Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.
Closing roof thumps down
- JayUK
- Newbie
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:05 pm
- Location: Cardiff
Closing roof thumps down
Hi all,
So first question with this Z4.
Opening / Closing the roof there's a ratchety noise which I assume it's unlocking something?
But more concerning is when closing the roof it thumps down pretty hard the last couple of inches. The previous '04 one was much smoother delivery.
Issue or nothing to worry about?
So first question with this Z4.
Opening / Closing the roof there's a ratchety noise which I assume it's unlocking something?
But more concerning is when closing the roof it thumps down pretty hard the last couple of inches. The previous '04 one was much smoother delivery.
Issue or nothing to worry about?
BMW Newbie
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2020 10:04 am
Closing roof thumps down
I have the same issue on closing the roof it seems to slam.. every now and again it close soft
- JayUK
- Newbie
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:05 pm
- Location: Cardiff
Closing roof thumps down
Really? Ahh so it might be a 'feature'Simon19879 wrote: ↑Wed May 19, 2021 6:03 am I have the same issue on closing the roof it seems to slam.. every now and again it close soft
BMW Newbie
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
- TheDan
- Member
- Posts: 624
- Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 1:58 pm
- Location: Warwick, UK
Closing roof thumps down
Mine does not make any ratchety noises and I would say mine slams, but it isn't gentle either.
How laboured does the motor sound while its closing? If the motor has been moved to the boot, how upright is it? If its not completely upright check the oil levels in the reservoir at the top of it as it might be bringing air into the system occasionally.
How laboured does the motor sound while its closing? If the motor has been moved to the boot, how upright is it? If its not completely upright check the oil levels in the reservoir at the top of it as it might be bringing air into the system occasionally.
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2020 11:46 am
Closing roof thumps down
For what it's worth, the roof on my previous Z4 (2007 - so a facelifted one) came down with a bit of a crash, whereas my new Z4 (2004) is much more gentle.
So could it be a post-facelift 'enhancement'?
So could it be a post-facelift 'enhancement'?
-
- Member
- Posts: 165
- Joined: Tue Jun 23, 2020 8:46 pm
- Location: Leicestershire
Closing roof thumps down
Min doesn't slam, but there is a fairly hefty clunk. The roof seems to just drop the last 2-3 inches before the locks engage. Mine is also a 2007 so perhaps it is an "enhancement" as you say daimler3996
2006 Sapphire Black E86 3.0si | 108's, ZHP, Stubby, Eibach Springs
2007 Carbon Black E85 2.5i | 19" NAD alloys, Pilot Sport 4S, strut brace, Stubby, ZHP, Brembo 4 pots, Greenstuff pads, Alcantara retrim, roof motor in boot
2022 BMW G80 320D Touring
2007 Carbon Black E85 2.5i | 19" NAD alloys, Pilot Sport 4S, strut brace, Stubby, ZHP, Brembo 4 pots, Greenstuff pads, Alcantara retrim, roof motor in boot
2022 BMW G80 320D Touring
- buzyg
- Legend
- Posts: 26421
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
- Location: Cornwall
Closing roof thumps down
Mine certainly doesn't drop or make a ratchety noise. I pretty much always put my hand up to ease it down the last few inches onto the catch though. I have been doing that for 10 years without much changing. If I don't, then it kind of flops down and bounces about a tiny bit, without actually hitting the top of the screen. Which never looked particularly mechanically sympathetic to me. Hence the helping hand.
A quick video might help your cause.
A quick video might help your cause.
- Zulu4
- Member
- Posts: 836
- Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:22 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire
Closing roof thumps down
.
Last edited by Zulu4 on Sat Nov 18, 2023 12:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2007 3.0si Auto Sport Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.
- Number5
- Lifer
- Posts: 6022
- Joined: Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:34 pm
- Location: Bristol M4/M5
Closing roof thumps down
There’s a tension cable in the roof between the outer canvas and the inner lining that controls/prevents this slamming you describe.
