541-
8
CONVERTIBLE
TOP
CAUTION-
In
caseof
failure
of
the
automatic
or
semi-auto-
matic
convertible
top
function,
only
use
the
emer-
gency
procedure
to
close
the
top,
never
to
open
it
.
An
authorized
BMW
dealer
should
then
be
con-
sulted
.
0012764
Fig
.
17
.
Convertible
topmotor
emergency
release
handle
under
rear
seat
.
Pull
in
direction
of
arrow
to
release
top
.
It
is
then
possible
to
push
thetop
manually
to
a
near
closed
position
.
In
the
case
of
the
semi-automatic
top,
simply
attach
and
lock
the
front
latches
.
Front
Latches
.
Once
the
fully
automatic
convertible
top
has
been
released
from
the
motor
and
manually
pushed
to
near-closure,
emergency
latchíng
ofthetop
is
possible
by
us-
ing
the
S-shaped
hex
key
provided
in
the
emergency
tool
kit
.
First,
remove
the
plastic
cover
over
the
latch
motor
in
the
front
bow
of
the
convertible
top
.
See
Fig
.
18
.
Next,
use
the
hex
key
from
tool
box
to
crank
the
front
latch-
es
shut
.
See
Fig
.
19
.
Luggage
Compartment
Cover
.
A
microswitch
in
the
right
convertible
top
lid
latch
prevents
the
luggage
compartment
from
being
opened
whilethe
lid
is
up
.
This
lockout
can
be
overridden
by
pressing
on
the
microswitch
.
Refer
toFig
.
14
.
POWER
CONVERTIBLE
TOP
Fig
.
18
.
Remove
plastic
cover
from
center
of
convertible
roof
front
bow
to
access
latching
motor
drive
.
0012762
Fig
.
19
.
Using
emergency
hexkey
to
move
front
part
of
convertible
top
.
CAUTION-
The
convertible
top
lid
and
the
luggage
compart-
ment
cover
interfere
with
each
other
and
cannot
beopen
at
the
same
time
.
To
avoid
damage
to
painted
surfaces,
an
assistant
should
keep
the
lid
down
until
the
luggage
compartment
cover
can
beclosed
.
Convertible
Top
Lid
The
components
of
the
convertible
top
lid
are
shown
in
Fig
.
20
.
Fig
.
20
.
Components
of
the
convertible
top
lid
.
ROLLOVER
PROTECTION
SYSTEM
The
lid
latches
are
cable
operated
by
a
drive
motor
located
in
the
left
sideof
the
luggagecompartment,
behind
the
trim
lin-
er
.
The
same
motor
is
used
to
raise
and
lower
the
lid
during
automatic
convertible
topoperation
.
The
latch
cables
must
be
adjusted
so
that
the
lidfits
snugly
against
the
body
when
locked
.
The
lid
drive
motor
can
be
removed
and
replaced
from
the
luggage
compartment
.
Two
spring-locaed
cassettes
are
mounted
behind
the
rear
seat
.
A
single
rollover
sensor,
mounted
on
the
left
cassette,
signals
the
convertible
top
module
(CVM)
of
animminent
roll-
over,
whereupon
the
module
triggers
both
cassettes
within
3j10th
of
a
second
.
See
Fig
.
21
.
Once
the
cars
ignition
has
been
switched
on,
the
rollover
sensor
performs
a
self-test
lasting
6
seconds
.
During
this
time
a
yellow
warning
light
is
lit
on
the
dashboard
.
If
thewarning
lightfails
to
go
out
after
6
seconds,
this
means
that
a
fault
has
been
detected
in
the
system
.
The
fault
is
stored
in
the
CM
Faults
canbe
retrieved
and
diagnosedby
special
diagnostic
equipment
.
NOTE-
Diagnosis
of
the
convertible
top
and
the
Rollover
Pro-
tection
System
are
beyond
the
scope
of
this
book
.
Your
authorized
BMW
dealer
has
the
proper
diagnostic
equipment
and
tools
to
carry
out
these
tasks
.
