Anybody checked convertible fluid level?

[Opie55]

I'm confused about how to check my convertible fluid level. I know where it is and how to pull the round access panels off. But you can only do it with the rear window up, but if the top is not fully up or down, you cannot put the rear window up. So how do I put the rear window up with the top partly open?

[thebmw]

Which fluids? I'm confused by your post and would like to help. Are you talking about the convertible top's fluid levels? I always thought those were located near the blinker fluids. Or are you talking about something else?

[Opie55]

The blinker fluid is easy, as is the glove box fluid. But I need to check the convertible top fluid.

[thebmw]

I truly had no idea there's convertible top fluid. I thought that was right in the same category as blinker fluid!

Are you talking about the hydraulic fluid in the mechanism?

[Opie55]

Yes.

[Qsilver7]

The TIS recommends putting the soft top in the SERVICE POSITION: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...e-top/F91iPYS0


Fully open soft top compartment lid (1) as shown.

Removing hydraulic cylinder at top right or left as follows


This then allows you to check the fluid level: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...e-top/F34W6w6A



Oil level must be within the arrow (2) if the hydraulic unit is horizontal.

Undo oil filler plug (1).

Fill required oil quantity from the oil bottle or draw off using suitable auxiliary materials.

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

The TIS recommends putting the soft top in the SERVICE POSITION: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...e-top/F91iPYS0


Fully open soft top compartment lid (1) as shown.

Removing hydraulic cylinder at top right or left as follows


This then allows you to check the fluid level: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...e-top/F34W6w6A



Oil level must be within the arrow (2) if the hydraulic unit is horizontal.

Undo oil filler plug (1).

Fill required oil quantity from the oil bottle or draw off using suitable auxiliary materials.

I've seen that, but that's what has me confused. With the back up like that the window will not go up. The window has to be up to access the panels for the reservoir. The instructions don't say how to raise the window.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Opie55

I've seen that, but that's what has me confused. With the back up like that the window will not go up. The window has to be up to access the panels for the reservoir. The instructions don't say how to raise the window.

Can you use the little rear window tool to MANUALLY lift the window once you have the soft top in the service position?

See #3 in the illustration below for the rear window tool...and the images below that are from Redhawk2604's thread on BimFest that shows the tools stored in the car and out on his counter:

[Opie55]

I thought I might have to do that. It's just odd that the procedures don't cover that obvious point of how to get the window up.

[thebmw]

Great thread and question. I don't think most of us knew about it either.

[hugo_nz]

Just adding to this as the early F12's are now getting on a bit in years. Mine will intermittently just not raise the rear deck, so I decided to check the oil and sure as sunshine it is just a hair below the MIN mark on the reservoir.

And yeah, procedure above is correct. Stop the roof action once the rear deck and the fins are fully erect, use the smaller of the two tools to manually crank up the rear window (pita, since it sometimes feels like its jammed), remove the two plastic caps to access the reservoir.

You can tell if yours has ever been checked since there's soundproofing over the reservoir...if it's in once piece its never been checked

[hugo_nz]

Replaced the oil today. The level was well below the minimum mark which is not good and would account for the increasingly frequent failures with the roof going down. Pulled out all the old oil, replaced with fresh oil and moved the top a couple of times. Smoother, quieter and maybe even faster :-) pic of old oil attached.

[Opie55]

Since I just got a forum notice that this thread is "popular" I thought I should add something here. I covered elsewhere actually checking the level, but I want emphasize how sensitive the fluid level is to how you open up the back flap and the back of the top. You must have two pre-cut sticks ready to brace them fully open, and you must get them in place before the panels begin to fall from gravity. If the back panel begins to fall and you push it back up manually - even a couple inches - the fluid level will be wildly off.

[Alpine650]

On the subject of convertible top maintetnance I thought I read somewhere the BMW complete oil change service had an additional component for the convertible. It included "greasing the convertible top latches" - sound familiar? I noticed how noisy the latches are when closing the last couple of weeks. I used some lithium grease and quiet and smooth now. I guess I have to grease all the variuos points of connections as the top rises from the boot. I have a call into dealer to find out if this is included in oil change service - they have to research so now I know it hasn't been done for 5 years!