigned to it because it's patented product now you can put that part number in Google and it will show you the eBay listening

[@hongiktidings]

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@christoulemoule2935]

Voici une vidéo très précieuse pour moi . merci

[@TAspeed1]

I wish I knew French. The only word I understand is Merci ( thank you )

[@jorgefonseca190]

Anton I see you video , but I have problem with latch on the front drive side dont work , I try manually nothing . only the passenger side open only. any recomendation please thanks

[@joekamleh6049]

My friend your metal latch which hooks into the windscreen is encased in plastic. Either the plastic surrounding the metal latch has broken (which can be reglued, or have a bolt drilled through it), or the plastic gear inside the top latch motor which sits in between the latches has broken. This can be replaced with a brass replacement gear. There are tutorials all over KZbin for this replacement.

[@MrVitamincpp]

OK, I've heard an annoying sound while lifting my top few days ago. It was very short sound like the one you describe. Today after almost a week of normal operation, I the sound appeared again, this time during almost entire top lifting. I stopped before the top is locked and pressed the other button for folding it. The sound came again. Now though it works without any noise. It is strange because the noise does not appear only during the locking/unlocking of the cover. Do you think it is from the same gear? Despite of the clicking noise, the top closes and opens no problem? Is there a chance the problem is with the hydraulic pump? I suppose there is a separate motor driving it?

[@TAspeed1]

Sorry for late reply I've seen that you posted it a month ago. I hope by now you were able to troubleshoot it.

[@donburns2123]

Thank you for the info. I have a question, My son just purchased a 2002 BMW 325C Convertable. Was my mistake when we test drove it from a private party seller. I asked him to put the top down to see if it worked. He did but had to push it down in the back to close it all the way. we drove it and forgot to test it closing. When we brought it home we tried to close the top and it did not close. We checked the truck latch and it was down. I tried putting it up and the latch stays in the down position its like its hard to put in the up position like its stuck? Any suggestions where to start? Can I manually put the top up? My email is [e-mail] if you have any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@TAspeed1]

DON BURNS , I just send you an email

[@ap4691]

3D scan the Original cover and 3D print it in carbon fibre for cheaper

[@BruceD1776]

You'll have to correct for any breaks in original

[@LandenG23]

Bosch sells a complete OEM replacement part for $29.46 on FCP euro, whereas the BMW branded part is $607.11. This is just the motor, not the housing though. I haven't been able to find just the housing, nor could I find the metal aftermarket replacement.

[@TAspeed1]

Search eBay on and off. Gentleman who makes metal covers owns a machine shop. He makes them and sell. but they're not always available if he's out of stock on them

[@TAspeed1]

Matter of fact I just searched eBay BMW E46 convertible top motor cover. it showed up in search and available for purchase.

[@TAspeed1]

Or put this in Google search BMW E46RTC The eBay listening will show up in one of the top searches

[@jefffawcett]

There is no reason to remove the bolts if you are just replacing the cover or even the gears

[@jorgefonseca190]

Hi Jeff F the cover plate its attached by bolts add the latch ,

[@jorgefonseca190]

Hi anton alexeev i see you video full so buy the covert plate by my BMW46 2003 convertible but dont work . the mechanism unlock never unlocked so the light stay flashing what do you recommended

[@TAspeed1]

Jorge Fonseca So you bought the new cover and it still doesn't work, did I understand you correctly ?

[@jorgefonseca190]

@@TAspeed1 Hi yes affirmative it still doesn't work , today I try again but when turn with Allen key o'clock wise I fell unlocked , the cables moved but doesn't work

[@jorgefonseca190]

the plate cover I bought new 99 us by ebay

[@Crion629]

Thanks for this. This should be a more permanent solution that the clamps or bolt fix.

[@TAspeed1]

Going on 4th year, no issues

[@hch9706]

Thanks for the video. I have the same problem. Where did you buy the metal cover from? Would you please give me a URL.

[@gyawupknduom]

small washer on that gear he took out. My solution was to place that washer right because that gear needs to hold down for a turn. re enforce that washer against the plastic cover with a self_made kitchen aluminium foil washer - just a thin width will do. want some more support? that small removable child seat

[@aliblackford1194]

I'm buying this nxt week

[@bofat65]

thanks for the review Anton! looks like a nice piece of kit.

[@javiercarrillo5015]

Love your team work!..👍

[@davidcamera167]

Where can I purchase the metal replacement cover?

[@TAspeed1]

Eday. In the description of the video I mentioned the part number that you put in Google and it will take you right to the listening on eBay

[@TAspeed1]

H ch, did you watch the video or skip some part ? Ebay , put BMW convertible motor cover in Ebay search. And you will find it.