CONVERTIBLE
TOP
541-
9
Fig
.
21
.
Construction
of
the
rollover
protection
cassette
.
After
deployment,
thedetent
pawl
in
a
rollover
protection
cassette
can
be
retracted
using
the
special
tool
in
the
tool
kit,
fitted
to
the
screwdriver
handle
.
The
rear
seatheadrest
needs
to
be
raised
for
this
procedure
.
WARNING
-
Ensure
that
the
area
above
and
adjacent
to
the
roll-
over
bars
remains
clear
and
unobstructed
at
all
times
.
CAUTION-
"
Itis
not
possible
to
close
the
convertible
top
with
the
rollover
bars
extended
.
"
If
a
hardtop
is
mounted,
be
sure
to
install
the
pro-
tective
rollover
bar
covers
provided
with
the
hard-
top
to
prevent
damaglng
the
rear
window
in
case
of
deployment
.
0012744
ROLLOVER
PROTECTION
SYSTEM
610-12
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Combination
(Stalk)
Switch
1993-1998
Left
sidesteering
column
(turn
signals/high-low
bean
switch)
Convertible
Top
ActuatingSwitch
1994-1998
Center
console
Convertible
Top
Control
Module
1994-1998
In
lower
left
C-pillar
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
TopEnd
Position
Switch
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Convertible
Top
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
sideof
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
Top
Position
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Lock
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Motor
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
1994-1998
Inright
side
convertible
top
storage
lid
latch
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
side
of
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Coolant
Leve¡
Sensor
(if
applicable)
1992-1998
Bolted
on
radiator,
left
side
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine/cylinder
head
Fig
.
19
.
Fig
.
20
.
Cooling
Fan
Dual
Switch
1992-1998
Right
side
radiator
Fig
.
18
.
Cooling
Fan
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
front
grill
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1992-1995
At
front
crankshaft
pulley
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1996-1998
Left
rearof
crankcase
Crash
Sensor,
Airbag
1992-1993
On
right/left
frontstrut
tower
Crash
Control
Module
1992
Auxiliary
relay
panel
Crash
Control
Module
1993-1998
Driver's
side
footwell
Crash
Sensor,
Right/Left
Side
1997-1998
Right/left
door
sill
behind
front
seat
Impact
Airbag
Cruise
Control
Actuator
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
compartment
Fig
.
7
.
Cruise
Control
Module
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Data
Link
Connector
1992-1998
Right
sideof
engine
Fig
.
7
.
Digital
Motor
Electronics
(DME)
1992-1998
Right
rear
engine
compartment,
behind
bulkhead
panel
Fig
.
7
.
Control
Module
DoorLock
Heater
1993-1994
Left
front
doorhandle
DoorHandle
Switch
1994-1998
left
front
door
Drive-away
Protection
(EWS
II)
1/1995
-
1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
Fig
.
9
.
Dual
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1997-1998
Below
intake
manifold
Fig
.
19
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fig
.
20
.
Electronic
Immobilizer
Control
(
1/1995-1998
~
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
(EWS
II)
Fig
.
9
.
Continued
610-14
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
G
102
1992-1998
Left
front
strut
tower
G
103
1992-1998
Right
front
strut
tower
G
110
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
G
111
1992-1998
Near
battery
G
117
1992-1998
Right
rearof
engine
G
119
1992-
1998
Right
front
of
engine
G
123
1992-1998
Right
side
of
safety
wall
G
200
1992-1998
Left
kick
panel
G
201
1992-1998
Right
side
ofI/P
G
202
1992-1998
Left
side
ofI/P
G
203
1992-1998
Right
kick
panel
G
230
1992-1998
Right
kick
panel
G
301
1992-1998
Below
rightfront
seat
G
302
1992-1998
Below
center
console
G
303
1992-1998
Below
right
rear
seat
G
310
1992-1998
Behind
right
rear
seat
G
312
1992-1998
Behind
left
rear
seat
G
313
1992-1998
Right
side
of
rear
shelf
G
314
1992-1998
Left
side
of
rear
shelf
G
400
1992-1998
Left
front
side
of
trunk
G
404
1992-1998
Left
rearside
of
trunk
Camshaft
Position
Sensor
1992-1998
Front
of
engine
Fig
.
