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Convertible Tops - 3
The E36 base convertible top is manually operated. The higher line top is an Electro
Mechanical variant that has evolved through two versions:
•Semi Automatic
•Fully Automatic
The mechanical movement and sequenced steps of operation are the same for all three
variations.
•After the windows have been lowered
slightly, the top is released from wind-
shield frame.•The tension bow is then raised to a ver-
tical position.
•The top cover body panel is then raised
which opens the storage well for top
stowage.•The top is folded back into the storage
well.
•The storage cover is then lowered and
latched closed.
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E36 AUTOMATIC ELECTRO MECHANICAL (EM)
CONVERTIBLE TOPS
The Automatic EM convertible top was introduced as a“Semi”Automatic in the 1994
model year. The top was upgraded to a fully automatic top in 1997. Except for a few addi-
tional components and an additional function on the fully automatic version, both systems
function the same. For this reason the systems are described simultaneously and high-
lighted as required where differences occur.
FEATURES
The top is designed as a self tensioning, electric mechanical power operated folding top.
The main features include:
BOTH VERSIONS:
• Electrical interlock of the trunk lid when the top storage cover is unlocked or open.
Automatic partial lowering of the four side windows when lowering or raising the top.
Automatic full raising of all four windows once top is stored in the storage compartment.
Fully diagnosible EM Top Control Module.
A textile, crease free interior liner clipped to the top frame.
Emergency release handle inside the passenger compartment, for manually raising the
top with an electrical failure.
A removable (zipper) green tinted plastic rear window.
Soft top material of 3-ply with 40% cotton fabric lining and 100% Arcyl outer skin.
SEMI AUTO ONLY:
A centrally located turn lock fastener on the for-
ward edge of the top for locking and unlocking
the top to the windshield frame.
Convertible Tops - 4
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FULL AUTO ONLY:
•A concealed top lock motor with twin (left/right) lock drive mechanisms on the forward
edge of the top for automatically locking and unlocking the top to the windshield frame.
•Comfort close feature which is activated from the driver’s or passenger’s door position.
Holding the key in the lock position automatically closes and locks the top and win-
dows from outside.
•Automatic full raising of all four windows once top is up and fully locked to the wind-
shield frame.
Convertible Tops - 5
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Convertible Tops - 9
MICRO SWITCHES:
S1 - Identified as Convertible Top Position Microswitch in the ETM (Not Adjustable)
•Located on Top Motor (not adjustable)
•Open when top is fully up or fully down.
•Closed when tension bow is not horizontal.
•Open when tension bow is horizontal.
S2 - Identified as Convertible Top Position Microswitch in the ETM (Not Adjustable)
•Located on Top Motor (not adjustable)
•Open when top is fully up or fully down.
•Closed when tension bow is vertical.
•Open whenever tension bow is not vertical.
S3 - Identified as Rear Window Blower Microswitch in the ETM (Adjustable)
•Located in Storage Well on driver side folding top
hinge assy.
•Closed when top is stored in well
•Open when top is up
This switch also provides a ground for the rear
window blower when top is up.
S4 - SEMI AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY: Identified as Convertible Top End Position
Micro Switch in the ETM (Adjustable)
•Located on the driver side tension bow linkage
arm.
•Closed when top is up and locked to windshield
frame
•Open when top is pushed past tension point
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OPERATION
The following prerequisites must be met for the top to function:
Trunk Lid Closed- Electrical interlock of the trunk and top. Due to the design of the top
storage cover and trunk lid, damage to the cover or lid would occur if both were open at
the same time.
Ignition key switched on KL R, (preferably engine running to prevent unnecessary bat-
tery drain)
Vehicle stopped(speed “A” signal <3 MPH)
Roll over bars retracted (if equipped) - bars interfere with the top operation as it is low-
ering into the storage compartment.
LOWERING THE TOP
•SEMI AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY - Unlock the top with the turn lock fastener and push
the top over the tension point.S4 must close for the top to operate. Press and hold
the top switch.Go to “TENSION BAR RAISED” on next page.
•FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP ONLY -Press and hold the top switch. All Side windows
lower automatically regardless of their position, by a signal from the top module to the
General Module (ZKE IV).
1. The top lock motor is powered in the unlock direction.
2. The left and right side locks are mechanically released via the drive cables.
3. Microswitch S7 opens indicating the top is unlatched from the windshield frame.
4. Once the locks are completely released, the top lock motor continues to run lifting
the front bow above the tension point via the tension rods.
5. As the front bow passes the tension point, micro switch S8 closes. The top lock
motor switches off and the top motor is switched ON.
Convertible Tops - 12
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Convertible Tops - 13
TENSION BAR RAISED
At the same time the windows are lowering, the top drive motor is switched on and the ten-
sion bar is raised to a vertical position. The drive lever of the top linkage rotates counter
clockwise to push the tension bar to a raised position.
The control module recognizes the raising of the tension bar by the closed contacts of
micro switch S1 in the motor assembly.
When the tension bar has raised to the full vertical position micro switch S2 closes and the
motor is switched off.
STORAGE COVER OPENED
The top storage cover motor is switched on and turns counter-clockwise. This action
releases the locks of the cover via the bowden cables. The locks are forced out of the
clamps by spring pressure.
The drive linkage continues to push the cover to a raised position. A hall sensor integrat-
ed in the cover motor provides status of the storage lid movement and position to the CVM.
The motor is switched off when it reaches the end of its predetermined travel.
S6 also closes the moment the storage cover is released from its locked position. The sig-
nal is provided the GM to prevent the trunk from opening.
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TOP ASSEMBLY LOWERED
The top motor turns clockwise immediately opening S1 & S2. It pulls the top into the stor-
age compartment. The tension bar drive linkage is mechanically released from the top drive
as the motor continues to run. Once the top is completely lowered microswitch S3 closes
signalling the control module to switch the motor off.
STORAGE COVER CLOSED
The storage cover motor is switched on and the drive linkage pulls the cover down. As the
locking clamps grab onto the cover locks, the linkage engages the bowden cables and the
cover is locked closed.
The CVM monitors the storage lid position via the hall effect sensor signal. When the fully
closed position is detected, the top cover motor is switched off.
WINDOW RAISING
If the top switch is held down after the top storage cover is closed, the windows will auto-
matically close. The EM top module signals the ZKE to closed the windows. Once the top
switch is released the window operation is terminated.
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Convertible Tops - 16
RAISING THE TOP
The procedure for raising the top follows the same pattern as lowering.
Press and hold the top switch.
•The windows are automatically lowered.
•The top storage cover opens
•The top is raised out of the storage compartment
•The top storage cover is closed and locked.
•The tension bar is lowered. Micro-switch S1 signals the lowered position of the ten-
sion bar.
FULLY AUTOMATIC TOP- The top lock motor is activated, S8 opens. The motor is
switched off the moment S7 closes. The top is fully raised and locked to the windshield.
SEMI AUTOMATIC TOP - Pull the top over the tension point and lock it to the wind-
shield frame.
The automatic closing of the windows on raising the top is not functional due to lack of
anti trap feature during this function.
