Z4 E85 roof problem (very strange)

Cswan89 · Post by **Cswan89** » Fri Aug 03, 2018 7:03 pm

Hi Guys,

I’m new to the forum (having just bought myself a summer present) and am having a problem with my E85 soft top roof. Having googled, and searched this forum, I’m struggling to find anyone whose described the same thing as what I’m experiencing.

Basically, my roof won’t open, however it will close under power. If it’s closed, and I press the open button, the locks will release and let the hood spring open (so the boot shelf switch must be working right?). Once that’s happened, the roof will not retract any further (assumed the motor was kaput as it seems the common denominator). So, if I use the Bowden cable in the boot, I can successfully lower the roof manually and enjoy the sunshine. Now the strange part is that if I reset the Bowden cable, and press the close button, the roof closes (and I can clearly hear the motor running), which means that the motor can not be seized or corroded!

Has anyone else experience or heard of this? I could really do with some advice if anyone has any suggestions. If I have to get it fixed, I’ll take it and have the motor relocated to the boot (I found a gentleman on here who does it for £175 without having to remove the roof).

Thanks in advance,

Carl.

firebobby · Post by **firebobby** » Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:05 pm

Hello and welcome to the forum Carl, if you have been searching the forum, you will know that newbies (such as you) need to show their Zeds

And introduce yourself and your car

I'm sure your question will be answered soon

Crazy Harry · Post by **Crazy Harry** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 7:22 am

Hi and welcome - if you search the posts you will find no end of sagas where members are doing a DIY fix and not making any progress.

If you can afford to get it done for you (about £1000 less by a member than by BMW for a motor change would be a reasonable guess) then part with the cash and get your car into a state where you can enjoy driving it

You will find lists of members (and their locations) who move members.

By the way has anyone mentioned photos?

mr.tourette · Post by **mr.tourette** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 9:53 am

its similar to when mine was getting tired.. it would only open if you helped it past a certain point with one hand but then closed completely fine on its own.. motor obviously needs more grunt to open it than close it

Beatman · Post by **Beatman** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 10:28 am

If the motor is running , and doesn't sound as it if tight, it maybe the the hydraulic fluid levels are low. And there isn't enough to drive the Rams full travel...

Tomsdad · Post by **Tomsdad** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 12:48 pm

Had my motor revived from deaths door and relocated in boot just 2 days ago by Ross. It's never been quicker or quieter. Well worth doing. He also tops up the fluid and checks that the hydraulic bypass works. Great job. Looks like a factory fitted option. I have before and after photos if you want to see.

Number5 · Post by **Number5** » Sat Aug 04, 2018 4:28 pm

Hi Carl.
It sounds like the pump failing on one side if it will go up but not down, but there are a number of checks and illimination processes that can be done.

There are members in Merseyside, Hampshire, Bucks, Cumbria and myself in Bristol who may be able to help you inc relocation (and probably for less than £175).

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 6:35 am

Less than £100 is the going rate. As per previous, a few people on here can do it for you.

firebobby · Post by **firebobby** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 8:49 am

OP, where are you, another one hit wonder, maybe ???

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:40 am

firebobby wrote: ↑Mon Aug 06, 2018 8:49 am OP, where are you, another one hit wonder, maybe ???

The op logged in a day after his post but passed no comment

Rob

firebobby · Post by **firebobby** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 10:21 am

Smartbear wrote: ↑Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:40 am
firebobby wrote: ↑Mon Aug 06, 2018 8:49 am OP, where are you, another one hit wonder, maybe ???
The op logged in a day after his post but passed no comment
Rob

Exactly Rob, it's the best forum I have been on. This place is full of great information and has plenty of very talented people who do amazing things to their cars, also lots banter/stories and meet ups.
If you come on here looking for info, have the decency to interact with forum members. People can get the info here that they require, free of charge and don't need to post.
If your going to ask questions about your car as a newbie, at least introduce yourself and your ride

Cswan89 · Post by **Cswan89** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:05 pm

HI Guys,

Thanks for getting back to me. I’ve had a pretty hectic weekend so posting a response has been difficult!

I had a feeling that the motor was going to need pulling out! Thankfully you lot have worked out how to do it without pulling the roof off!

I’m heading off to Thailand on Friday for a week, but I’ll be looking to get it sorted as soon as I’m back. Being based in Northamptonshire means i’ll have to travel, which isn’t a bad thing considering how cheap you guys are offering to do it for

and I’m sure a day out in a different neck of the woods won’t do me any harm.

My only question is, if the motor cannot be repaired (I know it’s a long shot), do any of you have a spare/replacement on hand that I could purchase at the time? I’d rather not have to do a repeat journey if possible.

P.S. pics will be following soon!

Many thanks,

Carl.

Thanks

Cswan89 · Post by **Cswan89** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:06 pm

Need to get the wheels reconditioned, but aside from that, I’m certainly happy with her!

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:18 pm

Hi, I wouldn’t purchase another motor unless you have to as they can usually be revived by the roof experts offering this service

Rob

Cswan89 · Post by **Cswan89** » Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:22 pm

Yeah I’ve read the most of the guys doing it have pretty good track records with them! And on top of that as mine is still (partially) working I’m assuming that it will be revive-able!

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