E30 325 EM roof flap issue

Hi all, I'm new to the forum but have been a serial E30 addict for some years! I've got a decent 91 motorsport convertible with the electro mechanical softtop, which until recently has worked more or less flawlessly. Then last week I noticed that the horseshoe cover isn't fully closing when retracting the roof - when the cycle stops there is an inch gap at the leading edge of the flap.

The claws that lock the flap down are engaged but are stopping at about 45 degrees instead of horizontal when the motor stops. I thought that the locking cables might need adjusting, but to check I disconnected the lift 'rod' (51 25 8 112 688) and lowered the flap onto the claws by hand, then operated the flap motor to compete the cycle, and it locked the flap down nicely, so the cable tension must be ok, and the roof itself can't be restricting the cover.

Next i inspected the 'rod' and found that the threaded portion was a bit bent, and that the bearing spacer where it attaches to the flap bracket was missing. So I've replaced the rod with a new one from BM, and put a new spacer in, but the problem remains! I've tried various adjustments to the length of the rod, by turning the ball joint end on its thread, but haven't had any luck. I don't think it's the microswitches because the lock down works with the flap rod disconnected; it's as if the motor needs to turn a few more degrees but can't because the rod is stopping it somehow.

Has anyone else come across this? I'm out of ideas and Bentley doesn't cover the power roof adjustment unfortunately! Thanks in advance.

Mark

Hi Neil thanks for your reply. Think we're talking about different rods, the rod that was bent is number 2 on

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BB12&mospid=47290&btnr=54_0172&hg=54&fg=10&lang=en

which raises the lid - it's meant to have a kink in it but mine had an additional bend in the threaded part at the bottom hence replacing it. So with this rod disconnected, I am able to just gently lower the lid onto the clamp claws then operate the roof switch to get the motor to lock the lid down fully, which it's quite capable of doing without me needing to actually push down - unless i reconnect the lid rod to the motor arm, at which point it stops working again. Do you still think that sounds like a worn motor rather than an adjustment? Sounds expensive... are they shop serviceable? I'm in the Leeds area, don't suppose you're local by any chance? Thanks again. Mark