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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

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vjsf22
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by vjsf22 » Mon Mar 12, 2018 6:32 pm

The 4th roof motor on my 2004 Z4 broke. I have been trying to pull hard on the cable in the trunk, but it does not move.

Any other way to disconnect the hydraulics? Or even cutting the tube to get the liquid out?

I am not going through another replacement, I just want to be able to move the roof freely.

Appreciated!

Vanja

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Smartbear
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by Smartbear » Mon Mar 12, 2018 6:59 pm

vjsf22 wrote: Mon Mar 12, 2018 6:32 pm The 4th roof motor on my 2004 Z4 broke. I have been trying to pull hard on the cable in the trunk, but it does not move.

Any other way to disconnect the hydraulics? Or even cutting the tube to get the liquid out?

I am not going through another replacement, I just want to be able to move the roof freely.

Appreciated!

Vanja
Hi, if you get your motor relocated into the boot area you won’t have to keep on replacing them, lots of info on here about this issue :thumbsup:
Rob
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e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

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Number5
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by Number5 » Mon Mar 12, 2018 7:04 pm

Hi, Where abouts are you based, then we can find the nearest person to help you ?
The motor will more than likely be fixable and if relocated it will stay dry this time,
Alpina Roadster #307
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firebobby
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by firebobby » Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:00 pm

I would have said the USA from the trunk remark Alan
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
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Ducklakeview
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by Ducklakeview » Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:03 pm

The reason the emergency release isn't working is that the brass pin in the pump head that is operated by the cable will be seized in the aluminium pump head body. Only way to release it is to remove the pump assembly.

On a different note - FOUR failed motors on the same car has to be a record! Where do you live, undersea???

Mike

vjsf22
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by vjsf22 » Tue Mar 13, 2018 5:26 pm

I am based in the SF Bay Area.

I think the problem is caused by washing the car, not that much rain. I replaced my first one and then 2 times later under warranty from the first replacement.

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Smartbear
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by Smartbear » Tue Mar 13, 2018 6:49 pm

vjsf22 wrote: Tue Mar 13, 2018 5:26 pm I am based in the SF Bay Area.

I think the problem is caused by washing the car, not that much rain. I replaced my first one and then 2 times later under warranty from the first replacement.

How often are you checking/clearing the roof drains? You need to do it more often :thumbsup:
Rob
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e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

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ph001
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by ph001 » Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:07 pm

This ^^^.

No excuse really. You don't even have to get under the car to check. With the roof down, just pour a little water down the recess where the hinge mech is on either side. It should appear again just in front of the rear wheels almost instantly. If it doesn't, your drain plugs are blocked.
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Number5
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by Number5 » Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:33 pm

I'll come and fix it for free.
.... if you pay my travel ? 8)
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)

vjsf22
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by vjsf22 » Thu Mar 15, 2018 3:10 am

Ok, I did open through the back and did all as in the tutorial, however, I cannot pry the motor assembly out where it is. I can feel on touch that the enclosure has a part sticking out into a narrow gap in the metal, maybe that's where it is held down? Any other advice?

Thanks!

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Crazy Harry
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Cannot disconnect bad roof motor

Post by Crazy Harry » Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:55 am

So what are you asking? - how to free the motor or about the sticking out part?

If you haven't already used the search function for this site I suggest that now is a good time to invest an evening reading all the old roof motor threads. I'm sure that a few months ago a forum member from Australia posted about sorting his roof motor a made reference to a youtube vid. Although the changes to photobucket has removed a lot of pictures from old threads there are still plenty left which may help you visualise the parts you are trying to deal with.

I had my motor moved to the boot by Ducklakeview a member on here in about 20mins - I'm not telling you this to pi$$ you off but to confirm it can be done and there are about half a dozen members in the UK who provide this service and I'm sure will give advice but at the moment I don't think the questions you're asking are specific enough. Get some photos on a mobile phone; use a software (paint/publisher) package to identify the components you are having problems with then post the photo and question - you could even copy and edit photos from the site.

If you can't lie in the boot and feel the roof motor then ask what you need to remove to be able to do it. Sorry if it sound like a rant at you - its not. Help us to help you

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