I’m told that it is adjustable but I’m not sure how you get to it
If it’s slamming, then the cable has stretched and needs adjusting back a centimetre or so
I’m told that it is adjustable but I’m not sure how you get to it
If it’s slamming, then the cable has stretched and needs adjusting back a centimetre or so
Alpina Roadster #307
Porsche Boxster GTS
Previous Zs
Stratus E86
G29 30i
1x Imola Z4MR
Alpina #019
10x E85 Se/Si Roadsters
2x E89's
Roof Motor Relocations (Bristol)
Porsche Boxster GTS
Previous Zs
Stratus E86
G29 30i
1x Imola Z4MR
Alpina #019
10x E85 Se/Si Roadsters
2x E89's
Roof Motor Relocations (Bristol)
- TheDan
- Member
- Posts: 624
- Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 1:58 pm
- Location: Warwick, UK
Closing roof thumps down
Interesting never knew about this cable. Quick search in TIS gives this (limited) information. Is this the one you are talking about Number5?Number5 wrote: ↑Mon May 24, 2021 10:24 pm There’s a tension cable in the roof between the outer canvas and the inner lining that controls/prevents this slamming you describe.
I’m told that it is adjustable but I’m not sure how you get to it
If it’s slamming, then the cable has stretched and needs adjusting back a centimetre or so
- JayUK
- Newbie
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:05 pm
- Location: Cardiff
Closing roof thumps down
That sounds spot on!Number5 wrote: ↑Mon May 24, 2021 10:24 pm There’s a tension cable in the roof between the outer canvas and the inner lining that controls/prevents this slamming you describe.
I’m told that it is adjustable but I’m not sure how you get to it
If it’s slamming, then the cable has stretched and needs adjusting back a centimetre or so
Thanks TheDan as well, might have to get that looked at.
It's going to go to you Number5 soon when I can arrange it and get the roof motor done anyway, but will get that tension cable checked some time as well.
BMW Newbie
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Sat Jun 20, 2015 1:49 pm
Closing roof thumps down
I think part #54347184482 tension belts could be the problem. I guess they stretch out over time. I bought a pair at ECS tuning, but never installed them. I don't think the install is complicated? I just help the top out the last couple inches so it doesn't slam. It doesn't look like what is in previous posts, they are elastic straps. Hope this helps, always liked this forum.
- JayUK
- Newbie
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:05 pm
- Location: Cardiff
Closing roof thumps down
With that information, I found a previous post about the very issue!
viewtopic.php?t=85491
Thanks all. They look a sod to fit!
viewtopic.php?t=85491
Thanks all. They look a sod to fit!
BMW Newbie
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
2007 E85 2.5Si Rollerskate
Black with Silverstone/Anthracite leather
- Zulu4
- Member
- Posts: 836
- Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:22 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire
Closing roof thumps down
Interesting that the guy that fixed his on zpost.com said :
"- The elastic straps are an install-only deal. They aren't already on the car and worn out, meaning you aren't "replacing" anything"
It seems E85's maybe never had them in the first place.
This is a copy of his link for the installation :
https://www.zpost.com/forums/attachment ... 1383267111 and DIY guide https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread ... st19780501
So, it looks like the roof has belts and a cable for tension, but it can be tightened up with the use of BMW after-market elastic straps. Am I correct ?
"- The elastic straps are an install-only deal. They aren't already on the car and worn out, meaning you aren't "replacing" anything"
It seems E85's maybe never had them in the first place.
This is a copy of his link for the installation :
https://www.zpost.com/forums/attachment ... 1383267111 and DIY guide https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread ... st19780501
So, it looks like the roof has belts and a cable for tension, but it can be tightened up with the use of BMW after-market elastic straps. Am I correct ?
2007 3.0si Auto Sport Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.
- Zulu4
- Member
- Posts: 836
- Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:22 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire
Closing roof thumps down
As I've obviously got too much time on my hands, I've now decided that my roof does indeed close harder than I would like it to.
To answer my own question above : yes, me, you are correct.
So I think the options to make the roof close smoother are:
1. Use your hand to gently lower the roof the last inch or so, or
2. Buy two elastic straps ( BMW 54-34-7-184-482 ) and install them, or
3. Try to locate and slightly shorten the tension cable (TIS 54 34 210)
Has anyone here done option 3 ?
To answer my own question above : yes, me, you are correct.
So I think the options to make the roof close smoother are:
1. Use your hand to gently lower the roof the last inch or so, or
2. Buy two elastic straps ( BMW 54-34-7-184-482 ) and install them, or
3. Try to locate and slightly shorten the tension cable (TIS 54 34 210)
Has anyone here done option 3 ?
Last edited by Zulu4 on Sat Aug 07, 2021 2:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2007 3.0si Auto Sport Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.