BMW Repair: top not working on 328ci, bmw convertibles, e36 bmw

Question
Josh,you told someone else to pop out the top switch.How do you pop it out without breaking it.my top was working and just stopped today,Nothing happens when i push the button.thanks Dave

Answer
Dave,
 I hope the switch will fix your problem, however it could be your electric motors.  I'm not 100% sure, but I remember the covertible top button being beside the shifter on a few E36 BMW Convertibles that I have seen.  If it is on the console around the shifter, remove the shift knob and boot (both pop off) and reach under and push the switch up fron the bottom.  If you have an automatic, you might have to remove a few screws to get the shields around the shifter off.
 Once you get the switch out, spray it with some contact cleaner.  It's kind of like paint thinner, but evaporates without leaving any film.  Most people have had these problems because somewhere, sometime.... a person spilled a softdrink/coffee down in that switch, and the sugar has coated the metal contact(s) inside.  

 I hope this fixes your problem, but if not you should check the other top switches around the top.  They go bad too, and if one is malfunctioning, it will not allow the top to retract.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh