the other day dropped the top as the sun was out but when I tried to get it to go up again the cup poped off the ball, the clip is still in the correct place( had a problem last year when the ball cought the edge of the hard top mount and pulled it apart , I fixed it ok) now even when I do a manual lift the fitting splits about 1/3 of the way up , is the cup end of the ram a replacement part or do I need another ram?
peterz3
soft top ram
Re: soft top ram
Hi Peter
The assumption I'm making is that you have a face-lift Z3 with a manual soft top. The gas ram that assists the raising of the soft top are getting to an age where they die. I have replaced one that seized and the top sleeve came off the rod completely, letting the ram rattle around. They are readily available from BMW. Alternative suppliers are hard to find (special size gas ram).
I suggest getting a new ram. They are relatively easy to replace.
Regards
Muzz
The assumption I'm making is that you have a face-lift Z3 with a manual soft top. The gas ram that assists the raising of the soft top are getting to an age where they die. I have replaced one that seized and the top sleeve came off the rod completely, letting the ram rattle around. They are readily available from BMW. Alternative suppliers are hard to find (special size gas ram).
I suggest getting a new ram. They are relatively easy to replace.
Regards
Muzz
Re: soft top ram
cheers yes she's a facelift zed 2001 any idea how much the ram was?
peterz3
peterz3