Convertible Top Operation

[JTFlorida]

I recently purchased a 94 325ci. The top had not been lowered for quite a while. In working with it, I needed to release it at one point with the emergency handle below the rear seat.
I later read in the owners manual that when disengaged with the handle, it needs to be re-engaged by the dealer. What is the dealer doing to re-engage it?
Also, the trunk lid stopped opening. I think it may have something to do with the convertible top mechanism being disengaged (possibility an interlock to prevent the lid from being opened when the top is being operated manually).
I need an overall education on the convertible top mechanism and operation. Can anyone help?

Thanks.

[010175]

If you find out any information please post it. I did not know it had an emergency handle. Where is it? My top works but if folds the wrong way so you have to stop the top half way down and push the crease the other way so the lid will close with out part of the top hanging out on the back seat. Dave

[jeffreyb4me]

Briefly for now, still finishing one house and moving into a new one and won't be back to the Forum for a couple weeks, PUSH DOWN on the right front corner of the storage lid and the trunk will release. Pushing down puts the lid into it's 'closed' position, closing a micro switch, releasing the trunk interlock.

The 'Emergency Operation' lever is only meant to be used to close the top if it fails. It, via two cables, dissengages the top and storage lid drives mechanically so one can manually open the lid and pull the top closed. IF you were to put the top down and drive in this state there's a chance the storage lid could open into the air stream and cause some serious damage.

I'll post a more detailed post on EM tops and 'Initialization Proceedures' as soon as time permits, in the mean while page back and find some other replies I've given to other owners that might help you.