Roof unlatches, then nothing happens? On the E46 convertible, if the top releases but the rear tonneau compartment never opens, the folding drive motor is the usual cause — the roof has nowhere to fold into, so the sequence aborts before it really begins.

This is the genuine OEM folding drive roof motor / tonneau unit, part number 82483085125, for the 2001–2006 E46 convertible.

Why it gets misdiagnosed

From the driver's seat the symptom is simply "the top won't go down," which sends most people straight to the hydraulic pump. But the pump and the tonneau drive are separate. If you can hear one motor working and the compartment lid stays shut, the fault is here rather than in the hydraulics — and diagnosing that correctly is the difference between a straightforward fix and replacing an expensive pump that was never faulty.

Condition

Genuine BMW OEM, pre-owned, pulled from a single donor vehicle. Review the listing photographs for condition before ordering.

Fitment

Fits 2001–2006 BMW E46 convertible — 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci and M3. E46 parts do not carry over to the E93 that replaced it, so confirm your chassis code before ordering. Send us your year and model and we'll verify it for you.

Availability

One available. Salvage-sourced original from a single car — when it's gone we may never see this exact unit again.

Covered by our standard 30-day return policy.