Anyone have any E46 Hardtop Convertible pictures they can post? I need to see how they are supposed to sit on the vehicle. Left, Center, and Right side pictures would be awesome. I'm not sure what the gap should look like when it is properly installed.
Thanks BobSC, I guess there normally is a gap all the way around. I also just found out that each rod is adjustable.I your chrome trim at the end of the quarter window touching or is there a gap?
Yes, there is a gap there. There is a slight gap around the back of the entire hardtop, but the one at the bottom of the quarter windows is the one you can notice the most. I've seen a number of these on cars and they all look about the same.
I have also heard that the rods are adjustable, but I haven't done it as I haven't had the need. If you find out the proper way to adjust these, let me know......
Hmmmm... So that's what the hard top looks like. Very different from what I expected. More a swoop than, say, a coupe. (Damn, now something else to buy.)
Just had a thought. Anybody make Carbon Fiber tops for the vert? And who might be interested?
Also.... Is the canvas top taken out of the car when y'all switch to the hardtop? I'd be worried about mold when the compartment gets wet. (Like right now.)
Also.... Is the canvas top taken out of the car when y'all switch to the hardtop? I'd be worried about mold when the compartment gets wet. (Like right now.)
Does anybody know if BMW has a TOTAL # of separate convertible hardtops made/sold by the company either thru the new car sales or thru the parts departments for each year made? I was told to give up my plight of finding one.
Beautiful hardtop pics boys......keep 'em coming. This spring, maybe a member will take a VIDEO of the removal, storage, etc. (& close-ups) & post on youtube? I tried searching youtube, for E46 hardtop convertible but found nothing, only the newer 2007+ 3's. I'd like to see how light/awkward they are for removal, etc & comments if overall, worth it to have.
I bought a pulley system to lift my hardtop off the car. It screws into a joist in the garage ceiling. Makes it pretty much a one-man job, and stores the top hanging from the ceiling during the summer. If you like, I can take a picture of it.
The hardtop itself weighs about 70 lbs, so it's not bad to lift. It's just bulky.
@Beemerdude,
It's the best $1200 investment in top protection you can buy if you live in a climate with snowy winters. The soft top is spared not just snow & ice, but also all the salt and sand, and it doesn't get any UV exposure while "parked" in its compartment with the hardtop on. As for installation & removal, its a snap. 4 catches, 1 in each corner lock it in place. Although slightly bulky in size, my wife and I can easily lift it on and off. Removing the whip antenna or getting a stubbie makes on/off sooo much easier. And finally, parked on its stand, it takes up no more room than an average size sofa. Get one and I'm sure you'll agree.
Hey thx ArchHibb. I do not live in a cold, snowy, or salty-road climate (actually dry area of BC where we have vineyards, orchards, etc). I just like the look of the hardtop. In fact, it really doesn't make any sense for me to have one, cause I drive a winter beater Nov-Feb, & park the 'vert. BUT, I do plan on getting one (have to finish my late-payment-due taxes 1st). I sure have found a vast range in hardtop prices. I truly don't understand why the 'vert hardtop hasn't come down in price proportional to the price of E46's themselves. The hardtops I found are around $1200-1400, although I found a couple on ebay for $2500 & $3000 which never sold. I wonder if the hardtop would come down under the 1k mark? I have found only 2 which did, a give-away $400 one which was snapped up, & an even $1000 one also snapped up. I wonder if the prices of these will ever come down to $500-800 in next 2-3yrs? (opinions?)
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