Audi A5 top hydraulic unit motor fits Z4

[cbb09]

Folks,

Not sure if this is new information, but thought I’d share what I found regarding the hydraulic pump motor for the convertible top. I had water in the trunk, which caused the A6A3 error (dead hydraulic temp sensor in the motor) and I assumed I needed to replace the motor.

Used hydraulic units and rebuilding all sounded a bit much and I didn’t think that the motor for the BMW would be unique to the Z4. So I looked around on eBay and found that the motor looked awefully similar to the ones on the hydraulic top units on other cars, like the 2010-17 Audi A5/S5 convertibles, down to the electrical connector.

So I bought a 2010 Audi A5 hydraulic unit for $160 shipped on eBay to test my theory. It arrived yesterday. Took the motor off the Audi unit and it’s identical! I swapped it in about 5min with the broken one on my hydraulic unit and it works perfectly. Top moves smoothly and no errors.

So, if you need a new motor for the hydraulic top unit, this will work for under $200.

Hope this helps someone.

[flybobbie]

Probably used on many vehicles, just knowing what variation fits what.

[Nictrix]

Did Robbi not comment on this before and he says the pumps are different?

[cbb09]

Did Robbi not comment on this before and he says the pumps are different?

The pump is different, the motor appears identical, down to the electrical connector. I’ve lowered and raised the roof about 20 times and it seems to be exactly how it should be.

[abar121]

Great information, thanks for sharing.

[MarshMA10]

That's a great find, assuming it continues to last you as well as it has so far. Top stuff.

[cbb09]

That's a great find, assuming it continues to last you as well as it has so far. Top stuff.

I looked at them closely and also took the motor cover off. They are identical.

[RobbiZ4]

It's much cheaper to

• renew the 2 salmon relays next to the pump on a regular base

• avoid water around the hydraulic pump => "HowTo Maintenance thread"

• just replace the NTC temp. sensor. It costs about 0.50€ plus shipping

Following these 3 simple rules you never have to replace the motors.

Most A5 pumps offered on eBay & Co. have massive traces of corrosion! Be very carefully, as there is no reason to sell a perfect working pump by a private seller.