roof motor problem ?

jeffreyt · Post by **jeffreyt** » Wed May 02, 2018 3:42 pm

Trying to decide whether to get an E85 rag top or spend a bit more on a later model with the metal folding roof.
Does the roof motor on the E89 suffer with the same problem as the rag top ie water ingress killing off the electric motor ?
Are there any other inherent problems with the E89 roof mechanism ?
I quite like the rag top look so have an open mind on this and not put off by the thought of replacing the roof motor as and when it dies
but looks like I will have a bit more cash than I thought so now looking at the later cars.
Thanks

Jeff

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Wed May 02, 2018 4:19 pm

jeffreyt wrote: ↑Wed May 02, 2018 3:42 pm Trying to decide whether to get an E85 rag top or spend a bit more on a later model with the metal folding roof.
Does the roof motor on the E89 suffer with the same problem as the rag top ie water ingress killing off the electric motor ?
Are there any other inherent problems with the E89 roof mechanism ?
I quite like the rag top look so have an open mind on this and not put off by the thought of replacing the roof motor as and when it dies
but looks like I will have a bit more cash than I thought so now looking at the later cars.
Thanks

Jeff

I think I have heard of a drowned e89 roof motor but it’s not commonplace like the e85 issues, the problems they do suffer from are mainly micro switch/hall sensor issues.
The metal roof is more complex than the soft top but seems to go wrong less.
Rob

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Wed May 02, 2018 4:48 pm

The E85 roof motor can very easily be relocated for around £80 - there are a few on here who can do it with their eyes closed. But really, just keep your drain bungs clear. Weekly check just by pouring a little water down the side of the softtop when open is all that is required. The water should re-appear immediately just in front of the rear wheels.

csm180 · Post by **csm180** » Wed May 02, 2018 9:00 pm

Just had replaced roof sensors replaced after fail. Expensive!!!

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Wed May 02, 2018 9:03 pm

csm180 wrote: ↑Wed May 02, 2018 9:00 pm Just had replaced roof sensors replaced after fail. Expensive!!!

Did you contact dietcokeman on here? He’s been known to fix e89 roof issues. How much did you pay?
Rob

csm180 · Post by **csm180** » Mon May 14, 2018 8:25 pm

£420 all in . It was over £250 from Bmw for the sensors. The roof works as new again so I am happy.

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Mon May 14, 2018 8:35 pm

I've done a few with split hoses. They are the same thermoplastic type as the e85, however on the e85 the hoses don't move, they do on the E89 and fail, especially where they loop around the rams in the solid roof section, they then chuck fluid all over you or your passenger when operating.

Mike

Tonyfazer · Post by **Tonyfazer** » Mon Mar 04, 2019 3:43 pm

Hi, being a newbie..not sure how this works but fingers crossed. Having purchased a 2009, E89 last year, I found I had an electrical problem with starting on cold mornings. I took the car to an independent who failed to rectify problem so ended up at official dealer. Finally diagnosed as main electrical junction box at fault. The official dealer charged me £500 to replace in January this year. Everything worked fine until I tested roof in recent good weather and found not working! Obviously, I mistakenly thought the garage was at fault as it seemed to be electrical but I'm now being told I need a new roof motor at considerable cost of £2.5k as well as £100 for diagnostic. Having read your threads I understand you can help me rectify? I am in the NE and willing to travel. Thanks.

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Mon Mar 04, 2019 8:01 pm

Has your vehicle been called back for replacement power cable and fuse box cable replacement.
My 2009 vehicle has...but very reluctant to let BMW fiddle with it and upset something.
Just wondering if you have been charged for something that should be free.
Check here:
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
https://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recall ... search.asp

If your car on the list, get recall done, then go back afterwards with the roof problem, blame them it now doesn't work.

Tonyfazer · Post by **Tonyfazer** » Mon Mar 04, 2019 8:08 pm

Hi, yes car has been recalled by authorised dealer and work completed with no problems. Don’t know if it has anything to do with roof not working after work completed but everything seemed okay. I just suppose I may have been unlucky???

firebobby · Post by **firebobby** » Mon Mar 04, 2019 9:56 pm

Tonyfazer wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2019 8:08 pm Hi, yes car has been recalled by authorised dealer and work completed with no problems. Don’t know if it has anything to do with roof not working after work completed but everything seemed okay. I just suppose I may have been unlucky???

welcome to the forum, we want to see your Zed (photos

)
I would say your lucky to have stumbled on this forum and will be able to save yourself a packet now on your roof repair

Tonyfazer · Post by **Tonyfazer** » Mon Mar 04, 2019 10:09 pm

Hi, thanks for reply. As you say hoping to save money as dealer network asking silly money for repair.

I would appreciate any advice/help on roof repairs as can’t believe quotes from dealer

: E89 space silver; 146A073C-E813-45E5-B908-B23C4B2E118D.jpeg (370.16 KiB) Viewed 1117 times

firebobby · Post by **firebobby** » Mon Mar 04, 2019 10:25 pm

Tonyfazer wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2019 10:09 pm Hi, thanks for reply. As you say hoping to save money as dealer network asking silly money for repair.
I would appreciate any advice/help on roof repairs as can’t believe quotes from dealer 146A073C-E813-45E5-B908-B23C4B2E118D.jpeg

Not so hot on the e89 but I'm sure they suffer from micro switches that stop working.
The old zed (e85) does suffer from the roof motor failing due to the stupid location that BMW fitted it in.
Someone will be along soon who can assist you with your roof

Number5 · Post by **Number5** » Mon Mar 04, 2019 11:47 pm

Dietcokeman (Brian) is the E89 roof expert and based newr Aylesbury I believe.
He doesnt charge much at all Ive heard, so worth trying to contact him.

I believe half the time youre paying Main Dealers over the top as some inexperienced mechanic is reading the process from the manual and with a 'replace all' approach all booked on a six hour job card.

I can do an E85 roof in about 2 hours with my eyes shut and 9 times out of 10 need no replacement parts. Its all about regularity and familiarity that Main Dealers just dont get .

Tonyfazer · Post by **Tonyfazer** » Tue Mar 05, 2019 1:01 pm

Hi, number 5. appreciate all your valuable assistance.
To bring you up to speed, picked up car from main dealer this morning and managed to blag part number required to fix car- 54.37.7.309.634. Research revealed the pump motor at fault with dealer claiming over £2K+ to purchase from BMW. As it wasn't a coded part, I have done a little research myself on net and found reconditioned ones for £300 with a years warranty. Visited my usual helpful independent and was advised to buy and he could fit. All told if things go well it should cost less than £350

. Hope this helps anyone else and I will keep you all appraised of progress.

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