7
.
Hard
Top,
Connector
1
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Hard
Top,
Connector
II
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Hazard
Flasher
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Headlight
High
Beam
Relay
1998
Left
hand
side
of
dash
behind
instrument
cluster
Headlight
High
Beam
Relay
1992-1997
Power
distribution
box
Headlight
Low
Beam
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Heat
ExchangerTemperature
1993-1998
Center
console
Sensors
(left
and
right)
HeaterBlower
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
fresh
air
cowl
HeaterBlower
Motor
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Heat
Rear
Recirculation
Flap
1997-1998
Right
sideof
heater
box
Actuator
COMPONENTLOCATIONS
Tablea
.
E36
Component
Locations
Continued
610-16
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
MixingSwitch
1992-1994
Center
console
Multi-Function
Clock
1992-1998
Center
console
Multi-information
Display
(MDI)
1992-1998
Center
console
Normal
Speed
Cooling
Fan
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Neutral
SafetySwitch
(Automatic
1992-1998
Next
to
gear
shift
lever
in
center
console
Fig
.
29
.
Transmission
Range
Switch)
Oil
Pressure
Switch
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
below
intake
manifold
at
oil
filter
housing
On-Board
Computer
1992-1998
Center
console
On-BoardComputerHorn
Relay
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
On-Board
Computer
Temperature
11992-1998
I
Right
front
of
engine
compartment
Sensor
Outside
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1997
Inright
front
brake
cooling
duct
Outside
Temperature
Sensor
1998
Right
rear
of
engine
compartment
behind
fresh
air
cowl
Oxygen
Sensor
HeaterRelay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Oxygen
Sensor(s)
1992-1998
On
exhaust
pipe
ahead/behind
catalytic
converter
(M42/M44
engine)
Oxygen
Sensor
(x2)
1992-1995
On
exhaust
pipe
ahead
of
catalytic
converter
(M50/S50US
engine)
Oxygen
Sensors
(x4)
1996-1998
On
exhaust
manifold/exhaust
pípe
behind
catalytic
converter
(M52/S52US
engine)
Parking
Brake
Switch
1
1992-1998
I
On
rear
of
parking
brake
lever
Power
Distribution
Box
11992-1998
I
Rear
left
of
engine
compartment
I
Fig
.
2
.
Fig
.
7
.
Fig
.
10
.
Radio
Microswitch
1992
-
1996
Center
console
behind
radio
Radio
Receíver
1
1997-1998
1
Right
rear
luggage
compartment
Relay
And
Fuse
Box
(Power
1992-1998
I
Left
side
of
engine
compartment
I
Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box)
Fig
.
7
.
Fig
.
10
.
Rear
Window
Blower
1994-1998
Behind
rear
seat
(convertible)
Rear
Window
Blower
Microswitch
1994-1994
At
convertible
top
linkage
Rear
Window
Blower
Microswitch
1995-1998
Behind
rear
seat
(convertible)
Rear
Window
BlowerRelay
11994-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Fig
.
2
.
Fig
.
30
.
Fig
.
8
.
Rear
Window
DefoggerRelay
Reversing
(Back-up)
Light
Switch
SplicePanel,
Right
Rollover
Protection
Actuator
11994-1998
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
1992-1998
1992-1998
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Right
or
left
side
top
of
transmission
Behind
glove
compartment
Behind
rear
seat
(convertible)
Fig
.
9
.
Continued
GENERAL
E36
cars
are
equipped
with
integrated
automatic
heating
and
air
conditioning
systems
.
Many
of
the
procedures
given
in
this
repair
group
require
that
the
A/C
refrigerant
charge
be
evacuated
using
specialized
equipment
.
