BMW Repair: Convertible Top, 1996 bmw 328i, checkout www

Question
I have had numerous problems over the last year with my convertible top on my 1996 BMW 328i. The top has has intermittant problem retracting. The most recent repair was in October 2003 when they replaced the motors for the top. I then went into winter and when I just brought it back in for the same problem the dealer replaced a "bent rod". The top retracted for me once in a row so I brought it back again. The dealer now tells me that I need the convertible top frame replaced for $6,000. Needless to say I cannot afford it. I asked if it could be done manually and the answer was no. I'm not sure how is got bent and I'm not confident that the dealer has the right answer since I have had a couple of parts replaced. I started looking on the net to see if there is a more cost effective way of fixing the top. Any suggestions? Also, my electrical system has been nothing less than flaky. Currently when I start the car the heating system automatically comes on even if I shut the car off with the control shut off. In addition when I got my car back last night from the dealer my radio now has a "code wait" message on it and will not play. I'm not sure if I'md estined to keep this car but I do love the drive.

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Thank you
Denise  

Answer
It sounds like a component of the top (frame related) is causeing extra stress on the motors and the linkage resulting in bent and burned out parts.  a new frame should fix it.  as for getting a good deal on one, checkout www.junkyarddog.com or ebay, people sell tops for a reasonable price and you can have a convertable top repair/restore facility install it so you know it's done right, unless the dealer is willing to do it.  as for the fode wait light, the mechanic unplugged the battery which caused the radio to request a vin# specific code given only to the owner at a dealership, I'm not sure why the heat comes on but i would assume it's related to a computer for the heating system.  have the codes run on it.  you can also checkout:
http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/
for someone whom is selling a top frame.
-cheers