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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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?
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.
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? 🙏
