1994 BMW M3 window

GENERAL
.
...
.
.
.
......
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
......
541-1



Visor
Latch
Plate
.....
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
...
.541-4

Visor
Latch
..
.
............
.
.
.
..........
541-4

MANUAL
CONVERTIBLE
TOP
.
.
.
.
...
.
..
541-1



Visor
Latch
Motor
...
.......
.
.
.
..
........
541-5

Visor
Latch
Plate
.
.
......
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
541-1



Convertible
top
and
frame,
replacing
........
541-5

VisorLatch
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..........
.
.....
.
.
.541-1



Convertible
top
drive
motor,
replacing



......
541-7

Convertible
Top
Lid
Release
Mechanism
.
.
.
.
541-2



Convertible
Top
Emergency
Operation
.....
.541-7

Convertible
top
and
frame,
replacing
....
.
.
.
541-2



Convertible
Top
Lid
.
.
.
.
...........
.
.....
541-9

POWER
CONVERTIBLE
TOP
.
.
.
.
....
.
.
.
541-2



ROLLOVER
PROTECTION
SYSTEM
..
.
.
541-9

FrontLatching
Mechanism
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
......
.
541-4

GENERAL

The
convertible
top
comes
in
three
versions
:
a
manually
op-erated
top,
a
semi-automatic
power
top
and
a
fully
automatic
power
top
.

NOTE-

The
convertible
top
control
module
(CVM)
is
located
behind
the
left
rearside
trim
panel
.
For
the
location
of
other
convertible
top
electric
components
see610
Electrical
Component
Locations
.

The
rear
window
in
the
convertible
models
is
made
of
a
strong,
flexible
vínyl
which
is
available
separately
.
Replace-

ment
of
the
rear
window
is
not
covered
in
this
manual
.

The
left
and
right
visor
latch
plates
can
be
accessed
by
re-
moving
the
trim
and
moldings
around
the
sides
and
top
of
the

windshield
.
Each
latch
is
secured
to
thetop
of
the
windshield

usingthree
bolts
.
Latch
position
is
adjusted
as
follows
:

541
Convertible
Top

CONVERTIBLE
TOP



541-1

"
Loosen
bolts

"
Latch
top

"
Align
top

"
Retighten
bolts
.
See
Fig
.
1
.

BMW
has
designed
a
specialbattery
tray
for
the
convertible

which,
in
conjunction
with
the
mass
of
the
battery
in
the
lug-

gage
compartment,
serves
to
dampen
convertible
body
flex
ing
and
vibration
.



Fig
.
1.



Visor
latchplate
is
held
to
top
of
windshieldwith
three
bolts
(arrows)
.

CAUTION-

The
E36
convertible
requires
a
specialbattery



VisorLatch
which
is
designed
for
constant
vibration
.
A
battery
not
designed
forthis
will
fa¡¡
much
earlier
.



Check
for
ease
of
release
and
locking
of
convertible
top
front
latches
.
Height
of
a
latch
can
be
changed
by
using
the
adjusting
screw
.
To
change
latch
tension,
it
is
necessary
to
re-
MANUAL
CONVERTIBLE
TOP



move
the
trim
on
the
front
bow
of
thetop
.
The
ball-joint
pull-rod
length
can
then
be
adjusted
.
Lubricate
latch
if
necessary
.
See

Visor
Latch
Plate



Fig
.
2
.

MANUAL
CONVERTIBLE
TOP

541-2



CONVERTIBLE
TOP

Fig
.
2
.



Manually
operated
frontlatch
.
Loosen
mounting
nuts
(A)
and
locknut
(B),
then
adjust
latch
height
with
hex-bolt
(C)
.
(Fully
automatic
front
latch
height
adjuster
is
similar
.)
Latch
tension

ís
adjusted
at
rod
ball-joint
end
(D)
.

Convertible
Top
Lid
Release
Mechanism

The
convertible
lid
release
handle
is
situated
in
the
trim

panel
behind
the
driver's
seat
.
To
remove
thehandle,
pull
its

plastic
insert
forward
and
remove
the
triminsert
.
The
handle
is

mounted
with
a
single
screw
.

