BMW 318i manual convertible storage lid latch, can't find, won't open?

There is a compartment on the top center of the windshield. This contains a bolt that released the latches that lock the top to the windshield. It takes an allen wrench to unwind the roof latch and it takes an infinite amount of turns.

can you access it from the back seat.? you might have to remove the bench seat and then the back rest to shine flashlight to see if indeed something is jammed in the latch.

Unlatch the top on the inside and push it back a little. Then get out the car and lift the rear of the top where it meets the compartment lid. Open the roof storage compartment lid, the latch is inside the car behind the drivers seat. Fold the top into the compartment and close the lid. Make sure it latches. If you have further queries, please leave a comment.

Click on this link below and read the post in the forums (with detailed pictures) to learn how to open the roof compartment lid so you can put your top up on your 1997 BMW 318i

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=19094252

HI " open your trunk and at the same side your gas door is you will see a cable whit a handle pull soft on that it should open the gas door

Hi, I don`t know the car but sometimes when you can`t open a boot lid someone need to push the boot lid down ( this relase the pressure of the latch system)and the same time someone pull the handle. Hope that helps.

I had the same problem for four years until I purchased a CD from Ebay titled "BMW E30 Convertible". I discovered, that I was opening the top up incorrectly. The top works fine. Unlatch the top from the windshield frame, then lift up the back half of the top, unlatch the top lid, rise it up and lower the top into the compartment, close and latch the soft top lid. Hopes this helps.

I just bought a 1996 328iC (the "C" is for convertible). I bought the car with the knowledge that the roof needed a motor replacement (~$300 for the part alone + ~1-2 hours labor) and that I would need to open and close the roof manually if I wanted to take advantage of the convertible part of the car.

After some trial and error, I figured it out and now it takes me <30 seconds to open or close the top (manually). Note: my top is a semi-electric roof, which I think is what came on the 328iC, you have to lock into place after you close it.

Here's what you do:
1- open all of the windows
2- unlock the roof by turning the latch between the sun visors.
3- push the front of the roof towards the rear of the car - be sure to push in the middle of the roof, where the latch is.
4- lift the back of the roof up off of the roof storage compartment
5- while holding the back of the of the roof up, lift up the roof storage compartment door
6- let go of the back of the roof so that it drops right into the storage compartment
7- push the rest of the roof into the storage compartment
8- close the storage compartment door.

To close the roof, follow the steps above in reverse order. Remember: this is a German car, so you use a little bit (or a lot) of force and you won't hurt it (I think it actually likes it ;-D ).

Good Luck!!!

Roman

how do i open Convertible top 1995 BMW 3-Series

I have the same problem with my Mercedes 430 all I want to do is close my soft top manually