Convertible top motor making noise

[BigDave]

2005 E46 M3 Cabriolet. Only 55,000 miles. The top is starting to act up. The motor is getting noisy, and sometimes the top goes back and forth before it completes its cycle.

What options do I have besides replacement? Could it be low on fluid or need a bleed? Can the hydraulic motor be rebuilt?

The top hasn't had an excessive amount of cycles since I bought the car in 2009. It only had 17k miles at the time. I'm quite surprised to have problems with the motor despite its age. It just hasn't been used all that much.

[SATX_M3]

Here's a PDF with some info on the convertible top. I hope it helps.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TZA8tugc8lrk5n8lWAI3YDMS0Bpmai_9/view?usp=sharing

[dilmorecg]

Check out the convertible forum on e46fanatics. The top mechanism is the same across all e46 models. Lots of good info and troubleshooting tips.

[M Pete]

If it is a clicking sound the plastic gears are going out in the box under the rear seat. It is all nylon gearing in there and they become brittle over time. The link above is very good. IMO just purchase a new unit and be done with it if it is the clicking.

[BigDave]

I been real busy with all the riots down here in Miami. I work protecting people and property against this sort of thing. I've got over 80 hours this week so I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply. It's 12:30 a.m. and I am currently in Liberty City....one of the most dangerous places in the country, in my idling M3 with the air conditioning on. I know it's bad for it, but I just put extra injector cleaner into it and do an Italian tune up on the way home .

Thank you for all your replies.

Yes I know there is a big convertible section and e46fanatics. I think maybe I should go over there you're right. No clicking sound that I know of. It's the motor that's making the whine. I need to know how to check the fluid level.
Maybe it's low on fluid I don't know.
but it looks like the Convertible motor is nothing specific for the M3. It's the same for all E46 I think.

It's a thousand degrees and 110% humidity in Miami right now so I won't be using the convertible top anyways. I only use it in the winter which is quite brief in South Florida. Four months of nice weather that's it.
I'll figure it out....like I always do.

[NYCE46M3]

Is the noise a clicking noise as it raises and lowers? If so you have the common and infamous issue that the gears are popping out of the assembly located under the seat thanks to the cover is made of plastic and the hub that holds the gears in place starts to wear out it. If that is your issue it's an easy fix though.

2005 E46 M3 Cabriolet. Only 55,000 miles. The top is starting to act up. The motor is getting noisy, and sometimes the top goes back and forth before it completes its cycle.

What options do I have besides replacement? Could it be low on fluid or need a bleed? Can the hydraulic motor be rebuilt?

The top hasn't had an excessive amount of cycles since I bought the car in 2009. It only had 17k miles at the time. I'm quite surprised to have problems with the motor despite its age. It just hasn't been used all that much.