BMW 6 Series Convertible Roof Problems – Cheap and Expensive Solutions

The BMW 6 Series Convertible is the ideal ride for those who enjoy open-air driving. The car exudes excellence in styling and luxury. However, it is more than just a pretty face. It's also powerful enough to reach speeds of up to 155 mph. Whether you're driving on the open road or the city streets, the 6 Series Convertible is a joy to drive.

The top of the BMW 6 Series Convertible can be opened or closed in around 20 seconds, making it easy to enjoy the wind and some sun whenever you want to. It's all fun until the roof problems start messing things up though. In this article, we will talk about the common problems associated with the roofing of the convertible as well as the likely solutions to get rid of them as soon as possible.

6-series convertible roof problems

Common Roof Problems in the BMW 6 Series Convertible

Based on owners' feedback and reports, we have compiled the following common problems linked to the roofing of the BMW 6 Series Convertible:

  • Top Getting Stuck
  • Noisy Mechanism
  • Electronic System Not Working
  • No Power Going to the Roofing Mechanism
  • Leaks in the Roof or Windows

Are you encountering any of them? Scroll down for the solutions!

Solutions to the Common Roof Problems in the BMW 6 Series Convertible

It is important to immediately address any problems in your BMW 6 Series Convertible as they come your way. This is to ensure the reliability of your car and to save yourself from dealing with bigger problems later on.

Applying these solutions should address all the problems mentioned in the previous section:

1. Topping Up the Hydraulic Pump Fluid

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a BMW 6 Series Convertible is ensuring that the hydraulic pump fluid is filled. This cheap process will help you avoid or solve many of the issues mentioned in the previous section.

If the hydraulic pump fluid level gets too low, it can cause the convertible top to malfunction. Additionally, if the hydraulic pump fluid isn't changed regularly, it can become contaminated and damage the convertible top mechanism, which will cost more to repair. For these reasons, it's important to know how to properly refill the hydraulic pump fluid on your BMW 6 Series Convertible.

The first thing you'll need to do is locate the hydraulic pump fluid reservoir. This is usually located in the trunk, near the convertible top mechanism. Once you've located the reservoir, remove the cap and check the fluid level. Add more fluid if it's lower than the recommended levels.

When adding hydraulic pump fluid, be sure to use a clean funnel to avoid contamination. BMW recommends using only distilled water or hydraulic pump fluid that is specifically designed for BMW convertibles. Never use regular motor oil, as this can damage the seals in the hydraulic pump.

Once you've added enough fluid, replace the cap on the reservoir and close the trunk. Your BMW 6 Series Convertible should now be filled with the proper amount of hydraulic pump fluid and ready to provide many more miles of top-down driving enjoyment.

2. Getting the Roof Unstuck

As you enjoy the top-down driving experience in your BMW 6 Series Convertible, it's important to keep the mechanism that allows the convertible top to open and close properly lubricated. If you don't maintain the system, it can become gummed up and difficult (or even impossible) to operate. Keeping it clean and well-lubricated will ensure years of trouble-free use.

Start by opening up the convertible top. You'll need to have full access to the areas where the mechanisms are located. Locate all of the moving parts on the convertible top. These include the latches, hinges, and other parts that allow the top to open and close.

Clean off any dirt, dust, or grime that has accumulated on these parts using a soft cloth. Then, apply a thin layer of lubricant to all of the moving parts. Be sure to use a lubricant that is designed for use on metal surfaces.

After that, close the convertible top and test it out to make sure that it is operating smoothly. If you find the problem persisting, you may be looking at a hydraulic pump failure which costs $230 to $450 to replace.

3. Silencing the Noisy Mechanism of the Roof

If your BMW 6 Series Convertible's top is producing unusual noises when opening and closing, there are a few things you can do, which will not put a dent in your budget. First, make sure that the top is properly lubricated. You can do this by checking the owner's manual, contacting a BMW dealer, or applying the tip we provided in the preceding item. If the top is not properly lubricated, it may cause its gears to roughly grind against each other and produce whirring, knocking, screeching, or other strange sounds.

Next, check the convertible top mechanism for any debris or obstructions. Debris can build up over time and cause the mechanism to stick. Obstructions may also be preventing the top from fully retracting or extending.

Again, if the solutions above are not working, the sounds may be emanating from a defective hydraulic pump.

4. Opening and Closing the Roof Manually

If the electronic mechanism for opening and closing the top of your BMW 6 Series Convertible is not working automatically, there is a manual way to do it, which will not cost you anything at all. This will come in handy should you ever need to do it due to bad weather conditions like rain, snow, and too much heat from the sun.

First, make sure that the top is in a fully closed position. If it is not, use the manual release lever to close it.

Next, locate the two release levers on either side of the top. One lever is located near the front of the top, and the other is near the rear.

To open the top, pull both levers towards you at the same time. The front lever should be pulled first, followed by the rear lever. The top will begin to open automatically.

To close the top, push both levers away from you at the same time. The rear lever should be pushed first, followed by the front lever. The top will begin to close automatically.

5. Fixing the Power Problem of the Convertible Roof

If your BMW 6 Series convertible roof is not getting enough power to automatically open or close, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem that will surely save you some cash.

First, check the battery. If the battery is dead, it will need to be replaced. If the battery is old and needs to be replaced, it may not have enough power to operate the convertible roof.

Second, check the fuse box. There may be a blown fuse that is causing the problem. Replacing the fuse should fix the issue.

Third, check the wiring. If there are any damaged wires, they will need to be changed.

Fourth, check for a loose connection. Make sure all connections are tight and secure.

Finally, check the motor. The motor may be damaged and will need to be replaced if it is not working properly.

6. Addressing the Leaks

Over time, the seals around the convertible roof can degrade, allowing water to seep in and cause all sorts of problems. In this article, we'll show you how to fix convertible roof leaks in your BMW 6 Series.

The first step is to identify where the leak is coming from. If you can see water dripping from the seal around the convertible top, then that's a reliable indicator that the seal is failed and needs to be replaced. You can also try pressing up on the convertible top while someone sprays water on it from outside; if you see water coming through, then that's another sign that the seal is failing.

Once you've identified the source of the leak, the next step is to replace the seal. This is a relatively simple and cheap process, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the convertible top. First, you'll need to remove the old seal by peeling it off of the convertible top. Next, clean the area around the seal with alcohol or another cleaner so that the new seal will adhere properly. Finally, apply the new seal and press it into place.

If you have any leaks after completing this repair, then there may be other problems with your convertible top (such as a hole in the fabric). Replacing the roof can be very expensive, which is somewhere around $900 to $1,500.

7. Getting Professional Help

Hiring a mechanic or bringing your car to a service center are ways to ensure that the work gets done professionally in a way that will also save you plenty of time and effort. However, the charges here can easily balloon depending on the kind of problem that you want to be fixed because of the extra costs on the replacement parts and labor costs.

Conclusion

A BMW 6 Series Convertible is a luxurious vehicle that provides an enjoyable driving experience. However, like any other car, it needs regular repair and maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The most efficient way to address any problems that will pop up over time is to always have them fixed right away in order to save yourself from more troublesome and expensive repairs later on.

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CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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