98 m3 convertible top

The Boot??? I thought the boot was the trunk lid, now I assume it means any large cover that provides storage capacity when opened.

Are you sure the roof is folding properly on the side where the storage cover is not closing all of the way?

No - the boot is the trunk.

So, the OP is asking a trunk lid question for a car that has a convertible top, he's not asking about the lid for the storage compartment for the top?

I'm not sure. 'Boot' can mean other things too in the UK - apart from a type of shoe. For example it's slang for tyres and can be used for various covers too - like say the one on a CVJ.

I'm not familiar with an M3 convertible - does the boot or trunk lid open and the soft top disappear inside it? Or has it some form of different cover to conceal it when down?

I expect that the M3 convertible is like my 1996 328iC convertible - the soft top retracts into a compartment that is behind the rear seat, said compartment has a separate lid that closes over it to cover the top with a metal cover that is molded to look like it fits into the body styling. The soft top cover is hinged at the rear, the "trunk" or "boot" (depending on local usage - I'm talking about the storage area in the back of the vehicle, where the spare tire, tool kit, battery, and potentially the CD changer are located) is hinged at the front. There is an electrical interlock system which prevents the soft top cover from opening unless the "trunk" is closed, so that they do not strike each other and cause damage to either.

The removable hard-top, if fitted, is installable only when the soft top is retracted, had the same type fasterner at the front, has fittings on each side near the rear that go into holes (covered by a removable cover, if no hardtop has been fitted). Inside the holes are latching devices, which also connect to electrical circuits that feed the interior lights and the electric rear window heater on the hardtop. These secial latching devices must be purchased in the event that the owner buys a hardtop from a third party (I bought one on EBay for my 328, had it painted to match the car. The fitting kit was approximately $100 from the BMW dealer).

All told, it makes a nice looking way of handling the soft top, looks a lot better than having the soft top visible, then covered with a fabric cover.

Jim

The BOOT is derived from the landed gentry in the UK when the carriages they went about in had foot-men standing on the back wearing BOOTS.

US motorised vehicles had a TRUNK (large suitcase) strapped to the back to put their clothes in as they didn't have servants to do the job for them (BOOT BOYS)

Yes Dave, the top folds up rather nicely and drops into a covered compartment.

Perhaps you ought to read the OP's question before posting that boot is a shoe or the cover of a CV joint.

It wouldn't surprise me if some referred to a soft cover for a folded hood as a boot - that's all.

I have read the question and it's not particularly clear to me what he's asking. It doesn't actually make sense. But wouldn't have commented on the thread except to try and sort out your confusion about what is meant by boot. It's the compartment for carrying luggage etc. Same as trunk. The opening part is the boot lid. Same as trunk lid. Ok now? ;-)

You and I have the same confusion over the meaning of boot.

I was surprised that he referred to the for the folded hood (top, roof) as a boot. You said you would not be surprised, as I was, then turned around and told me that the boot is the place where luggage gets stowed. I know that is what a boot is, even though we in the Colonies call it a trunk.