A quick question for the OEM hardtop experts - can anyone tell me the function of the two brackets under the rear screen (part numbers 22 and 23 in the attached image)...

 

they are there to make sure the oem soft top is all the way down and to keep it down if someone try's to hit the button with the HT on

 

Ah, that explains why I had no idea what they were used for. I don't have them on my car because they were super expensive for some reason, but I haven't had an issue. I just don't touch the soft-top button. I've dailied my S for 6 years with the hardtop on without issue. The windows will start to go down before the roof will move, so if you accidentally do hit it with the handbrake on, you'll know to stop before the top moves.

 

Does your soft top hit the rear glass of the hardtop? Mine does and unfortunately, my hardtop doesn't have those brackets you mentioned to keep the soft top down.

 

Nope, never had an issue. Sounds like you need to change the straps on your soft top.