Question for e93 owners

[Petlizard]

I checked out an e93 last week and noticed the body shake or vibrate slightly when putting the roof up and down. Is this normal for e93? This vehicle had one accident reported and it was to the rear section so I wonder if it’s normal for me to feel the vibration of the roof mechanism when sitting in the car. I’ve had hardtop convertibles before, in the form of the r171 SLK, and do not recall feeling this in them when operating the roof.

[Mvy]

I dont notice body shake when opening or closing the top. Its smooth and linear in how it moves when the car is stationary. Could be a top alignment issue or suspension/mount related, but considering the accident you call out I would hesitate buying.

[deansbimmer]

It's called "cowl shake". A common phenomena in any convertible when the top is down. The top adds a significant amount of rigidity to the unibody when in place. Especially hard tops (less so for soft tops). When the top is down that rigidity is lost and the car can shake especially over rough roads, even with the extra chassis stiffening BMW designed into the E93.

[Vanmarsenille]

Originally Posted by Petlizard

I checked out an e93 last week and noticed the body shake or vibrate slightly when putting the roof up and down. Is this normal for e93? This vehicle had one accident reported and it was to the rear section so I wonder if it’s normal for me to feel the vibration of the roof mechanism when sitting in the car. I’ve had hardtop convertibles before, in the form of the r171 SLK, and do not recall feeling this in them when operating the roof.

It's not normal. I had a 2013 e93 for 5 years and never experienced what you describe. Given that, and the accident history, I would walk away from this one.

[deansbimmer]

I think I misread the OP. If you're talking about a shake while actuating the roof itself, then no that's not normal.

E93 top mechanisms are exceptionally complex and almost never repaired correctly after any rear end damage.

[nolaman1970]

My 2011 E93 M3 does not shake at all when putting the top up or down. It is very smooth except when the pieces reach their final resting place then I may feel a little bump. But again no shaking during the process.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by Petlizard

I checked out an e93 last week and noticed the body shake or vibrate slightly when putting the roof up and down. Is this normal for e93? This vehicle had one accident reported and it was to the rear section so I wonder if it’s normal for me to feel the vibration of the roof mechanism when sitting in the car. I’ve had hardtop convertibles before, in the form of the r171 SLK, and do not recall feeling this in them when operating the roof.

are you coming back to e9x M3 platform?

[mikemulkern96]

Not normal. I use my top all the time and have never experienced what you're describing.

[brettcp]

I've never noticed this in any of my E93's (had a few over the years).

[Petlizard]

Originally Posted by Honda

are you coming back to e9x M3 platform?

Yes. I've missed the sound, steering, and feel of this generation so I'm contemplating about finding another.

[BOOF-M3]

Mine is like butter.

[da jemster]

No shaking here

[Rabidcat77]

Yeah same here very smooth actuation, and some bumps when they fall into place, but no shaking per se.

[XIX]

Def not normal. Walk away briskly.

[Petlizard]

Thanks everybody for the inputs. I went back to test it out again this week and noticed the shudders is not as prominent as they were first time around. I still feel the mechanisms working when lowering, and then the final drop right before the trunk closes but not the vibration in the body I felt the first time through. I then went to checked out 2 other e93 in the area, and their folding roofs, and concluded that they are all the same in feel as this one.
Got an PPI on the car and with the exception of the un-opened glove box, the car has a clean bill of health. With 19k miles and an individual rust brown interior, I may end up getting it.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by Petlizard

Thanks everybody for the inputs. I went back to test it out again this week and noticed the shudders is not as prominent as they were first time around. I still feel the mechanisms working when lowering, and then the final drop right before the trunk closes but not the vibration in the body I felt the first time through. I then went to checked out 2 other e93 in the area, and their folding roofs, and concluded that they are all the same in feel as this one.
Got an PPI on the car and with the exception of the un-opened glove box, the car has a clean bill of health. With 19k miles and an individual rust brown interior, I may end up getting it.

Rust brown???? That is a nice find.

[Petlizard]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

Rust brown???? That is a nice find.

Yep, extended leather with piano black trims, and MPE installed.
What has the maintenance been like with your e93 roof? I'm assuming it's just the annual lube/grease job to keep things running smoothly?

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by Petlizard

Yep, extended leather with piano black trims, and MPE installed.
What has the maintenance been like with your e93 roof? I'm assuming it's just the annual lube/grease job to keep things running smoothly?

Have has zero issues. I rarely put it up and down so maybe that helps.

[SVH]

I've never had any real issues. Only thing to note : opening and closing the top must be on level ground. Top will tilt or twist otherwise and will not close on uneven ground. Potentially could damage the tops aliment.