So here's my $.02 worth:

If the top is closed and there is no flashing light on the OPEN/CLOSE buttons, I think you're good to go. There are enough sensors in the roof mechanism that it knows when its not in an error mode.

 

Yes, flashing red light at buttons would indicate a problem.

Take a look at (search) broken wires in the top elbow above driver head rest for a quick tip. Broken wires there are a common problem - however, not sure if its caused by the latches not working properly or something related to them tho.

 

Yes, he's got a flashing red light on the button now. We'll check that harness next. The top is up and locked, so he's stuck driving it till I can look at it! Thank you all. Will post back with what we find.

 

Yes, he's got a flashing red light on the button now. We'll check that harness next.

You really need to read the error codes stored in the CVM to know what is wrong. Guessing isn't really an option here. I use BMW Scanner 1.4 and a Windows XP laptop to read the CVM codes. There are other applications that can do this also.

That being said, a common failure point in the E46 Cabriolet Top is a fractured wire in the wiring harness on the drivers (LEFT) side. When my top failed, I found the GREEN wire to be broken. I used this video as a guide.

In this video, the owner removes the clamp that is on the wiring harness sheath - I found that with little effort, it can be slid down the harness once the sheathing has been separated without being removed. Also - do use a soldering iron to carefully open the harness - scissors will leave you with a hacked up mess.

 

Search YouTube for this issue. Several good videos on issues & fixes.

 

For sure, already have him on it! He's putting in the wrench time on it.

 

There are small magnets at the top latches that dis/engage to send a open/close position. I hope they were not detached or misaligned when the plastic was replaced.

 

We finally got some time to look at it today, still no success.

The latches were not in the same position so we pulled off one of the axle shafts from the motor and lined them up manually.

Still has a red flashing light but you can open and close the latches with the button.

However, they don't stop on their own when the reach either end.

Also when you open the top, the latches open but the top does not rise at all. No top or decklid movement.

He took it to a shop and told me the guy said that the latches are not reporting open or closed. I'm searching the forum as am going to need to get our own scanner.

Are there sensors on the latches that tells the system what position it is in? I was not around when he removed the assemblies from the top and replaced the parts. Or is it these magnets from the comment above @D1NONLY, where are these at?


We have not checked the wiring harness above the drivers head yet as before he worked on the latches, all was working fine.


Appreciate any input.

Thanks

 

Think I found something on the magnets,

Are they supposed to be on top/attached to the black threaded plastic that goes on the worm gear?

Hope he didn't lose them.

Additional ideas and tips welcome.

 

Ok confirmed he didn't move the magnets from the old arms to the new ones.

And he tossed the old parts.

I'm searching the forum but any suggestions on a replacement magnets(s)?

 

For future readers, the kits don't come with the magnet for the drivers side and ours didn't have instructions to move the magnet over from the old one.

I found these on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1DVB6MX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

He used 4 of the smallest magnets, we put a drop of epoxy into the hole and pushed the magnets in.