Initial hardtop fitting

[mwpe]

On the BMW instructions for the hardtop fitting, it calls for a mounting gauge (part no 54 21 9 408 881). As these are no longer available, does anyone know their dimensions? It can obviously be fitted without using this but it would be good to know the correct fitting.

[Robert T]

If you promise to post them back to me (so that others can use them), then I can lend you set. PM me your postal address and I'll send them to you.

Cheers R.

[mwpe]

Thanks very much I will send them straight back. PM sent.

Mike

[fish]

Thanks very much I will send them straight back. PM sent.

Mike

Rob also lent these to me recently...it's not quite as daunting as the instructions make it out to be....

[mwpe]

It doesn't look too difficult but it would be good to have the correct clearances

[ralft01]

Rob, I would be very grateful if I could also borrow your mounting gauge. I would be happy to pay a deposit against safe return, especially since I am a newbie.

[Robert T]

Yes, you can borrow them, Ralf. Please PM me your address. All I ask is that you post them back as soon as you have finished with them.

Cheers R.

[ssukisue]

Rob,

May I borrow them too please. lol, maybe you should get some fabricated and sell them online.

I have finally just bought some rear brackets and am ready to fit the hardtop for winter, yippee!

I promise faithfully to return recorded delivery
Susan

[Robert T]

No problem, Susan. If Ralf hurries up, you will be next in line.

Cheers R.

[GDZ3]

Yet another in the queue... will pm my address and will happily pay return postage.... when the gauges are available.

[mwpe]

It looks like I started something with this request. The result is worth it

[steviez]

I had no idea there was some sort of gague. is that why the roof rattles like a tin of marbles when i go over a bump ,which on our roads is every 3cms

[Robert T]

I'm not sure the gauges will help with the rattling. They are just to help set the height of the rear of the roof when you first install it. The hardtop has adjustments front and rear, so with patience it is possible to get a really good fit, but a certain amount of rattling, creaking and flexing is inevitable, as the roof is not part of the car. I did manage to reduce the rattling on mine a bit by replacing the rubber buffers attached to the rear of the hardtop - they sit directly on the softtop roof catches and they go hard with age - I don't know if these are still available from BMW.

Cheers R.

[ralft01]

Hi Rob
I'm not sure if you have received the gauge back yet. I now have my hardtop and the fitting kit is installed, so I will hopefully be very quick after I receive the gauge.

Many thanks

Ralft

[Kondor]

I did manage to reduce the rattling on mine a bit by replacing the rubber buffers attached to the rear of the hardtop - they sit directly on the softtop roof catches and they go hard with age - I don't know if these are still available from BMW.

Cheers R.

They are indeed Robert. I only bought one that was missing from mine last week.

Unfortunately, plank that I am, I've now snapped one of the securing handles off.