What is this part called? - MyTractorForum.com - The Friendliest Tractor Forum and Best Place for Tractor Information

ggsteve · 03-18-2012, 01:34 PM

I took the hard top off of the BMW Z3 this morning. When we went to raise the power top it raised for a couple seconds, I heard a "pop", and the top dropped back into the boot. After a little investigation I found that the linear actuator was no longer connected to the frame of the top, and the connector between the two is no where to be found. I don't know if this part is something I could find at an auto parts store or if I need to go to (gasp!) BMW. Here is the connector end of the linear actuator. It looks like the same fastener used on a lot of trunk lid shocks:

Here are two views of the attachment point on the convertible top frame. It looks like the hole is threaded.

The fitting, whatever it is called, must have unscrewed itself over the years and finally popped out today. I think the very outer threads stripped, but the majority of the threads in the hole look good. Does anyone know if this is a standard connector, or am I calling (gasp!) BMW?

EDIT: By the way, this is Murphy's Law in full force. I made the very last payment on this car Friday!

D-Dogg · 03-18-2012, 01:38 PM

Ball and socket joint?

You could take measurements and try McMaster-Carr, or just bite the bullet at BMW. I didn't think my BMWs were that expensive when it came to parts, but then again, I had to ask for them in German, so maybe it was cheaper over there.

Canawler · 03-19-2012, 08:57 AM

Banks open in a few minutes. Time for your second mortgage.

Brett-JDX748 · 03-19-2012, 04:43 PM

Steve,

Here ya go!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#ball-studs/=gqggjh

Match up the dimensions you need and go to town!

Tomadvanced · 03-25-2012, 08:30 AM

Go to realoem.com type in the last seven digits of your vin and you can look up the part #.

glenn27 · 03-25-2012, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett-JDX748

Steve,

Here ya go!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#ball-studs/=gqggjh

Match up the dimensions you need and go to town!

*****************
Same exact type of ball/stud arrangement as on my Jeep lift gate, when I just replaced the actuators....New ones came with mine--so I belive it's a standard auto thing...belive it was a 15mm socket to install....

glenn

junkyardjeff · 04-20-2012, 10:12 PM

Must be a common issue as the last one I put a top on had one loose,was able to retap and install.

03-19-2012, 08:57 AM	#3
Canawler Proud Member of the 1K Club Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,010 MTF Member # 32205	Re: What is this part called? Banks open in a few minutes. Time for your second mortgage. __________________ ---Jim It's only money, you make more every day. '74 Agway/MTD 990 '93 Troy-bilt GTX18 '74 Allis Chalmers Homesteader 8 (X2) ?? Simplicity Broadmoor 717 ?? Pennsylvania Meteor 1010

03-19-2012, 04:43 PM	#4
Brett-JDX748 Has anyone seen ChimChim? Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Greensburg, PA, USA Posts: 6,343 MTF Member # 1790 Images: 1	Re: What is this part called? Steve, Here ya go! http://www.mcmaster.com/#ball-studs/=gqggjh Match up the dimensions you need and go to town! __________________ X748 Ultimate, Diesel, 4x4, 62C MMM, SE Seat, Quick Hitch, 54" Plow, 26Gal Sprayer, Soft Cab, 10P Cart. That knockin, ain't a loose rod, Son! Photos Former Fleet: 2009 Craftsman GTS5000 Excellerator - Sold Photos 2006 John Deere 3320, FEL, Backhoe, 62 MMM - Sold Photos 2005 Cub Cadet 6284D FEL, Backhoe , 70" rear finish mower - Bought back, LEMON Photos

03-25-2012, 08:30 AM	#5
Tomadvanced Senior MTF Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Cornwall, NY Posts: 704 MTF Member # 52537	Re: What is this part called? Go to realoem.com type in the last seven digits of your vin and you can look up the part #. __________________ 2011 X729, Heated Soft Side Cab, 47" Snow Blower, 54C Mower Deck, MC519 with Power Flow, 45 Loader, 26 Gallon Sprayer, JD 48" Aerator, Spyker 12v Spreader

04-20-2012, 10:12 PM	#7
junkyardjeff MTF Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 88 MTF Member # 44572	Re: What is this part called? Must be a common issue as the last one I put a top on had one loose,was able to retap and install.

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