Convertible top storage compartment--question?

billeldon · Dec 31, 2014

Brand new (to me!) 2004 325Ci replacing a '99 Miata that wasn't really the ride for 6'2" driver...
I have read the manual backwards and forwards and am really liking a lot of the threads on this forum, thanks to all you with far more experience than I have.
Question about the convertible top compartment--when I unlatch it in the trunk and raise it to the upper position for more luggage space, it does not latch in place and falls right down. I'm assuming it should stay up under its own power if I swing the handle back into position, correct?

GaryFS · Jan 1, 2015

I believe so - at least mine does. It took me a while to figure out exactly how to operate that compartment/lever so I'm probably not the ultimate authority. But yes, once the lever is moved to either of the two positions it stays put and doesn't move.

cityjohn · Jan 1, 2015

I believe the lever is just something to grab and is independent of any "latching" function. (I've moved the compartment with the handle in its stowed position.)

What keeps the compartment up is a gas shock; yours must not have any spring left in it.

billeldon · Jan 1, 2015

Cool, thanks!

billeldon · Jan 29, 2015

New gas strut is in place and all is great!

Now the deck lid is jealous and thinks it should have gotten new struts as well. Next project.

Smashville · Feb 1, 2015

I can't even get mine to open, feels like I'm going to break the handle when I try too

billeldon · Feb 1, 2015

The only thing restricting the position of the compartment is the gas strut on the right side. I would try just removing it and seeing if it's frozen and keeping the compartment from moving. The pressure in the strut holds it both in the raised and the lowered position.

Convertible top storage compartment--question?

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