Expert: Josh Fields - 9/28/2006

Question
I live in Ireland (Right Hand Drive)and own a 1992 E30 318i Convertible.My problem is that the electric motor for the roof on the right hand side is broken, to get a new one is very expensive so my question is A. If i could source a motor in the USA would it fit? B. Do you have any contacts for second hand parts in the USA?
I have tried in the UK and europe with no luck.
Many thanks Clive

Answer
Clive,
 There are several sources for parts here in the US, however that is a rare part.  Most of the E30's had manual tops, and only the late models had electric ones.  So you are limited to finding a 90-92 E30 convertible (not that common), and getting the motor(s) from it.  There are several places to choose from, and you can call/email most of them.
 You can look at the factory parts manual here..
 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BA52&mospid=47287&btnr=54_0172&hg=...

 The part number for the motor is 54348106927.  You can possibly do a search (google.com) for this part number, you might include the word "BMW" to narrow the search.

 Looking for vendors in the USA will be the same, just search Google.com for BMW parts and you will find several places.

 Good luck,
 Josh