E46 convertible pump and valve block

[@jamiestark8579]

Jeff, Great video but I found a very simple and effective way to remove the plastic reservoir Flip pump body upside down, gently clamp in a bench vice so reservoir is pointing up. Grip reservoir and gently turn while pulling away from body. Mine came off with very little effort.

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try that next time.

[@matts826]

Hi, great video, what issues were you having with your roof out of interest? When I’m opening mine, the roof seems to lock out at the point where the rear solid cover is fully opened to the vertical position so I’m thinking it’s one of the bank of 3 solenoids being faulty, as the soft top wont fold into the boot space

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

Mine was opening slowly that turned out to be a leak on the block connected to the pump. First thing I'd do is get INPA setup and look at indications from the CVM. I'd go to E46fanatics.com and look at the convertible section for guidance. A lot more there than I can try and pass on here.

[@samahmed1146]

Great job and video I just bought same car and top not working changed the control unit still same ..any advice I will appreciate it ..I am all the way overseas in egypt

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

I would suggest going to the E46fanatics forum and looking at the convertible section. There is a huge amount of information there about the possible problems and fixes.

[@samahmed1146]

@@jeffrichardsoncardiy thanks for reply I will do this and again I appreciate your reply and the video great job

[@standtall7646]

Did you figure out your problem? What is year and model of your car?

[@crisbivolaru819]

Hello sir incredible useful video . I have an issue that when I want to open the top the black tonneau cover will not lift up on the contrary the pump wants to close it even more . I tried another pump with another attached single solenoid and the issue remains also I tried another motor under the seats but no change . Any insights would be greatly appreciated

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

It sounds like V1, the solenoid on the pump that controls the tonneau cover isn't working correctly. Whenever the pump is operating it will port fluid to lower the cover. When V1 activates it then applies pressure to both sides, which makes the cover open due to the greater surface area on the open side of the piston. Have a look at the following thread at E46 fanatics. You will have to scroll down to my comments (comment #8) that explains how all this works. www.e46fanatics.com/threads/have-i-made-a-damage.1318404/#post-19173321

[@standtall7646]

Is it possible to bleed air out of reservoir by loosening or removing the 2nd screw( to the left on 2000 323ci E46) from the pump body?

[@wizzywilson]

My e46 has a very slow opening and closing roof which eventually runs out of steam halfway through opening, what part of this would need replacing, the motor? Fluid level is fine with no leaks in the system.

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

The first thing I'd do is pull the pump and clean it all out and put in fresh fluid. Also clean out all the solenoids including those on the valve block on the left side. Then see how things work. Often this can fix the issue. If not it could be a few things, maybe the seals in the main hyd cylinders.

[@wizzywilson]

@@jeffrichardsoncardiy Thank you for replying, I'll give that a try.

[@marshall8961]

Where can I find the diagram? I have the new model, mine doesn't build pressure I have to help it, any ideas?

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

Have a look at the following link. I made the diagram from it. ia801005.us.archive.org/11/items/BMWTechnicalTrainingDocuments/ST034%20E46%20Complete%20Vehicle/5%20CVM%20and%20Convertible%20Top.pdf

[@marcusb9365]

Hello sir, I bought a new pump some years ago with 3 (or 2) solenoids on the pump. But original there is only one. When I swapped the pumps I have the same issue. The hydraulic starts to foam when starting the procedure. I have to manually help the vert to operate. I really don’t know if the old solenoid in to the pump is my problem. There is no pressure in the system. I just hear the engine spinning, not the “ruffer” sound as it should be. Do you have some suggestions?

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

The pump with the two solenoids is the old variety. The pump on the later model cars had only one. I've never come across that problem before, but it sounds like it's sucking air into the system somehow. If it's happening with two different pumps then clearly the problem isn't with the pump. It can't be an external leak so it must be internal. Maybe a jack seal or solenoid.

[@marcusb9365]

@@jeffrichardsoncardiy Thanks Jeff. Im really tired of this symptom. Hard to find information about this problem actually.

[@standtall7646]

This could be sucking air from a loose fitting or a pinhole in a line.

[@trapold1825]

hello sir May I ask what is the inner diameter and thickness of the largest O-ring at the bottom of the hydraulic oil pot and the O-ring at the top of the pot? 🙏

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

I don't have those dimensions. You'll have to remove and measure.

[@Umer-v3o]

What was orginal issue that made you do this

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

I had some leaking hyd cylinder O rings, so I decided to pull the whole thing, replace all seals, clean it out, show how to test stuff etc.

[@Umer-v3o]

@@jeffrichardsoncardiy ok great- i have a problem where my e46 roof retracts half way then stops then needs manually putting in compartment , then when putting back up struggles to come out of compartment with help brining it up it does latch - ive checked the loom wire for potential weak points look ok. not sure if its a pump issue tbh or i should change the fluid

[@jeffrichardsoncardiy]

@@Umer-v3o If it's not suddenly stopping, but instead just struggling to move with the pump still running, there is a pressure problem. I'd initially suggest removing the pump and all solenoids for a full clean and also replace the fluid. If this doesn't help then it's probably the seals inside the main hyd cylinders that are failing. Common problem, but can be fixed by Top Hydraulics. Expensive, but they do very good work.

[@Umer-v3o]

@@jeffrichardsoncardiy Oh great , i think i forgot to mention prior to having issues i had a window regulator problem and during this time was having issue-replaced window regulator but same issue.

[@Umer-v3o]

@@jeffrichardsoncardiy bascailly stop suddenly halfway