Call Klaus Witte at Top hydraulics. He Rebuilt both my Bow tension Cylinders. Originally the one he sent me was the same problem as yours, same cylinder different connection. I ended up sending mine to him and he had a quick turn around time.



Klaus Witte
Top Hydraulics, Inc.
90730 Southview Lane
Florence, OR 97439

541 902 3214

541 870 9787 (technician on call)

www.tophydraulicsinc.com

 

Thanks, I will.

 

I have same problem... how did your repair go... any words of wisdom?

For some PDF files to assist, see thread http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=872988&highlight=

 

my m3 vert is leaking fluid, but i can't find from where... i've not seen any pools or puddles in the boot tray, and there is some noticable in the resevoir foam boot, but not sure that is the only spot. or how to isolate the leak specifically in the reservoir/solenoid assembly...

any suggestions?

the system leaks enough fluid in 2wks to render the top non-working, which seems like an astounding amount of fluid to lose when only using the top 2-3 times in a short time span.

:help

 

@Garrettmarvel..... I had a similar leak going. 3-4 up/down cycles and fluid was low. :ben: Since i had no obvious stains on the roof itself, I figured it was one of the storage cover cylinders or a line to them. I pulled the trunk lining and traced the lines out to the cylinders It ended up being one of the cylinders for the storage cover. So every time it opened ,(and for the entire time it stays open) it was pushing the fluid out. They are located far enough out that they were not leaking into the trunk area, but rather down the inside of the rear quarter panel. Luckily when i got my cylinder, it came with a new pint of oil. :woot:

hth

Fluid Part # 54 34 0 394 395. About $35. USD for a pint

V

 

vandyinc - i found the leak, like you said, passenger side cylinder. but is it cylinder that leaks or the wire/tube connection? will buying the cylinder fix it altogether?

 

Mine was leaking from the piston seal. New cylinder came with lines and oil. just had to route them to the pump and plug them in.

 

so i am to remove the cylinder with fluid lines attached? i have been in touch with top hydraulics, and removed the cylinder from the ball mount and bracket, though it appears the lines are not removable from the cylinder itself...

i'm guessing i have to disconnect the lines at the solenoid/reservoir assembly on the driver side... correct?

:hmm:

 

Cylinders can be rebuilt. See my post above for the guy who does them out west for cheaper than the cost of a new cylinder.

For hydraulic oil.....https://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=qc3zxm45xyh1sd45s30tsgje&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1423606@330CI%20&year=2004&cid=hydraulic%20fluid@hydraulic%20fluid&gid=12144@Hydraulic%20System%20Fluid

 

Aerosurfer/Nick gives great advise! I sent mine to the noted contact, and they are still working great. Top Hydraulics remanufactured the cylinders for a fraction of buying new. Recommend making the call, visit the website.

Hey Nick, I'm still liking that windscreen too!

 

Remove the line from the cylinder: simply unscrew the Phillips screw that holds the metal retainer clip (the clip holds the lines in place) then pull the hose out of the cylinder itself. Wrap the cylinders in paper towel and place on ziplock bag. Mail to Klaus!

 

i lost my u retaining clip. do you know where to get them from?

 

i emailed klaus and he said some cars the lines are not removable, which appears to be the case on my car (2003 M3). he said to disconnect at reservoir/solenoid assembly and ship. FYI...

 

Bmw parts dept. ( any one )

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They only sell the whole cylinder! :\

 

Buy a used one on eBay just for the retaining clip, or try a local salvage yard.

 

We have updated the hydraulic cylinder and component diagram on our website:

Here are some awesome hydraulics-related DIYs created by esteemed forum members:
http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/e46bowcylinders.pdf
http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/e46storagecylinders.pdf
http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/e46m...tcylinders.pdf
http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/e46line23guide.pdf

Klaus

 

Awesome! !

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