Abowden
cable
is
routed
from
the
handle
to
the
left
lid
latch
.

Another
cable
is
routed
from
the
left
tothe
right
latch
inside
the

luggage
compartment
.
It
is
accessed
by
pulling
down
the
trim

lining
off
the
front
wall
of
the
compartment
.

Convertible
top
and
frame,
replacing

1
.
Open
convertible
top
partially
.
Open
convertible
top
lid
.



J
I~I~KX
Open
back
windows
.



_

v
2
.
Remove
fasteners
in
compartments
behind
door
posts

and
lift
out
complete
top
.
Count
number
of
shims
on

horizontal
mounting
bolts
.
See
Fig
.
3
.

3
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Be
sure
to
replaceU-
shaped
shims
on
horizontal
mounting
bolts
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

Fig
.
4
.



Horizontal
positioning
bolt(A)
and
U-shaped
adjusting
shims4
.
To
adjust
position
and
fit
oftop,
remove
or
add
U-



(B)for
convertible
top
.
One
of
two
main
mounting
nuts
(ar
shaped
shims
until
top
is
properly
aligned
.
Tighten
nuts



rows)
also
visible
.

and
screws
.

POWER
CONVERTIBLE
TOP

The
semi-automatic
top,
installed
in
1996
convertibles,

must
first
be
manually
released
from
the
visor
latch
plates
and
pushed
back
past
the
"tension
point,"
wheréupon,
the
auto-
matic
retracting
motor
and
linkage
take
over
and
pull
it
into
the
storage
compartment
behind
the
back
seat
.

POWER
CONVERTIBLE
TOP

Fig
.
3
.



Mounting
nuts
(A)
for
convertible
top
(two
oneach
side)
.
There
is
also
a
horizontal
bolt
with
spacers
oneach
side
(B)
.

0012754

The
fully
automatic
top,
standard
on
1997
and
later
convert-

ibles,
allows
complete
operation
of
the
top,
from
fully
open
to
fully
closed,withthe
push
of
atoggleswitch
on
the
console
.

The
top
switch
incorporates
a
"top
unlatched"
warning
LED
.

A
schematic
representation
of
the
fully
automatic
convert-
ible
top
is
shown
in
Fig
.
5
.

The
left
latch
in
the
fully
automatic
version
hastwo
mi-
croswitches
(S7
and
S8)which
signal
open,
closed
and
latched
states
.
See
Fig
.
8
.

The
length
of
the
dead
center
point
rod
is
critica¡
lo
correct
opening
and
latching
of
the
convertible
top
.
See
Fig
.
9
.

Dead
Center
Point
Rod

"
Dimension
A
........
205
.5
f
1
mm
(8
.09
t0
.04
in)

Visor
Latch
Motor

The
fully
automatic
convertible
top
is
latched
and
unlatched
by
one
electric
motor
installed
in
the
front
roof
bow
.
To
re-
place,
remove
front
cover
trim
from
the
roof
.
Remove
electri-
cal
harness
connectors
from
motor,
andremove
mounting
screws
.
Slide
the
motor
off
the
output
shafts
to
the
left
and
right
latches
.

During
reinstallation,
theoutput
shafts
must
be
tumed
until
the
S8
microswitch
in
the
left
latch
is
tripped
.

Convertible
top
and
frame,
replacing

1
.
Open
convertible
top
partially
.
Open
convertible
top
lid
.



Fig
.
9
.



Preset
lengthof
dead
centerpoint
rod
.
Open
back
windows
.

2
.
Fully
automatic
power
convertible
top
:
Remove
front
cover
trim
from
top
.
Disconnect
electrical
harness
con-

nectors
from
frontlatch
motor
.
Disconnect
connectors

from
S7
and
S8
microswitches
at
left
latch
.

Motors
M1
Convertible
top
M2
Convertible
top
lid
M3Front
latch
(fully
automatic
top)

Microswitches
S1
&S2
In
convertible
top
motor
S3
In
convertible
top
storage
compartment
S4
In
top
linkage
(semi-automatic
only)
S5
In
luggage
compartment
latch
S6
In
right
convertible
top
lid
latch
S7&S8
In
left
conv
.
top
latch
(fully
automatic)

Fig
.
8
.



