Hardtop rattle - please help

Hello guys, this is my 1st post on this forum.

I bought a 323ciC two weeks ago, and today was the 1st time I used the hartop. The thing is, it rattles and knocks over bumps. I've secured it properly, both the rear locks and the front locks. Is the rattle normal?

I've never had a hardtop but I also haven't heard people talking about this issue. I have a buddy who had a hardtop so I'll ask him when I see him tomorrow.

My hardtop doesn't rattle, so I've never needed to adjust it. But there are a few adjustments that can be made to the rear posts and the front attachment points can be shimmed.

Also, I once saw another thread where someone heard a rattle, and it turned out to be their folded soft-top was rattling in the storage compartment when stored, and not coming from the hardtop at all.

Anyway, for the hardtop adjustments, see this pdf I found. Sorry the pictures in it are a little fuzzy:

thanks guys. I'll look into it tomorrow.

Hi - I've just put my hardtop on (2001 330Cic) and it "rattles " too !!
It sounds like it's coming from the back right (passenger) side , but it's hard to tell.

The rattle is driving me crazy, have you had any luck fixing it ?? I've looked at the adjustments on the back posts, and played with them using 3 different adjust BMW spec sheets - but it doesn't help at all.
Have you discovered anything to fix yours ??
Anyone have any other ideas ?

DJ
Seattle
USA

Originally Posted by kanecvr

Hello guys, this is my 1st post on this forum.

I bought a 323ciC two weeks ago, and today was the 1st time I used the hartop. The thing is, it rattles and knocks over bumps. I've secured it properly, both the rear locks and the front locks. Is the rattle normal?

Have you guys checked the (2) top prep kit inserts to make sure they are tight? They are held in place by (2) screws. I installed mine, leaving them a little loose so the locking pins would "center" in the holes. Then you are to remove the top & tighten them in place. These may be loose.
On another point, can some one point in the direction where the rear locking pin adjustment instructions are? I found it several weeks ago but can't find it now.

Found the hard top adjustment PDF. Go here & scroll down to post #17

Originally Posted by bimmernut3

Found the hard top adjustment PDF. Go here & scroll down to post #17

Thanks for offering to help, but I'm not sure what you mean by post #17 -
what thread are you referring to ? Did you mean to include a link ?

Yes, I've "searched" for hardtop adjustment pdf and all other variations - so far I now have the Bilstein shock adjustment pdf. Slight frustration.

thanks, DJ

When I purchased my 330Cic earlier this year, it came with a hardtop. I drove the car 300 miles back home with the hardtop on and it was tight and extremely quiet. I was impressed. However I have since sold it and the new owner mentioned that there was some rattles with it. That leads me to believe it is all in the adjustments of the prep kit.

Sorry, I forgot to add the link....My bad.

[URL="http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=886032"]http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=886032[/URL

Post #17

Hey, no problem - as luck would have it I already have that one !
But thanks again. I'll just have to pull the top off and check all adjustments. Thanks,
David
Seattle

Originally Posted by bimmernut3

Sorry, I forgot to add the link....My bad.

[URL="http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=886032"]http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=886032[/URL

Post #17

I just put my hard top back on for the winter the other day. A nice tight fit when clamped down. Changes the feel of the car, quiet and no rattles, the only problem is that it makes the car feel like a coupe.