Automatic Soft Close system

For convenient closing of the luggage compartment lid, the Soft Close Automatic system is installed as-series standard. The Soft Close Automatic system consists of 2 drives. The drives lock the luggage compartment lid on the left and right at the support member of the rear module. This increases the stability of the rear end.

NOTE: Cable and lock barrel have been discontinued!

The cable and the lock barrel were deleted in 2010. This means that it is no longer possible to unlock the tailgate manually.

Fig 1: Identifying Automatic Soft Close System

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Index	Explanation
1	Micro-switch for luggage compartment lock, left
2	Central-locking drive for luggage compartment lid
3	Bowden cable for unlocking the luggage compartment lock, right
4	Micro-switch for luggage compartment lock, right
5	Tailgate lock barrel (deleted 2010)
6	Bump stop, right
7	Automatic soft close drive, right
8	Bowden cable for mechanical unlocking of the luggage compartment lid
9	Cable for unlocking left rear lid lock (discontinued 2010)
10	Automatic soft-close drive, left
11	Bump stop, left

When the luggage compartment locks on the left and right have reached the locking bracket, 2 micro switches are pressed. The signals are sent to the junction box electronics (JBE). The Convertible Top Module (CTM) receives the signals across the CAN bus. The CTM then activates both drive units for the Automatic Soft Close system, continuing until the tailgate is locked. Banging the luggage compartment lid shut would make closing with the Soft Close Automatic system unnecessary. For reasons relevant to safety, it must be ensured that the luggage compartment lid really is closed. This is why the drives of the Soft Close Automatic system are activated in all cases.

Both drives have an anti-repeat circuit to prevent overheating. The anti-repeat circuit permits up to 20 activations of the Soft Close Automatic system (counter up to 20 increments). Thereafter, the Soft Close Automatic system is electrically blocked for approx. 2 minutes.

Notes for Service department

General notes

IMPORTANT: Emergency backup operation exclusively for service use!

Emergency activation of the retractable hardtop for the customer is not implemented. However, emergency actuation is possible in Service. The emergency activation is described in detail in the repair instructions .

IMPORTANT: Vehicle must be stationary!

It is not possible to open or close the retractable hardtop while the vehicle is being driven. Due to the high power consumption of the retractable hardtop of up to 40 amperes, the hardtop may only be operated with a battery charger connected or with the engine running. Comply with the additional information in the Owner's Handbook.

IMPORTANT: No finger-protection feature is installed on the rear power windows!

The rear electric power windows are not equipped with a finger-protection feature. This means there is no toll function for closing the rear windows either.

NOTE: No convenience closing using outside door handle electronics!

On vehicles with Comfort Access, convenience closing is not possible using the outside door handle electronics. Convenience closing is run via lock cylinders.

NOTE: Zero-maintenance hydraulic fluid.

The hydraulic fluid does not have to be changed because the system is filled with life-time fluid. If, as a result of a leak, hydraulic fluid needs to be topped up, always use the approved grade of hydraulic fluid. Pour in hydraulic fluid only up to marking on oil reservoir.

NOTE: If excessive noise is generated, bleed the hydraulic system.

If excessive noise is generated while the hardtop is moving, the hardtop must be opened and closed several times. This will automatically bleed the hydraulic system in the oil reservoir.

NOTE: The hardtop weighs roughly 98 kilograms!

At least two persons and appropriate lifting equipment are required (refer to repair instructions).