Locationof
automatic
and
semi-automatic
convertible
latch
mechanisms,
motors
and
microswitches
.

CONVERTIBLE
TOP



541-5

POWER
CONVERTIBLE
TOP

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

610-4



ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

--J
L
Windshield
washertank
&
pump

Fig
.
7
.



E36
engine
compartment
layout
.
M42
engine
compartment
shown
.

-,x
0013204

Fig
.
8
.
Control
modules
under
right
sideof
dash
.
Glove
compart-
ment
has
been
removed
.
For
module
identification,
see
Fig
.
9
.

COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

RSP
'I



4

ABS



Main
engine



Power
hydraulic
harness
distribution
control
unit



connector
I



box
oe

1
.
SRS
(Airbag)
control
module
(through
1993)
2
.
ABS/ASC+T
control
module
(as
applicable)
3
.
Central
locking
module
(through
1993)
4
.
Anti-theft
alarm
module
or
ZKE
IV
control
module
(from
1994)5
.
Rear
window
blower
relay
(convertible
models)6
.
Horn
relay
7
.
Wiper/washer
module
8
.
Rear
power
window
relay
(four-door
models)9
.
Luggage
compartment
lid
lock
relay
(convertible)
10
.
Cruise
control
module
EWS
II
control
module
(from
Jan
.
1995)
RSP
:
Right
splice
panel

0013215

Fig
.
9
.



Identificationof
control
modules
under
right
side
of
dash
.
Module
utilízation
varies
byyear
andmodel

Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations

Component



Model
Year



Location



Refer
to

Anti-theft
Control
Module



1992-1998



Behind
glove
compartment



Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.

Anti-theft
Horn



1
1992-1998



1
Right
rear
engine
compartment

Anti-slip
(Traction)
Control
Module



1994-1998



Power
distribution
box



Fig
.
8
.
(AST/ASC+T)



Fig
.
9
.

Anti-slip
(Traction)
Control
Switch



1994-1998



In
center
console

Automatic
Climate
(A/C)
Control



1992-1998



Behind
center
console
Module

AutomaticTransmission
Range



1992-1998



~
Next
to
gear
shift
lever
in
center
console



Fig
.
29
.
Switch
(Gear
Position/Neutral
Safety
Switch)

Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Dual
Switch



1992-1998



Right
side
radiator



1



Fig
.
18
.

Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Motor



1992-1998



Behind
front
grill

Auxiliary
Fuse
Box
(Left
Splice



1992-1998



I
Behind
left
front
footwell
kick-panel
Panel)

Auxiliary
RelayPanel



1
1992-1998



1
Left
side
of
dash
under
steering
column

Auxiliary
Fuse
Box
In
Trunk



1



1997-1998



1
Right
sideof
trunk
behind
trim
panel

AuADSry
ThrottlePosition
Motor



11994-1998



Front
of
engine
compartment

B+
Jump
Start
Junction
Point



1992-1998



Right
rear
of
engine
compartment



Fig
.
7
.

Back-Up
Light
Switch
(Manual)



1992-1998



Right
or
left
side
top
of
transmission



Fig
.
30
.

Body
Electronics
Control
Module



1994-1998



Behindglove
compartment



Fig
.
8
.
(ZKE
IV)



Fig
.
9
.

Brake
Fluid
Level
Sensor



1992-1998



Top
of
brake
fluid
reservoir
at
master
cylinder



Fig
.
15
.

Brake
Light
Switch



1
1992-1998



1
On
brake
pedal
supportbracket

Brake
Pad
Sensor,
Left
Front



1
1992-1998



1
Left
front
brake
caliper

Brake
Pad
Sensor,
Right
Rear



1992-1998



Right
rear
brake
caliper

Camshaft
Actuator
(VANOS)



1993-1998



Front
of
cylinder
head
Camshaft
Position
Sensor
(Cylinder



1992-1998



Front
of
engine
Identification)

Carbon
Canister
Valve
(TLEV)



1
1997-1998



1
In
sparewheel
well
in
trunk

ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS



610-11

Fig
.
5
.

