E46 BMW Convertible Top Repair - Flap Motor Replacement

[@flippintexan]

Your video just saved me a ton of time and heartache... Thanks!!

[@mikecollins8780]

Thanks man ,good lookin out! Real people ! BOOGZ

[@RobbieKhan]

Just this week my top started making the same clicking noise too and was WTFing for days as I had to manually lock and release the mechanism to get it to work every now and then. I guess my motor is also gone and need a new one. Seeing this video has helped understand how it all works and how to take it apart so thanks for that!

[@Mr.Turnes]

Thank you very much for your video, thanks to you we just fixed it. Greetings from Mallorca, Spain.

[@JakweebEDTZ]

Thank you, good video. Fixed my roof thanks to you.

[@HypeMyParty]

this helped alot but it did not stop the clicking for every else who needs help use zip ties to hold down the entire black plastic housing the clicking is from the gears pops out because the plastic black cover is week an does not stop gear from poping out upward slide zip tie under and around an boom no more clicking so happy

[@scottinman6957]

You might add: how to unsnap the leather/plastic piece that holds the center flap of leather; and that the keeper on the large gear will fall out. I couldn't figure out where it came from.

[@marksutton6428]

Very helpful advice. The top on my car would not fully close. Using the motor release button and Allen key under the rear seat I was able to fully close the roof, and now it opens and closes properly. Hopefully it's just a one time issue but at leastWill see if the problem recurs

[@steezobaby]

Thanks for this bro

[@princeatobatele5195]

Thank you ... Love and Hugs from West. Africa ..Nigeria

[@pencil_queen6105]

Thank You

[@jongkeunlee]

Most detailed video I' ve seen. Mine doesn't have any issue yet. But you never know.

[@maznraz]

Thank you very much for the video. I was able to fix it for 35 bucks.

[@judoubledb]

Great to hear!

[@angelchavez3105]

How plz

[@mrdude3540]

You are the man bud! Thank you so much for this video

[@LucySoundOff]

Thank you so much! Great instructions!!!!

[@masa4936]

nice detailed video with easy english explaining

[@judoubledb]

A year after replacing the flap motor, I started getting a clicking from under the rear seats again and the convertible top stopped opening all the way. This time, I think it is the black plastic cover to the motor wearing out and not holding that floating gear down. Going to try to repair that soon with a bolt and some washers. If that doesn't work, someone sells a metal replacement cover on eBay for about $100.

[@vasme973]

judoubledb hi. My car a bmw 325cabrio e46 , open and close slow .i sow other so it is much faster. This can be becoss of low hidraulic oil? Whats ur opinion? Thanks

[@judoubledb]

I'm not completely sure. It seems like I did read on the forum that could be an issue and to check for leaking fluid. Check out: forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106

[@JamesPistilli]

What did you end up doing? There's the cheap way that has worked for some with pipe clamps. It's an issue that the gear is moving up and down and getting stripped because of the weak plastic cover.

[@judoubledb]

@@JamesPistilli I secured it with a bolt and some washers. I used the existing black plastic cover and drilled a hole through it to pass the bolt through. I don't have the exact sizes written down. That worked for a while but then the top stopped operating again. It has been out of commission for almost 2 years now. Have done a lot of troubleshooting over that time and no fix. I ready to give up on it unfortunately.

[@JamesPistilli]

@@judoubledb Thanks for the explanation. Hope you figure out your issues.

[@fuggy206]

i need to know if the two cables what head towards the handbrake are easy to replace one of mines broke

[@lyserver1]

I have bmw e46 cabrio When press to open roof.. open front in half and back in half and after hear a noise from motor cannot open cover ... Amy solution?

[@JVenom_]

How does the top gear with the button come off. My motor is stuck on tight.

[@juliendhanraj9573]

Hi i have a probleme with mine when i press the open button the roof open a bit and then nothen happens just a red light blinking any tips please ?

[@mrdude3540]

I just subcribed to your channel. Thanks again bud

[@DanMosqueda]

I got mine down, but isn’t doing anything going back up.

[@HowToDoitright]

My top unlocks from the roof hinges when I press the button but after that it doesn’t do anything. Could it be this motor that is bad?

[@judoubledb]

I'm not sure. This motor unlocks/locks the top cover behind the rear seats, but I think any error will stop the top from operating once detected by the system. Could probably be a lot of things. Check out the link in the description. Might help.

[@philipvillasin218]

Question, what problems were you having prior to your video?

[@judoubledb]

Clicking between the rear seats and the convertible top not lowering. See the video description for more info.

[@anthonydixon2404]

My problem is kind of similar. When I press the button to unlock the soft top and make it go down, i can hear the top unlock, but that's all it does. It doesn't move after it unlocks. I hear a clicking noise after that but that's it. I click it again to lock back into place it does lock. Any thoughts?

