Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

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



Locate pin 12 - indicated by the red wire



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



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!

... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here

tintoverano said:

... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here

Click to expand...

But if boot is locked and no ski hatch you can't reach the escape handle.

true, I did modify that a bit, and led the cable out where it can be reached from outside of the car

tintoverano said:

... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here

Click to expand...

No such option on UK cars, I’ve added a additional potential option that’s less invasive/involved.

davegt said:

tintoverano said:

... or apply the bowden cable found in US versions, there are related posts here

Click to expand...

No such option on UK cars, I’ve added a additional potential option that’s less invasive/involved.

Click to expand...

All very useful tips. Thank you.

tintoverano said:

true, I did modify that a bit, and led the cable out where it can be reached from outside of the car

Click to expand...

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:

take a standard bicycle brake bowden cable


hook it in to the prepared place

and lead it out via the roundel, one needs to make a few holes




cut and feed the end of the cable end into the middle of the roundel

tintoverano said:

take a standard bicycle brake bowden cable

Click to expand...

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?
Also I forgot to disconnect the Smarttop, so it's all or nothing......
Wasn't big damage so I think they can manage