E36 323iC top stuck lowered

[Ragnar The Redneck]

I come across this really nice looking E36, dark green with tan interior, that is for sale. Only problem, the top is stuck in the lowered position. I have a good bit of experience with manual tops from back in the day when I restored Triumphs.

My main questions are:

How easy/difficult is it to manually raise the top?

Are parts for the tops still available?

I am going to assume that the top itself is no harder or easier to replace than other tops, and top condition isn't a priority, as it has a black top, and I will change that to tan. Are the original tops canvas or plastic? Not that that really matters, as I plan on replacing with a Robbins Haartz Twillfast.

Oh, yeah, it has 135k miles, automatic and a super low $2500 price. One owner, and new Falken performance tires. Probably has more rubber than this car could ever use.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

[M-technik-3]

Check to see the normal E36 maladies have been taken care of, head gasket, water pump, vanos seal, radiator. I passed on buying an E36 droptop, bought an E46 for same dollar amount. But they have same issues as well.

The top probably has a bad micro switch somewhere not allowing it to close.

[TriumphTim]

Working on an E36 M3 fully auto top.

Most parts are available new or used on Ebay, they made many of these cars.

Under the rear driver's side passenger seat there is a big lever with red tag that disengages the top's motors, you can then move the top up or down.

Should not be "stuck" once that lever is pulled unless bigger problems.

Have fun!!

[TriumphTim]

PS: still have my parents TR2!!

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Originally Posted by TriumphTim

PS: still have my parents TR2!!

I seen that name... And the first thing I thought of was a ratty TR2... One of my college friends had a ratty looking, blue TR2. I always asked him why he drives such a thing, he had money. He would never say anything, but just smile. One day, I guess he got tired of me asking, and tossed me the keys. OMG! That car was fun! Slow, especially compared to my turbo Thunderbird.

Needless to say, I quickly bought the first Triumph I saw, a TR7. Restored that and learned about Triumphs. My favorites, though were the small chassis Triumphs. I had a ton of Spitfires, a couple of GT6's, and even restored a 62 Vitesse Sports 6. Outside of the Vitesse, my favorite was a 77 Spitfire 1500, 11:1 compression, race cam and dual weber dcoe carbs (I was young and dumb, way over-carb'd, but it sure looked and sounded great!).

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Check to see the normal E36 maladies have been taken care of, head gasket, water pump, vanos seal, radiator. I passed on buying an E36 droptop, bought an E46 for same dollar amount. But they have same issues as well.

The top probably has a bad micro switch somewhere not allowing it to close.

Thanks for the reply and the heads up on what else to check on. Everything looks and works great (even the window switches!!! E30s had that problem too)

[M-technik-3]

yeah they tended to break the arm where the motor mounted to bodywork. E30.de used to sell a doubler plate to reinforce them. I had a 93 E30 Vert that I got super cheap in 2003. Seller said it had a bad engine, was just rocker encentrics never were adjusted.

[smilemeal]

While manually raising the convertible top may require some effort, it's generally achievable with basic tools and mechanical skills. However, it's essential to assess the specific issue causing the top to be stuck in the lowered position. Common reasons include hydraulic fluid leaks, faulty motors, or damaged mechanisms. Identifying and addressing the root cause will determine the ease or difficulty of manually raising the top.

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Thanks all for the help, but ultimately didn't purchase. When my wife and I went Sunday to look at it, she didn't like it as much in person as in the photos, and she told me she likes the 6-Series better, so I guess I will be looking for a 6er 'vert.

Anyway, I shared with the fella about how to raise the top manually, he asked me to assist as he wasn't too mechanically inclined. So, I gave it a shot, besides, I was curious as to what was causing the problem. A couple of pinched/broken wires. I repaired with some small crimps and solder, tightly taped them, put back in the little "trough" and tested the top about five times. Worked like a charm.

So, I get a call from the guy this around noon today and he asked if I could stop by around 4 this afternoon. Sure, why not. When I got there he told me that he sold the car already, for $1500 more than he originally asked. Then gave me $500!

So, I'm going to buy all of you a virtual beer!! Thanks!!!!!

[TriumphTim]

Wow cool! Are you talking the E64 6 series? They are nice underrated models, V8 power and still pretty sporty but comfortable.

Yeah, my TR2 is very ratty but 100% mechanically good. It is fun but it will probably go before the E30, even though a family heirloom.

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Originally Posted by TriumphTim

Wow cool! Are you talking the E64 6 series? They are nice underrated models, V8 power and still pretty sporty but comfortable.

Yeah, my TR2 is very ratty but 100% mechanically good. It is fun but it will probably go before the E30, even though a family heirloom.

Either the E64 or an early F12.

I would love to have another Triumph... But the last time I looked at one, I could barely get out. Getting in was easy, but getting out took a little more gymnastics than I want to do when touring the towns in southern Appalachia.

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by Ragnar The Redneck

Thanks all for the help, but ultimately didn't purchase. When my wife and I went Sunday to look at it, she didn't like it as much in person as in the photos, and she told me she likes the 6-Series better, so I guess I will be looking for a 6er 'vert.

Anyway, I shared with the fella about how to raise the top manually, he asked me to assist as he wasn't too mechanically inclined. So, I gave it a shot, besides, I was curious as to what was causing the problem. A couple of pinched/broken wires. I repaired with some small crimps and solder, tightly taped them, put back in the little "trough" and tested the top about five times. Worked like a charm.

So, I get a call from the guy this around noon today and he asked if I could stop by around 4 this afternoon. Sure, why not. When I got there he told me that he sold the car already, for $1500 more than he originally asked. Then gave me $500!

So, I'm going to buy all of you a virtual beer!! Thanks!!!!!

Best story of the year. Class act on both sides. Enjoy your beer!