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Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

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davegt
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Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

Post by davegt » Wed Jul 14, 2021 3:52 pm

If you don't have a code reader etc that will allow you to open the boot when the roof is playing up, these methods have both worked for me, you'll want to make sure your roof is in a position where opening the boot isn't going to cause any damage! Boot access is needed to get to the electrical gubbins and to the pump should you wish to release the pressure to move the roof manually.

Option 1: I’ve done this successfully when the rear screen part of the roof freezes on top of the roof with the boot fully closed. Locate the Hall Sensor on the right hand side ram, put a metal object on the top of the sensor and pop the boot with the key fob……

Option 2: Firstly I got this info elsewhere, I didn't put it together but I have followed the process and it works. Keep in mind doing this is at your own risk! It's a hack but it could get you out of a tricky situation.

Step one - get to the fuse box and locate the connector shown on the underside of the fuse box, it's a long black one with a slide release on the back next to the firewall - X14270

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Locate pin 12 - indicated by the red wire

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Lower the fuse box and slide it all the way forward and locate the blue 60amp fuse

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Connect a tester or similar - a length of wire works - between pin 12 and the blue fuse as shown, you'll hear the boot lock disengage and you're in!
Last edited by davegt on Thu Jul 15, 2021 5:57 pm, edited 6 times in total.
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tintoverano
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How to unlocked the boot with roof trouble!

Post by tintoverano » Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:47 am

... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here
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How to unlocked the boot with roof trouble!

Post by flybobbie » Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:50 am

tintoverano wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:47 am ... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here
But if boot is locked and no ski hatch you can't reach the escape handle.

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How to unlocked the boot with roof trouble!

Post by tintoverano » Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:53 am

true, I did modify that a bit, and led the cable out where it can be reached from outside of the car
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davegt
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Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

Post by davegt » Thu Jul 15, 2021 5:53 pm

tintoverano wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:47 am ... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here
No such option on UK cars, I’ve added a additional potential option that’s less invasive/involved.
Daily: 2022 Mercedes GLB mileage muncher
Weekend: 2010 E89 35i, Stubby, Black Grills, Milltek exhaust, DCI, Carplay, BC Coilovers, Black Aluwerk 19" Alloys. (Parts sat collecting dust: IS diffuser, m4 carbon spoiler, FMIC)

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enuff_zed
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Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

Post by enuff_zed » Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:07 pm

davegt wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 5:53 pm
tintoverano wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:47 am ... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here
No such option on UK cars, I’ve added a additional potential option that’s less invasive/involved.
All very useful tips. Thank you.
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Roddy
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Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

Post by Roddy » Wed Jul 21, 2021 2:28 am

tintoverano wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:53 am true, I did modify that a bit, and led the cable out where it can be reached from outside of the car
Can you enlighten others as to what you did? I've only had my car 8 months, and the stories on this forum are scaring me.
Z3 is still in the drive, 19 years old and never failed, what have I done :rofl:

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Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

Post by tintoverano » Wed Jul 21, 2021 6:55 am

take a standard bicycle brake bowden cable
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hook it in to the prepared place
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and lead it out via the roundel, one needs to make a few holes
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cut and feed the end of the cable end into the middle of the roundel
IMG_20200523_232041.jpg
IMG_20200523_232041.jpg (142.17 KiB) Viewed 1872 times
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Roddy
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Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

Post by Roddy » Wed Jul 21, 2021 9:03 am

tintoverano wrote: Wed Jul 21, 2021 6:55 am take a standard bicycle brake bowden cable
Excellent info, maybe worth considering, just in case. My car is in for a rear wing dent repair and I had to show the guy how the roof and boot opening worked. After seeing quite a few threads similar to this, I've been waiting for a call about disconnecting the battery and accidentally shutting the lid. But no one can be that silly right? :D
Also I forgot to disconnect the Smarttop, so it's all or nothing......
Wasn't big damage so I think they can manage

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