e36 BMW convertible top tensioner strap repair

This video is about a simple repair of worn out tensioner straps of the soft convertible top of e36 BMW, without the need for a full costly and time consuming replacement.
Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and I hereby release myself from ANY liability for any damages you may incur by attempting any of these procedures. If you are not comfortable working on your car, please seek professional help. This clearly requires specific tools (e.g. sturdy sewing needle, heavy duty polyester thread, agility/dexterity, and some patience/strength. Improper procedures could lead to injury and/or potential issues especially with regards to damaging your convertible top mechanism and/or motors.

[@danielbianca8282]

I used VELCRO 27-in x 1-in 2-Pack Elastic Strap Fastener (from Lowe's or Amazon- $5 and some change). I've only put one on the driver's side, connected via the first and third bars from the rear window- alongside the current strap. The tension is too great for the velcro alone- I had to sew mine together by hand (thanks home ec class). Has worked fine so far. I still have to give it some assistance putting the top down (mainly due to the window bubbling you mentioned). But putting the top up has really helped it from banging really hard on the tonneau cover.

[@Rosegloweyes]

I need to do this, but had a very difficult time following this! The strings on mine are loose too-but couldn’t follow that either- My top is shedding too! I’ll keep trying though- At least there’s a fix- Thank you!

[@jameshole4431]

Great video. Thanks for shooting it. I’ll give it a try!

[@nesnas]

Thank you so much ! Good luck with it.

[@morgej]

Super helpful video... Thanks!

[@nasrinesnas82]

I am glad it was helpful! Thanks!!

[@kamster5775]

Oem ones in uk cost over 300£.Insane. Every diy is worth to try.

[@karlk9183]

Thank you for sharing!

[@chrisrich1487]

Going to be doing this soon to my 98 323i vert! Amazon 1" elastic straps in the mail!

[@jerrymulholland5752]

good job. Did you do the 2 front tension straps too? at the very front, they help the top bow out, instead of in when opening the top.

[@Klos010634]

Great video tutorial. Thank you very much. I’m about to do that to my own car, currently having the problems you described. Can you point me out to the straps that you bought? May be send me a link? Thanks again.

[@nasrinesnas82]

eBoot Elastic Spool (1.5 Inch x 11 Yard, Black) www.amazon.com/dp/B01DXRG7JO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0lpvFb0PASQCJ

[@nasrinesnas82]

You can also get a smaller amount at stores like JoAnne’s fabrics. But I have used this spool for multiple other repairs including adding a nicer elastic band to my face shield etc.

[@Klos010634]

Nasri Nesnas awesome, much appreciated!

[@leevww]

did you put elastic around 3rd and 2nd bar or 3rd and first bar..seems a bit confused at around 6min..many thanks

[@nesnas]

around the 2nd and 3rd bar! It is a rather short loop of the elastic

[@auggie3936]

Does it still slam hard with this?@@nesnas

[@nesnas]

@@auggie3936 not nearly as much. I also changed the two struts of the tonneau cover and the single strut on the passenger side visible when the tonneau cover is open! This helped!

[@MrBMW83]

I wonder how he open and closed the top with the key 👀

[@MrBMW83]

Are you in FL? If so can you fix mines ? 😅

[@nasrinesnas82]

@8:30 if you don’t have a stapler or can’t get one in there to staple the elastic strap then use a safety pin. But you would ultimately want to secure this with a nice sewing job (at least 2x by hand cause it is hard to get a sewing machine in this tight space)

[@nasrinesnas82]

@6:50 I mention a broken piece and that is why I can pull this plastic piece down on one side but not the other. If yours is still intact you need to remove the bolt screen that holds this plastic piece to the metal rod/bar. Don’t force it otherwise it will break!