[@judoubledb]

If the clicking is coming from between the rear seats, it could be two things. Either the white plastic gear in the convertible flap motor is stripped, which is what I replaced in this video, or the plastic cover is not staying down and holding the floating gear in place any more. That is happening to my car now about a year after I replaced the flap motor. As far as I can tell, you can't purchase the plastic cover by itself. You have to replace the entire thing (~$400 or so I think) or you can by an aftermarket metal cover (check eBay ~$100). At least you can still lock it back up!

[@thefeydakin]

Great video. What led you to replace that motor? Error code or something else. Mine reads cowl sensor code

[@HowToDoitright]

What does that motor do? Does it only lock the top to windshield or does it bring the entire top down?

[@judoubledb]

It locks the top cover down once the top is completely lowered into the trunk area.

[@JamesPistilli]

Thanks for the video - Did the part that you bought include the middle gear that may get stripped from the cover not holding it in place properly? I have the clicking sound also which is the result of the stripped middle gear, and not sure if I need the whole assembly (about a $400 part new) or just the motor that you're showing, if it includes that gear that gets stripped and will pop out. Thank you.

[@judoubledb]

No it didn't. It was just the flap motor. I did not notice the middle gear being stripped on mine. You could buy the whole assembly, but be aware that other things related to the convertible top also break and are very expensive. I later discovered that both of the black plastic pieces (one on each side) inside the front edge of the top wear the 2 hooks attach to the windshield had cracked and were malfunctioning. I fixed them with epoxy, but my top doesn't work. To buy the actual parts from BMW, they are $600-700 each (again you have to buy the entire assembly. I've checked for wiring issues too. Now something is constantly draining my battery so I always have to jump it to start it. Good luck. They're great when they're working.

[@jongkeunlee]

great video

[@judoubledb]

Thanks

[@dennyr2300]

Hi, thanks for your video. can you please tell me how to remove the motor. I removed the main screw but the motor its stuck, is there something else i need to remove to get the motor out, I have the new one or replacement ready to go in but don't want to force the motor out or break any parts. Thanks for any additional help.

[@judoubledb]

From what I can recall, there's only one bolt holding the black plastic motor to the metal case. The shaft may be stuck on the white plastic piece that strips. Not sure otherwise. Good luck!

[@joltz1]

So the 2 cables that the motor pulls to open/close the roof, they dont need to be touched at all? Do they connect to a seperate gear which the motor drives?

[@judoubledb]

That motor turns a shaft that connects to those cables. It's the same shaft that strips the white plastic piece in the motor and causes the need to replace the motor. The cables connect to the latches on each side that unlock/lock the convertible top cover behind the rear headrests.

[@maddog-oi3hq]

What could be the problem if you have to help to open the top

[@judoubledb]

Lamont Austin A lot of things. If you hear noise between the rear seats, check out the repair in this video. Also check out the link in the description. Good luck

[@jasonretamar2849]

My cable hooks came loose from the motor when I put the box back

[@hoptownsfinest703]

How did you get the cover to unlock? I tried pressing the button on the motor to release and turned it to the right and the button popped up, but the cover would not open manually. It is currently in the open position. Hope it doesn't rain ... lol

[@hoptownsfinest703]

I managed to get the cover to finally unlock. I remove the cover to the motor. Then I was able to press the button down and while it was pressed I use the key to turn it twice and then I release the button and let it lock and then once I pressed it again the latch came loose thank you

[@e46nit46]

Anyone have the middle and back gear fall out when taking the motor out. Mine did and I can't get the back gear with the lock/release button and the ball bearings back correctly. Anyone run into this?

[@raemundg]

Same thing happened to me. I got it back together but my top still does not want to open

[@lucianorodriguez1319]

Great video, one of the best solving this problem. Mine doesn't open the lid compartment. I plugged the scanner and error pops up in the CVM it says (CLAMPING BRACKET NOT FULLY RAISED - 5 degrees below) Anyone knows what does it means? Do I have to release the clamp manually? Please I'll appreciate any help!

[@judoubledb]

Thank you. Can't help you on that one. Hopefully someone else can help. I would search the E46 BMW forums.

[@hymharu]

hi sir Good morning I have a few questions. The tower has a problem. The closing action is normal. When opening, the hydraulic motor rotates but does not move. It looks like the valve does not work. Please tell us what you need to do to identify the cause.

[@judoubledb]

Sounds like the white plastic gear is stripped. I show it in my video. Take out the motor, turn it upside down, and inspect the white gear that the square drive inserts into. The hole in the gear should be square as well. A stripped gear will be rounded inside.

[@SuperVeshi]

How do you put the sensor back in? Mines keeps breaking.i may be pushing it i too far

[@judoubledb]

The little black sensor just sits in there. No pushing required. It sits against the gear closest to the front of the car in the little open window in the metal case

[@hal1164]

Hi, after manually closing the top, then do you have to retighten the screw in the front with the allen key again for it to lock properly, when it is closing?