See
A/C
System
Warningsand
Cautions
later
in
this
repair
group
.
HEATER
AND
CONTROLS
Blower
motor,
removing
and
installing
NOTE-
On
6-cylinder
cars,
the
plastic
top
enginecover
and
fuel
rail
covermustbe
removed
.
The
fuel
injectorhamess
re-
taining
screws
must
be
removed
and
the
harness
set
aside
.
The
engine
control
module
(ECM)
cover
must
be
removed,
the
control
unit
connectors
unplugged
and
the
harness
pulled
out
of
the
way
.
See
130
Fuel
Injection
.
1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
cable
from
battery
.
2
.
Open
hood
.
Unclip
engine
bulkhead
plenum
grille
at
base
of
windshíeld
and
remove
grille
.
See
Fig
.
1
.
HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING
640-1
640
Heating
and
Air
Conditioning
GENERAL
.
...
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
640-1
Heater
andA/C
air
distribution
motor,
replacing(rotary-knob)
.
.
...
.
.
.
.......
.
640-10
HEATER
AND
CONTROLS
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.640-1
Rear
Window
Defogger
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
640-10
Blower
motor,
removing
and
installing
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-1
Rear
Window
Blower
(convertible
models)
.
.640-10
Blowermotor
resistor
pack,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-3
AIR
CONDITIONING
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-11
Heater
valve,
replacing
...........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-3
Heater
box,
removing
and
installing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-4
A/CSystem
Warnings
and
Cautions
.
.
.
.
.
.
:640-11
Heater
core,
replacing
.....
.
.
:
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-6
A/C
compressor,
replacing
.
.
::.
:
:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.640-12
Heater
core
temperature
sensor,
replacing
.
.
640-7
A/C
Compressor
Clutch
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-13
Heater
andA/C
Control
Head
.
.
....
.
.....
.
640-7
A/C
condenser,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-14
Heater
andA/C
control
head,
removing
A/C
receiver/drier,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-15
and
installing
(rotary-knob)
.
.
....
.
......
640-7
A/C
expansion
valve,
Heater
andA/C
control
head,
removing
removing
and
installing
...
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-16
and
installing
(digital-display)
.
.....
.
.....
640-8
A/C
evaporator,
removing
and
installing
.
.
..
640-17
Heater
andA/C
control
module,removing
A/C
evaporator
temperature
sensor,
and
installing
(rotary-knob)
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-8
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
..............
.
.
.
.
.
..
640-17
Heater
andA/C
control
module,removing
A/C
microfilter,
replacing
......
.
....
.
.
.
..
640-18
and
installing
(digital-display)
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
...
640-8
Sensor
fan
for
interior
temperature,
TABLES
replacing
.
.
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-9
a
.
Blower
Motor
Test
Values
.........
...
.
.
......
640-3
Heater
andA/C
AirDistribution
Motors
.
.
.
.
.
.
640-9
b
.
Heater
Core
Temperature
Sensor
Test
Values
...
.640-7
c
.
Evaporative
Temperature
Sensor
Test
Values
...
640-17
d
.
A/C
System
Fluid
Capacities
(total)
..
..........
640-18
0012527
Fig
.
1
.
Detach
grille
retaining
clips
(arrows)
and
pull
grille
upward
and
out
of
rubbergasket
.
CAUTION-
Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautionsgiven
at
the
front
of
this
manual
onpage
viii
.
HEATER
AND
CONTROLS
640-10
HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING
i
El
Radio
Antenna
Rear
.
,
si,-
Left
side
I
d
1
.
Rear
vents
2
.
Fresh
air
3
.
Face-level
vents
4
.
Recirculation
5
.
Footwell
vents
0013017
Fig
.
28
.
Location
oflate
production
air
distribution
motors
in
heater
box(shown
in
rear,
side
and
top
views)
.
Heater
andA/C
air
distribution
motor,
replacing
(rotary-knob)
1
.
