soft top ram

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

soft top ram

Post by peter2b »

got a little problem with the soft top ram, there is a clip that holds the ball into the top of the ram that has come out on 1 side of the ram top any one got any tips on how to get the clip in both sides or any one replaced the top part on the ram? peterz3
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: soft top ram

Post by Brian4 »

From the pic on realoem it looks as if it is a pin that pushes up into a hole in the top of the ram and then the curved bit locks onto the neck of the ram.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=54_0201
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: soft top ram

Post by peter2b »

mines different it has a flat piece of spring steel that clips in each side of the ball the clip it's like a C shape with the ends bent in, I have seen a complete ram on fleebay that I might get just for the top ball joint
peterz3
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: soft top ram

Post by BladeRunner919 »

MIne doesn't have the ram - it was broken, and I just use it as-is.
EarlLeeBird
Joined: Fri 24 Jun, 2016 18:39
Posts: 9

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: soft top ram

Post by EarlLeeBird »

peter2b wrote:mines different it has a flat piece of spring steel that clips in each side of the ball the clip it's like a C shape with the ends bent in, I have seen a complete ram on fleebay that I might get just for the top ball joint
peterz3
Maybe the clip from a bonnet or tailgate strut could work if it looks anything like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Mini-Coop ... 2132681759

You could test it with the clip from the Z3 bonnet or boot strut. Idk why RealOEM doesnt give part number for this clip. I guess it must be sold as part of the strut for BMW but it should be easy to get from any decent scrap yard or just try buying a new one, for example the part number for a clip that is used in all VW and audi cars is 443823397: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-vol ... 443823397/
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: soft top ram

Post by peter2b »

cheers for the links but mine has the ends of the C bent in so they grasp the ball
peterz3
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