How do I replace the top motor on my 97 318I - 1997 BMW 318

Replace the bad motor?

Check to see if the top motor is running when you press the top up switch. Car has to be in park with emergency brake engaged. If motor runs but top will not move or binds then one or both of the lift cylinders are bad. Usually there will be hydraulic fluid leaking from the cylinders if one or both will not hold pressure. Replace cylinders if bad. The top could probably be manually closed if the lift cylinder arms are detached from the top frame.
If motor does not run when the switch is pressed then check your fuses, the switch and the connector at the top motor to see if it is getting power.

sebring transmission pan torque spec need torque specs for 2000 Sebring jxi convertible, transmission pan torque specs and bolt tighting

Asuming that you re talking about the convertable top. you can try two things. the motors some times do not get lubricated and over time the Grease on the motor gets tacky. By cleaning the motor and reapplying new grease and operating the motor a few times before reinstalling it to work in the new grease. If there is not improvement in the operation of the motor it should be replaced to bring the convertible top back to 'new' condition.

No unfortunately you will need to look at replacement of the wind motor years ago manual winders were installed but no power option was available best solution replace your winder motor and resolve you issue.

don't have 93. here's 94

Motor Assembly, Convertible Top Removal and Installation
NOTE: The folding top hydraulic cylinder rods should be in the fully retracted position.
Use absorbent rags or a container to catch any hydraulic fluid that leaks out when removing the fittings.

1. Remove motor and pump assembly as outlined.

1. Loosen each folding top motor upper and lower hose fitting on the sides of the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit (533A00) .

1. Remove the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit .

1. Remove each of the service folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit plugs one at a time and attach the tee fitting to the replacement folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit . NOTE: Make sure that the o-ring is installed in the bottom of each folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit port before attaching the hose tee fitting.
   

1. Connect the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit unit to a 12-volt power source and cycle the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit in and out several times to purge the air from the folding top motor upper and lower hoses (53390) . Some noise squeal may be noticed due to the air. CAUTION: Do not overfill or the reservoir seal could be blown out.
   

1. Carefully remove the rubber fill plug from the back and the reservoir and check the fluid level. The level should be at the bottom of the filler hole. If necessary, add Synthetic Mercon® Multi-Purpose Automatic transmission fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) or equivalent.

1. Replace the fill plug with a new fill plug.

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

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Section 01-17: Convertible 1994 Mustang. Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Lift Cylinder, Power Top Removal and Installation
NOTE: The cylinder rods should be in the fully-retracted position.

1. Remove pump and motor as outlined.

1. Remove the upper and lower hose fitting from the folding top hydraulic cylinder (50600) . Use absorbent rags or a container to catch any hydraulic fluid that leaks out when removing the fittings.

1. Remove each of the service cylinder plugs one at a time and attach the hose fittings. NOTE: Be sure each fitting is installed in the correct position on the folding top hydraulic cylinder .
   NOTE: Make sure that the tetra seal is installed in the bottom of each of the folding top hydraulic cylinder ports before attaching the upper and lower hose fittings.
   

1. Connect the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit (533A00) to a 12-volt power source and cycle the folding top hydraulic lift motor and plate kit in and out several times to purge the air from the hoses. Some noise squeal may be noticed due to the air.

1. Carefully remove the rubber fill plug from the back and the reservoir and check the fluid level. The level should be at the bottom of the filler hole. If necessary, add Synthetic Mercon® Multi-Purpose Automatic transmission fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) or equivalent.

1. Replace the fill plug with a new fill plug.

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

Is the electric motor running? If the top motor is not running then check the fuse. There is a fuse layout in your owners manual. If the motor is not running and the fuse is good, then there is a relay under the hood. If the relay is clicking then you will need to replace the electric motor that lowers the top.

Replace the top motors or check cables from motors to top. There are 2 motors one for each side of the top.

the convertible top motor is underneath the upholstery in the rear trunk compartment underneath the package shelf.undo the upolstery clips and lower the cloth in the trunk exposing the motor and reservoir. make shure after motor replacement you refill the reservoir completely and cycle the top up and down a few times to purge the lines of air. otherwise you will have erratic top operation.

The 94-98 Saab 900 cars have numerous top issues that are known. The primary issue is the design of the convertible top Tonneau motor that is located in the right rear quarter panel behind the light. The problem with the original motors was that there was not enough strength in the housing that held the motor to support the top movement because the teeth on the gear drive would get chewed up when the motor moved out of position. The failure of the Tonneau motor causes the top to chatter about half way up or down because the teeth of the motor gears would get chipped off. Replacement of the gears or replacement of the motor is the only repair and the convertible top Control module must be programmed after the repair by someone with a Saab Tech 2 computer tool which is used to program the top potentiometer settings. If you catch this problem early enough it can be repaired by using the bracket reinforcement kit.
Check latches is also a common failure which displays on the Saab Information Display (SID) Generally, this failure is due to problems with the micro-switch located in the latches that secure the convertible top when up.
Another issue with the convertible tops has been the control module that controls the top electronically. The major problem with this is device is that it looses the ability to communicate with the Saab tech 2 tools. This problem appears to have been solved in the newest versions of the ECM.
This TSB covers the known issues with NG 900 vert tops. There are numerous others for the 9-3 tops.