Is there a difference between a manual and electric roof?

[id101]

Obviously there is, but i am referring to the actual roof assembly, I see 2nd hand ones for sale is there a difference? As I have also seen electric roof conversion kits and its just the the hydraulic ram and other bits not the roof itself. So do they all work if you already have an electric roof fitted?

 

[Pingu]

According to the parts list, the two roofs are the same.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

BMW parts Z3 E36 Z3 1.8 Folding top

www.realoem.com

I'd imagine that it's quite an involved job to convert from manual to electric / hydraulic.

 

[bertiejaffa]

@spurs fan in a coupe often has the components to make a manual roof electric - a bit of wiring, a button, motor, pump, hydrolics - I think a few people have done it

 

[AirOps]

The roof frame is the same, the difference is that a manual roof uses a gas strut to assist in the opening and closing and the electric roof replaces the gas strut with a hydraulic strut and adds the hydraulic pump necessary to operate the strut.

 

[AntStark]

It’s not particularly difficult but is time consuming..I am waiting for a sunny weekend to change my roof frame. I bought a second hand manual roof frame to replace my broken electric one. Will swap everything over. Can see getting the switch wired in through the roof frame will be a little tricky.

 

[id101]

cheers all, i need a new electric roof you see and wondered if ones listed as manual would work

 

[AntStark]

cheers all, i need a new electric roof you see and wondered if ones listed as manual would work

That's what I bought.. Got one of these too as might as well renew if i am going to the effort
https://www.zedonist.com/product/z3-roof-microswitch-54348407250/25

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

@spurs fan in a coupe often has the components to make a manual roof electric - a bit of wiring, a button, motor, pump, hydrolics - I think a few people have done it

Yes I sell full kits for retro fit

 

[id101]

i can get a roof missing the switch but the seller has said they'll include a switch and wiring, anyone know of any guides of hand of where the wiring goes in terms of routing so there are no snagging or breaking issues?

 

[AntStark]

It goes through the frame itself at some point.. I'll try take some photos of mine later. There is probably a Your Tube vid somewhere of it being done

 

[id101]

It goes through the frame itself at some point.. I'll try take some photos of mine later. There is probably a Your Tube vid somewhere of it being done

cool cheers, i'll have a look through youtube