soft top won't go all the way down

[torrana2]

I got an 04 plate Z4 with electric soft top last year. I had it stored in my garage over the winter under cover. got it out to play today and the soft top won't go down. the motor isn't burnt out as the hood starts to move then after a few inches it stops.

any suggestions??

[Smartbear]

I got an 04 plate Z4 with electric soft top last year. I had it stored in my garage over the winter under cover. got it out to play today and the soft top won't go down. the motor isn't burnt out as the hood starts to move then after a few inches it stops.

any suggestions??

It may be partly drowned, how often do you clear the drains?
Rob

[markplant]

There are 2 motors, the first releases the locking mechanism, which might by why yours moves a few inches, the second motor is in the passenger rear wheel well , this one is the motor that is prone to fail as the roof drains get blocked and then the motor is submerged and dies, there are several members on here can revive dead motors and move them to the boot, add your location and we could advise the nearest person, or if you want to try yourself I believe there's a how to guide on here

[Grumpyowl]

I also got my car out today after 6 month winter hibernation .
When I tried to put the roof down it unclipped from the front but only moved a couple of inches. I just gave it a little push to get it going.

I gave it 4 full cycles up and down it now works as it should, I presume not moving for 6 months it just needed using.

[Ducklakeview]

Happens a lot when they are stored - Basically the sponge the motor is wrapped in will be wet, when it's put away the corrosion will set in on the lower bearing and commutator. The first time it is then operated it will usually work, as the area under the brushes on the commutator will be relatively clean, so away it goes and then comes to rest with the brushes on a corroded section et voila, it won't work. After driving, it may then work intermittently due to the vibration jiggling things around, but the only sure fire way to cure it 100% is via removal, refurb the motor and relocate it.

Mike

[Number5]

Happens a lot when they are stored - Basically the sponge the motor is wrapped in will be wet, when it's put away the corrosion will set in on the lower bearing and commutator. The first time it is then operated it will usually work, as the area under the brushes on the commutator will be relatively clean, so away it goes and then comes to rest with the brushes on a corroded section et voila, it won't work. After driving, it may then work intermittently due to the vibration jiggling things around, but the only sure fire way to cure it 100% is via removal, refurb the motor and relocate it.

Mike

What Mike and all above have said.
It's only a matter of time now and it will die eventually unless you can get it out of the water filled flask it's sitting in.

There are members in that will relocate neatly it into the boot for you, if you wish :-
DucklakeView - St Helens (Wirral)
Number5 - Bristol
Bowser123 - Hampshire
Durham Dave - Cumbria
DietCokeMan - Bucks

[Ducklakeview]

Happens a lot when they are stored - Basically the sponge the motor is wrapped in will be wet, when it's put away the corrosion will set in on the lower bearing and commutator. The first time it is then operated it will usually work, as the area under the brushes on the commutator will be relatively clean, so away it goes and then comes to rest with the brushes on a corroded section et voila, it won't work. After driving, it may then work intermittently due to the vibration jiggling things around, but the only sure fire way to cure it 100% is via removal, refurb the motor and relocate it.

Mike

What Mike and all above have said.
It's only a matter of time now and it will die eventually unless you can get it out of the water filled flask it's sitting in.

There are members in that will relocate neatly it into the boot for you, if you wish :-
DucklakeView - St Helens (Wirral)
Number5 - Bristol
Bowser123 - Hampshire
Durham Dave - Cumbria
DietCokeMan - Bucks

Just an update on my location lol - Now in WA12 Merseyside.

Mike

[Finisterre]

I moved my motor. It helped for a while but actually what I needed was a new battery.

Just sayin.
Maybe factor in a new battery if your existing battery is elderly?

[torrana2]

Thanks all. battery is new so probably not that. I didn't realise there were 2 motors. don't think the motor is sitting in water as it wasn't used in the rain much but I'll check it out. My location is just south of Glasgow so maybe no members nearby. I'll check out the forum for moving the motor as I'm reasonably practical.

[williamdefender]

My z4 is never out in the rain and its only got about 45k miles . I found my motor drowned after the winter hibernation . I guess water builds up with blocked drains and in my case it must have been due to the car getting washed most summer weekends .

[torrana2]

roof back in action thanks to Durham Dave