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Roof motor FIRE!

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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Ducklakeview
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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by Ducklakeview » Sun Sep 17, 2017 4:01 pm

Ok,

So had a zed here today that the (forum) owner bought with the roof inop.

Pulled it out and could SMELL it..

Was seized solid, even the end cap was a nightmare to get off..

The sponge and cables were visibly scorched!
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Opening up the motor revealed more fire damage..
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Motor wass behind repair due to the toasted board, so a refurb fitted and he was on his way.

Just another thing to be aware of, if the sponge had been dry, I think it would have gone up..

Mike

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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by DaveZ4richardson » Sun Sep 17, 2017 4:18 pm

Lucky escape then by the look of it.
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kis
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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by kis » Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:19 pm

One time when not clearing drains probably saved the day!!
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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by Ewazix » Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:21 pm

.......... and this all you critics of BMW's roof motor design, is why they chose to locate it in a water filled sump - it's a fire safety feature :)
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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by kis » Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:23 pm

:rofl:
Not if the drains were operating properly!!
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG

BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71

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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by RyanB88 » Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:29 pm

The drains collecting water is a safety feature then! :rofl:
Z4 now sold :(

Current - M235i :thumbsup:

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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by S4rap » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:10 pm

Hi, I am the said owner, great to have the roof working as it should. Excellent job and very informative,thanks Mike. :rofl:

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Post by Beedub » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:16 pm

this thread made me smile but.. wow bmw... what shocking design
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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by EssexZed » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:21 pm

Shouldn't it have been protected by a fuse? :o

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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by Smartbear » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:29 pm

EssexZed wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:21 pm Shouldn't it have been protected by a fuse? :o
A fuse is designed to protect the wiring & not the appliance, the wires don't seem to have burnt so it's job done :oops:
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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by Gaffa22 » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:31 pm

So basically you could be buggered if it's dry and deffo buggered if it's wet
Confused :headbang:
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Roof motor FIRE!

Post by Ducklakeview » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:37 pm

EssexZed wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:21 pm Shouldn't it have been protected by a fuse? :o
Yes, it's controlled by two relays and a 40a maxi fuse, however I think that as the bottom bearing had seized due to the water, it was spinning said bearing in the endplate. Obviously a hardened steel ball spinning a several thousand RPM against a steel plate is going to produce some heat! The motor generally draws about 9 amps, but a 40a fuse would allow it to draw probably 50-60a without blowing.

Mike

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Post by firebobby » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:43 pm

Christ, I'm going fill my boot with water then :rofl:
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Post by MrPT » Sun Sep 17, 2017 10:29 pm

Drop a tea bag in there. Nice little cuppa-on-the-go.
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