BMW 1 Convertible Top Problems: Sensor Issues and Fixes

Hi there! I have some experience with cars and had a similar issue with my 2020 BMW 2 Series. Sounds very familiar, the convertible top would act up just like yours, really frustrating stuff! Took it to my regular workshop and turned out it was just a loose connection in one of the main harness plugs that controls the top mechanism. The mechanic cleaned the contacts and properly secured the connection, took about an hour of labor. Total bill was 95 Euro, which wasn't too bad considering I was worried it'd be something major. Before you head to a shop though, could you tell me if you hear any unusual noises when trying to operate the top? Also, does the issue happen more often when it's cold outside? This info would help narrow down if you're dealing with the same problem I had. I've seen these issues on various BMWs, but each case can be different. Let me know those details and I might be able to help further!

Thanks for sharing your experience! I have a 2022 BMW 1 with 73388 KM, serviced about a month ago. Mine makes a clicking sound when the top tries to move, but no other weird noises. It definitely seems like an electrical issue rather than mechanical since the LED is flashing. Been trying to figure this out for the past couple weeks since I really want to enjoy the nice weather. Haven't noticed any correlation with temperature, it's pretty unusual. Sometimes it works perfectly fine for several operations, then suddenly stops mid-way. Your harness connection issue seems like a good lead, might have my mechanic check that first before replacing more expensive parts. At least that would be a relatively cheap fix if it turns out to be the same problem!

Hey again! Yeah, that clicking sound is different from what I experienced with my 2020 2 Series, mine was more of a complete silence when it failed. The fact that yours is clicking and has that flashing LED does point more towards a sensor issue than the loose connection I had. Just had a thought, before my harness problem, I actually had a similar clicking noise and flashing LED situation on my previous BMW. That time it turned out to be a faulty hall sensor, just like you initially suspected. The repair was a bit pricier than my recent harness fix, around 400 Euro including labor, but it solved the problem completely. Given what you're describing, especially with the clicking and the unusual nature of the problem, I'd put money on it being a hall sensor. The symptoms are just too similar to what I went through. The good news is that while it's not the cheapest fix, it's still way better than having to replace the entire top mechanism. Quick tip though, if your mechanic does confirm it's the hall sensor, make sure they check all the wiring around it too. Sometimes the sensor itself is fine, but the wiring gets damaged from repeated top movement. Would hate to see you replace the sensor only to find out it was just a worn wire! Let me know what your mechanic finds, I'm curious to know if it matches up with my past experience!

Thanks so much for all this detailed info! That's really helpful to know about your experience with both the harness and hall sensor issues. The clicking with LED flashing being similar to your previous BMW definitely makes me feel more confident about my initial hall sensor suspicion. I'll schedule an appointment with my mechanic tomorrow and have them check both the wiring and the sensor itself. The 400 euro repair cost isn't great news, but you're right, it's way better than having to replace the whole mechanism. At least now I can go in with some specific things for them to look at instead of just telling them "my convertible top isn't working right." Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences and tips, especially about checking the surrounding wiring. I'll definitely update once I get it sorted out. Fingers crossed it's something straightforward like what you dealt with!