[@xiiifas2968]

anton alexeev dont lie you are a russian spy 😂

[@TAspeed1]

+faihsel khan I am not spy, I am an explorer :)

[@xiiifas2968]

anton alexeev haha... thanks your vid help alot btw

[@lbenson9848]

Looks like a great product. However you mentioned the plastic cover may just have been like $10? I am getting rid of my car next month but just wanted a cheaper solution. I can't find any on ebay or Amazon etc, any idea where I can purchase one? I have the exact same issue, clicking/grinding, 1 of the 3 pointed pins is broken on top so only 2 are grabbing the cog. Also my plastic cover broke on the side where the flap is. Any tips welcome!

[@TAspeed1]

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fp%2F943414501

[@TAspeed1]

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fp%2F943414501

[@lbenson9848]

@@TAspeed1 Thx for the quick reply, but I am looking for the plastic, not metal cover....like I said I have spent a lot in fixing up my car and trying to save some money and plan to sell it just in a month. Any idea who sells just the PLASTIC cover? I see nothing on ebay etc...Thank You!

[@TAspeed1]

Unfortunately there is no plastic replacement covers unless you buy the entire motor assembly. There is a way to do it with a threaded stud washers and nuts. Or wooden spacers and zip ties around the whole motor assembly

[@lbenson9848]

@@TAspeed1 Thanks! That is what I thought, may just have to go with the $99 metal one. Thnk You!

[@aadavidb]

Nice!

[@FlyBy1964]

Thanks for this great tip!!!!!

[@aliblackford1194]

From same guy

[@gyawupknduom]

Your problem is you must have removed or missFixed that small washer on that gear you took out. My solution was to place that washer right because that gear needs to hold down for a turn. re enforce that washer against the plastic cover with a self_made kitchen aluminium foil washer - just a thin width will do. want some more support? that small removable child seat may have something underneath to press down there some more- I bet you will not need that extra.

[@TAspeed1]

I did not disassemble the motor until that day during that video. So , I had no prior missfixed. I did not found or noticed any washers once I pulled the cover off. My be a previous owner of your car fixed that problem by putting a washer. I am just guessing. Metal cover works great for me.

[@gyawupknduom]

it is this plastic like ring that goes on top of that gear and I am most certain it is from factory. if you look at the assembly you will notice that the click happens while that gear pop up. The aluminium foil beaten into a precise hoop like this 'O or c' cost me nothing! My new problem is the last step to lock the top in place doesn't happen. I have tried manually but failed. Do you have any idea?

[@TAspeed1]

Did you try to put pressure with your thumb over the center of the gear like I mention in the video during the last phase ?

[@TAspeed1]

While you operate the top up button

[@roguesabot3245]

Hey Anton, thanks for the test. Sounds great. Found it on e-Bay, but unfortunatly shipping cost to Germany are as much as the part itself. :-( Maybe I will try it with something like a hose clamp bound around with some metal in between. Anyway, thanks for the hint and have fun with your convertible, bro.

[@johnnyboy4882]

Just do the fix with the bolt. It's easy, cheap, and works perfectly.

[@ramonreyesfilms393]

Where can I get this?

[@TAspeed1]

ramon reyes . Search eBay. "BMW E46 convertible motor cover " I just looked. The seller has one available.

[@vrydstrbd]

Helpul vid Anton, I searched Ebay up and down and cant find this elusive cover

[@TAspeed1]

eric schwarz , I am guessing may be he does not have any right now. I will look later in my saved sellers see if I can find his eBay ID. if I have it I will forward it to you

[@TAspeed1]

BMW E46 325 328 330 M3 Convertible Top Motor Cover 1999-2006 Patent Pending ( this is the title under which it was sold ) larainvorige ( this is the Ebay name he sells under) I also checked and he currently does not list them for sale, I am guessing he is out of them at that moment. Probably he is making more. Try to contact him, and he will probably will let you know when he will have them back in stock. Good luck Eric.

[@TAspeed1]

I send him a message regarding when he will have them back in stock. Looking at feedback he just sold one on April 28th. If he gets back with me , I will let you know.

[@TAspeed1]

eric , this is Daniel reply (Yes I don't have any right now I will be making more this week so maybe by the end of the week I will have them back up thank you very much.)

[@TAspeed1]

eric schwarz , Daniel just send me an eBay message that he made more and they are available. thanks

[@aliblackford1194]

Can't find any covers like this on eBay

[@TAspeed1]

ali blackford , look in the comments my conversation with Eric Schwartz. I have written the eBay listening title and also eBay seller ID. He might just be out of them as of right now. Once he makes more in his machine shop I'm sure they will be available for sale again.

[@aliblackford1194]

anton alexeev I can't find any listing of this type please can u help me find one thank you

[@aliblackford1194]

anton alexeev Found it

[@aburkhalter1883]

@@aliblackford1194 hey how did you find the part i need one