>

Unlocked the boot with roof trouble, two options.

davegt

Active member
Northant's
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

Fuse-box.jpg

Locate pin 12 - indicated by the red wire

pin-12.jpg

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

60.jpg

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!
 
tintoverano said:
... 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.
 
davegt said:
tintoverano said:
... 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.
 
tintoverano said:
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:
 
take a standard bicycle brake bowden cable
IMG_20200523_152514.jpg
IMG_20200523_232329.jpg
hook it in to the prepared place
IMG_20200523_153910.jpg
and lead it out via the roundel, one needs to make a few holes
IMG_20200523_232915.jpg
IMG_20200523_232804.jpg
IMG_20200523_162811.jpg
IMG_20200523_232447.jpg
cut and feed the end of the cable end into the middle of the roundel
IMG_20200523_232041.jpg
 
tintoverano said:
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
 
Back
Top Bottom