Fig
.
4
.

Fig
.
24
.

Fig
.
7
.

Central
Locking
Module
(ZVM)



11992-1993



1
Behindglove
compartment



I



Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.

Check
Control
Module
(if
applicable)
1
1992
-
1998



1
Below
left
side
of
dash

Child
Protection
Window
Control



1992-1998



Center
console
(console)

Chime
Module



1992-1998



Below
left
side
of
dash
inleft
dash
trim
panel

Clock
(Multi-Function)



1993-1998



Center
console

Clutch
Pedal
Switch



1992-1998



On
clutch
pedal
support
bracket

Continued

COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

Component



Model
Year



Location



Refer
to

Heater
Recirculation
Flap
Actuator



1992-1998



Below
left
dash
right
side
of
steering
column

HeaterBlowerMotor
Resistor
Pack



1992-1998



Behind
center
of
dashboard

Heater
Regulator
FlapActuator



1997-1998



Right
side
of
heater
box

HeaterValve
Assembly



1992-1998



Left
rear
engine
compartment

HeatingNentilation
Relay
Box



1992-1993



Below
left
side
of
dash

HeatingNentilation
Relay



1994-1998



Left
front
footwell

High
Speed
Cooling
Fan
Relay



1992-1998



Power
distribution
box



Fig
.
2
.

Homs,
Right/Left



1993-1998



Front
of
engine
compartment

Horn
Relay



1992-1998



Power
distribution
box



Fig
.
2
.

Horn
Relay
(Alpine)



1994-1998



Behind
glove
compartment



Fig
.
8
.
Board
Computer/Anti-Theft



Fig
.
9
.

Idle
Speed
Control
Valve



1992-1995



Top
rearof
enginebehind
intake
manifold
(M42
engine)



Fig
.
11
.

Idle
Speed
Control
Valve



1992-1995



Top
left
side
of
engine
(M50
engine)

Idle
Speed
Control
Valve



1993-1996



Below
intake
manifold
(M50/S50US
engine)

Idle
Speed
Control
Valve



1996-1998



On
throttle
housing
(M44
engine)



Fig
.
15
.

Idle
Speed
Control
Valve



1997-1998



Left
front
of
engine
below
intake
manifold
(M52/S52US
engine)

Ignition
Coils



1992-1998



Right
of
engineunder
plastic
cover
(four-cylinder)



Fig
.
7
.

Ignition
Cofs



1992-1998



Top
of
engine
undercover
(six-cylinder)



Fig
.
17
.

Ignition
Switch



1992-1998



Right
sídeofsteering
column

Intake
Air
Resonance
Changeover



1992-1998



Leftrear
of
engine
compartment
Valve(DISA)

Intake
Air
Temperature
Sensor



1992-1995



In
mass
air
flow
sensor
(M42
engine)

Intake
Air
TemperatureSensor



1996-1998



In
top
ofair
filter
housing
(M44
engine)



Fig
.
12
.

Intake
Air
Temperature
Sensor



1992-1998



I
Left
sídeof
engine
in
intake
manifold
(six-cylinder)



-



-



I



Fig
.
13
.
Fig
.
14
.

Kick-Down
Switch
(A/T)



1
1992-1998



1
Left
footwell

Mixing
Actuators



1
1992-1998



1
Heater
box

ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS



610-15

Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations

Knock
Sensors



1
1992-1998



1
Left
side
of
engine
block

Left
Front
Power
Window
Motor



11992-1998



/
Left
front
door

Left
Front
Window
Monitoring
Switch
1
1997-1998



1
Left
front
door
trim
panel

Left
Front
Window
Retraction
Switch
1
1992
-
1993



1
Left
front
door
handle
lock
assembly

Left
Splice
Panel



1
1992-1998



1
Under
left
side
of
dash
at
kick-panel



1



Fig
.
5
.

Main
Fuse
and
Relay
Box
(Power



1992-1998



I
Left
sideof
engine
compartment



Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box)
1



I

Mass
Air
Flow
Sensor



1992-1998



I
Left
side
of
engine,
intake
air
duct



Fig
.
7
.1



I
Fig
.
15
.

Continued

COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

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