IG - That.blue36


Manual Tonneau cover diagram with locking system & part numbers
- http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showp...

Auto Tonneau cover with lock system diagram (for help)
- http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showp...

Manual soft top diagram with part numbers
- http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showp...

Tonneau manual lock system video
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E36 center lock fuse to unlock trunk
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How to put down the Auto top manually
❗E36 top instructions❗
.He starts with "First, manually open the top, placing it back into its storage bin, and then close the lid of the bin as far as it will go."
Fine and dandy if you know how to manually open the top. I should note that if the motors are not currently disengaged, pull the handle and disengage them, or none of this will work.
There are a couple of very important steps he left out.
1 Open the hood (bonnet for you Brits). Locate the fuse panel near the firewall on the driver's side (American). Yank fuse #7 which partially controls the central locking system and the convertible top. If you previously couldn't get into your trunk, now you can. Keep it closed.
2. Locate the small plastic cover plate in the center of the front of the convertible top (back from the dome lights). Remove it by using a sharp object and prying it out from the seam nearest you (furthest from the windshield frame) to keep from damaging it.
3. Locate the Allen screw within. Minimally, all you need is an Allen wrench (don't ask me what size) and a hell of a lot of endurance for repetitive motion. Your best bet is to snag a cordless drill with an Allen bit in it. Either way, insert the Allen-tool and rotate it CLOCKWISE. You will see the top start to move slowly away from the windshield frame. Next, the two latches uncouple from the windshield frame. DON'T STOP HERE. That was my stumbling stone. Keep cranking it clockwise until it starts clicking.
4. Lift the front of the top up as far up and back as you can. Don't force anything, you'll know when it reaches its limit of motion.
5. Now lift the back of the top up. Once you lift it high enough, you will be able to grab the front and fold the top back down into the trough that to top fits into.

DO NOT PULL THE HANDLE FIRST

❗I just checked and it was indeed turn right to disengage, left to reattach❗

❗so essentially, its probably best to disengage the motors first as it makes no difference to the alan key openening part of the process. How will I know when I have used the alan key enough? Will I get resistance, or hear a noise maybe?

Resistance, it'll be harder to turn it.