Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
54 34... Removing And Installing Left Retaining Plate (Soft Top Removed)
Retaining plates are adjusted at the factory.
Release retaining plate only if body repair work is required.
Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove rear power window unit . Refer to 51 37 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COMPLETE REAR LEFT OR RIGHT POWER WINDOW UNIT (Convertible only).
Release screws (1) and remove retaining plate.
Installation:
Tighten down screws (1) only until such stage that the retaining plate can still be moved.
Hang up soft top . Refer to 54 34 101 Removing And Installing Complete EH Convertible Top
Tighten down screws on main bearing only until such stage that the soft top can still be moved.
Close soft top manually . Refer to 54 34... Opening/Closing Convertible Top In Event Of A Technical Fault .
Installation:
Carry out the following operations with 2 persons helping.
Lock convertible top locks.
Uniformly press clamping bar onto convertible top compartment lid.
Observe gap dimensions . Refer to BODY GAP DIMENSIONS (Coupe) and/or BODY GAP DIMENSIONS (Convertible).
Installation:
Carry over the work step shown symmetrically to the other side of the vehicle.
Remove adhesive tape in area (2).
Tighten down screws (1) and (2).
Tightening torque, see 54 34 3AZ in 54 34 MOTOR-DRIVEN CONVERTIBLE TOP (ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS) .
Seal bore in area (2) with adhesive tape.
Tighten down all screws on main bearing.
Tightening torque, see 54 34 4AZ in 54 34 MOTOR-DRIVEN CONVERTIBLE TOP (ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS) .
Check convertible top adjustment . Refer to 54 34 100 Adjusting Soft Top .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.