Toaccess
left
side
motors
(dash
vent
mixing
or
recircu-
lation
flap),
remove
lower
dash
panel
and
knee
bolster
on
driver
side
.
See
513
Interior
Trim
.
2
.
To
access
right
side
motor
(fresh
air
flap),
remove
glove
compartment
.
See513
Interior
Trim
.
3
.
Each
motor
can
be
removed
after
its
electrical
wiring
harness
connector
has
been
removed
.
Squeeze
plastic
clip
to
release
motor
.
See
Fig
.
29
.
Fig
.
29
.
A/
C
air
distribution
motor
plastic
retaíning
clip
(arrow)
.
Re-
lease
clip
and
tilt
motor
out
of
housing
.
Rear
Window
Defogger
0011877
The
rear
window
defogger
switch
is
integrated
with
the
heating
andA/C
control
head
.
HEATER
AND
CONTROLS
Fig
.
30
.
Wiring
diagram
of
rear
window
defogger
and
radio
antenna
.
Rear
Window
Blower
(Convertible
Models)
A
blower
fan,
fitted
into
the
rear
seatback,
defogs
therear
window
.
It
will
only
operate
with
the
engine
nunning
and
the
top
raised
.
A
microswitch
behindthe
rear
seats
provides
the
signal
that
thetop
is
raised
.
To
access
the
blower
fan
motor,
it
is
necessary
to
remove
four
screwsfrom
the
center
seat
back
.
Remove
the
wiring
har-
ness
connector
and
motor
mounting
boits,
then
remove
motor
by
pulling
it
down
and
forward
.
See
Fig
.
31
.
ri
Suppressor
filter
1
0013005
Fig
.
31
.
Rear
window
blower
in
center
of
rear
seat
back
(arrow)
.
The
electric
rear
window
defogger
is
integrated
with
the
ra-
dio
antenna
.
See
Fig
.
30
.
y
/f
0013014
Rear
speaker,
removing
and
installing
Door
panel
speaker,
removing
and
installing
NOTE
-
Rear
speakers
in
convertible
models
are
installed
un-
der
the
rear
side
panels
.
For
rearside
panelremoval
procedure,
see
411Doors
.
1
.
Working
at
rear
parcel
shelf,
pry
speakercoverby
inner
edge
and
remove
.
See
Fig
.
12
.
0011632
Fig
.
12
.
Pry
up
inner
edge
of
speaker
cover
off
rear
parcel
shelf
.
2
.
Remove
mountingscrews
and
depress
speaker
retain-
ing
clip
.
See
Fig
.
13
.
Lower
speaker
into
trunk
.
Fig
.
13
.
Remove
screws
(A)
and
depress
clip
(B)
.
4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
0011633
3
.
Disconnect
speaker
connector
andremove
speaker
from
box
.
RAM
650-5
1.
On
carswith
side-impact
airbags,
disconnect
negative
(-)
cable
from
battery
.
CAUTION-
Prior
to
disconnecttog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
vi¡¡
.
2
.
Remove
inner
door
panel
.
See
411
Doors
.
WARNING
-
Some
1997
and
all
1998
model
year
cars
are
equipped
with
front
side-impact
airbags
in
the
front
doors
.
When
servicing
the
doors
with
front
side-im-
pact
airbags,
alwaysdisconnect
the
negative
()
battery
terminal
.
See
721Airbag
System
(SRS)
for
cautions
and
procedures
relating
to
theairbag
sys-
tem
.
3
.
On
back
of
door
panel,
remove
nut
on
top
of
speaker
retaining
bracket
and
remove
bracket
from
behind
speaker
.
See
Fig
.
14
.
Fig
.
14
.
Speaker
retaining
nut
(arrow)
.
4
.
Disconnect
speaker
connector
from
harness
connector
and
remove
loudspeaker
forwardthrough
door
panel
.
5
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Install
side-impact
airbag
using
new
screws
.
See
721
Airbag
System
(SRS)
.
RADIO
AND
SPEAKER
SERVICE