Anybody converted E36 power top to manual?

[lspalmer54]

I am fed up with the power top on the car. What is the feasibility of disconnecting the motors, and making a manual top a la 318.

I never liked "power tops."

:thumbdwn:

[Bimmer_Angel]

This may prove to be a very popular thread as it seems this is the season when hundreds of power hoods fail:mad:

They are great when they work but a nightmare when they dont and it is usually in the midst of the sunny season [a rarity in the UK so EVERY bit of sunshine is precious]

I was only thinking the other day whilst I was opening my top 'when are you going to fail':dunno: I know, it will probably wait until it starts to pour with rain:doh:

[E36 Phantom]

I don't know anything about these tops specifically, but I would imagine you can just remove the gearing entirely and let it move on its own on the hinges with no motor/gear interference.

[doggee]

I haven't had a look to see how the E36 mechanism works but the E30 has a manual override using an allen key type tool (supplied as an acessory) for the roof and electric windows. You can pop out a little cover on the ceiling or the door panels for access.

Of course some E36's have a manually operated sunroof.