Service Measure #54-200-03 for noisy ragtop

[poss]

I recently carried out BMW Service Measure #54-200-03 mentioned in this other forum article: https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/convertible-squeak-rattle-from-rear-deck-fixed.549701
using 2m of BMW Red Vacuum Hose Silicone (1 Meter) - CRP 11731259995

As one person advised, you do not have to cut the rubber seal as per BMW's instructions - there is a foam stopper that is easily removed from either end of the rubber seal (open the roof partially to expose the ends). Once the stopper is removed (easy, it's stuck on with a drop of contact adhesive) it is simple to slide 2 hoses inside each end.

I put some talc on the hose first, partially inserted it, then closed the roof more to make it easier to insert the entire hose, and finally gently pushed the last bit in with a screwdriver to make enough room for the foam plug to be reinserted.

My first impressions are that the rear of the ragtop now sits more firmly and significantly decreased roof noise.

Anyone else tried this?

[DropTopKingM3]

I tried the link but it doesn't work. Would like to know this as well.

[Andrew 06M3Cab]

Ditto

[poss]

I tried the link but it doesn't work. Would like to know this as well.

If you copy and paste the link into your browser it works (the forum software is not converting special chars in the link properly)

Here's the all-important link to the hose to buy (you need 2 hoses to insert into each end of the large rubber seal at the base of the rear of the roof that meets up with the plastic groove running around the tonneau : https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rp-11731259995

The mod is very easy - but DO NOT CUT A SLIT IN THE RUBBER as this is completely unnecessary (at least on my car) as each end of the rubber seal simply has a square-section of foam around 3-4 inches long inserted that is easily removed to provide access (it is held in place by a dab of glue - gently pry it off and then pull out. It came away easily for me)

I put some talc on the hose first, partially inserted it as far as it would easily slide with the roof in the position where I could get access to and remove the foam stoppers (they're located on the inside of the bottom sides of the back of the roof just under the bottom of the canvas), then closed the roof as much as I could without pinching the hose - which allowed the rest of the hose to be inserted , and finally gently pushed the last bit in with a star screwdriver to make enough room for the foam plug to be reinserted.

Use a liberal amount of talc (or other suitable lube) and don't try to force the tube (20 YO rubber is not what it used to be). I jiggled the hose back and forwards and added more talc as I went. Mine slipped in pretty easily this way.

Finish the job by reapplying a dab of contact glue to the end of the foam plug to glue it back into its original position (tho it seems to sit in place nicely of its own accord without any glue)

PS - took the M3 for a drive over the worst road in the area (which is pretty bad). Now the only noise is from the window glass rubbing on the soft top - 'cos with the windows down slightly there is no other noise coming from the top

So this mod definitely makes a noticeable improvement.