Rollover Protection System (RPS): Notes

Model: E36 

Production Date: All E36 convertibles equipped with RPS. 

The RPS is a passive safety system which, like the SRS, will not deploy until needed. When the vehicle is in danger of rolling over, a rollover sensor mounted in the vehicle detects the amount of tilt and in a time span of approximately .3 seconds triggers the system to raise and lock the roll bars into position.

The U S market uses the acronym RPS for the roll over protection system while the German acronym is URSS. This stands for the German words "Uber Roll Shutz System", which may appear in various publications or on the diagnostic teat equipment.

The RPS can be reset, in the service shop, in the event of an accident, or inadvertent triggering of the system.

The RPS supplements the integral reinforcement bar that is located in the front windshield frame/ "A" pillar area. It provides additional protection for passengers of the vehicle, especially those riding in the rear seats.

Deployment of the roll bars with the soft top raised, of the hard top installed will not cause any damage to the rear window. The plastic covers on the bars is designed to protect the window if inadvertent deployment occurs.

Fig 1: Identifying Rollover Protection System (RPS)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.