[@judoubledb]

Yes, I think so. If you have to manually close the top, you'll have to manually lock it with the allen key. I only got mine to work by manually opening the top, closing the cover lid on top of it, then hitting the top open button to lock the top cover lid and reset the system.

[@emirsecic3898]

judoubledb Hi,i have too problem with my Bmw E46 Convertible.. Because the roof get Only 2-3 cm open and anything Do it more.. The Button for "open Convertible" is still Lightning Red.. And the Button for "Open/Close the Windows" has too A Problem.. It will Only get Close but not "Open" Sry. For my English.. 😂 Thx. And have A Nice Day.

[@srinivasaraochittigori159]

hi, I was able to successfully replace the motor. but my lid is not opening when hit the top open button and its get stuck in the middle. Not sure why can you suggest what i can do.

[@judoubledb]

Sorry, I can't think of anything else specific. It has been over 6 months since I did this job so I'm starting to forget the details. I would search for other videos online and/or read blog posts (there's a link in the description of this video to a good blog).

[@judoubledb]

I did remember one other thing: Check for frayed wires inside the harness that runs along each side of the top where it bends in the middle. A short in the connection could cause your problem.

[@lynnswinehart5616]

Any suggestions on fixing my top. My brother in law slammed the trunk and broke the latch . This caused my top to not work? The interior light constantly blinks. I had someone fix/ do something that I can shut the trunk now. I was told that something is not registering to the brain that the trunk it closed so it won't work? Any advice on whether or not it's something I can do myself? Or possibly need a new trunk lock? I will appreciate any opinion or advice. Thank you.

[@judoubledb]

I know when my top was malfunctioning, it caused my trunk not to unlock even when the rest of the car was unlocked. I had to use the key and manually open the trunk. The two are related somehow with a sensor I suspect. I can only tell you to Google it and search the forums. Maybe it has happened to someone else before. Replacing the broken part might do it.

[@magoddess6779]

Where did you order the square plastic strip Drive and which fuse did you change?

[@judoubledb]

I don't remember exactly, but a number of stores sell it. Just google: BMW part# 67618380036. Not sure about the fuse.

[@MrJunesoo]

HI. I am wondering that the function of the motor you replaced. Because I am planning buying one in near future and I would like to gather as many as Infos possible. Looks like the mother you replaced is for final closing sequence of the top. Am I right or wrong. Please let me know. Thx

[@judoubledb]

It is the main motor that opens and closes the top. There may be another motor for the final closing sequence. I'm not sure.

[@travlerv]

what problem did you have before you decided to change this motor? I ask cos of the various possibilities to correct an issue of the same kind.

[@judoubledb]

I had a clicking between my rear seats and the top would not automatically open or close. Could be the stripped plastic white gear in the motor like I replaced in this video or the black plastic cover not holding down the one gear properly ( I now have this problem a year after replacing the flap motor.) I have it tied down with zip ties for now, but it needs replaced.

[@travlerv]

WOW! So you replaced that only to have the same problem again? I did open mine up after seeing your video. I saw the middle gear being held down by the cover, which I thought was strange. Why would they do that? When you got the motor, I presume the black cover didnt come with it? Is it an OEM part or one bought from perhaps ebay or something? Maybe a generic compatible part. My problem is similar as the lock from that motor doesnt lock when the top is down. Then when I close it manually, I have to click that button to release the hood that covers the top. Its messed up. Then the top latches dont lock the top down. Theres a box that rides on a heared rod that moves the latches open & close & now I saw the right latch not moving. I can hear it spinning , but he latch doesnt move. This is really bad. Really appreciate the video you put out here. If you have tie strips holding the plastic down then what, replace that plastic piece? Maybe the tongues are broken?

[@judoubledb]

I think the replacement motor is an OEM part. The cover didn't come with it. Nothing on the plastic cover is broken that I can see. I think it may get some play in it over the years and not hold the gear down properly. If I recall, you can't buy the plastic cover separately. You have to buy the whole unit. Hope I'm wrong on that one. Haven't looked lately. Someone makes an aftermarket metal cover you can buy on ebay. There's a video on KZbin about it. Might have to do that.

[@patriciomk939]

so it wasnt about the moteur?

[@judoubledb]

It was a white plastic gear in the motor that was stripped, but I don't think you can buy that part separately.

[@christophermcdonough3466]

The clock says 3:25 wtf

[@marklogan9086]

Dude that piece does not come right out those gears that are facing us now at the top of the backside of the unit need to be removed I can't get them out that's a big step dog go back and do it again this time without sleeping in the middle!

[@placidnick100]

Helpful video. The issue I am facing: e46 330ci, car storage cover does not open during top down/up sequence. I pulled out the rear seat and see the CVM motor is moving and the latch is engaging to unlock storage cover. What could be the problem? Here is the video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4OqoaSCncqIjNk

[@franciscomartinez4164]

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[@franciscomartinez4164]

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