Deutsch
EnglishOperation, maintenance -> Hardtop* for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006
Hardtop*
113
It is not necessary to remove the fabric
top even in the winter, when the hard-
top is generally in constant use. But you
can also remove it at any time with no
problem. Before the fabric top is stored
in the convertible top compartment, it
must be absolutely dry in order to avoid
water spot and mildew from forming.
The hardtop offers reading lamps and
clothing hooks that can be used just by
pressing. In addition, a roof-rack
assembly is possible. In this regard,
please contact your BMW center.
Storage
Installation
Storing the hardtop on the floor:
1. Lower the side windows completely
and flip the sun visors down. If nec-
essary, remove the antenna rod to
avoid any damage
2. Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid slightly by pressing the but-
ton for the convertible top operation,
refer to page 42
When suspending articles of
clothing from the hooks, be sure
that they will not obstruct the driver's
vision. Do not hang heavy objects on
the hooks. If you do so, they could
cause personal injury during braking or
evasive maneuvers.<
slide the styrofoam block that
came with the hardtop forward to its
center. The arrow on top of the styro-
foam block has to be pointing upward
when you are doing this.<
3. Remove the trim pieces on both
sides by pulling them off toward the
back – see arrow – and reclose the
convertible top compartment lid
Two people are required for installation
or removal. Work with extreme caution
in order to avoid paint damage and
damage to the body or hardtop.
To facilitate hardtop installation or
removal, you can obtain a specially
designed hardtop lift* or hardtop rack*
at your BMW center.
114 Hardtop*
8. In the back, close the red locking
levers by turning to the inside as far
as the stop located behind the trim
will allow. Flip the cover panels back
into place
9. To lock the hardtop in the front, keep
pressing on the front locking levers
until you hear it engage.
Removal
Follow the same procedure as when
installing, just reverse the steps.
4. Raise the two front locking levers on 5. Before installing, first flip the cover
the hardtop. Press on the buttons to
panels that are located underneath
the left and right interior lamps down.
To do this, press on the slight bump
on the cover panel. There is a holder
in the cover panel to securely store
the trim pieces that have been
do so – see arrow. The levers will
release slightly. Raise the levers as
far as the stop will allow
removed – see arrow 1
6. Open the red release lever as far as
the stop will allow – see arrow 2
7. Position the hardtop onto the sup-
ports with the help of a second per-
son. Be sure to put the mountings
exactly into the proper brackets
Lift the hardtop carefully. Be
extremely careful not to shift the
seals. Seals that have been shifted out
of place or actually pulled out cause
leaks.<
