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Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
- Pondrew
- Lifer
- Posts: 10461
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
I have a small roof issue which I could do with advice on please (I have done a search but there are so many I can't find what I need).
So; The roof opens fine either with the key, or the button inside. After a few miles (or minutes) the roof button flashes red and roof warning symbol comes up on dash for about 20 seconds then goes out and all back to normal. The bootlid is closed tight and there is nothing obvious that isn't where it should be.
The roof closes fine and no warnings come up with the roof closed when driving.
The battery is fine and fully charged. I DO NOT HAVE A CODE READER!
Could it be a sensor, presumably for the bootlid closing, breaking contact whilst driving, say over a bump?
It has done this twice now, both times the car has been sat in full sunshine all day. Could it be the boot sealing rubbers expanding in the heat and causing the boot to not quite shut as tight as normal?
So; The roof opens fine either with the key, or the button inside. After a few miles (or minutes) the roof button flashes red and roof warning symbol comes up on dash for about 20 seconds then goes out and all back to normal. The bootlid is closed tight and there is nothing obvious that isn't where it should be.
The roof closes fine and no warnings come up with the roof closed when driving.
The battery is fine and fully charged. I DO NOT HAVE A CODE READER!
Could it be a sensor, presumably for the bootlid closing, breaking contact whilst driving, say over a bump?
It has done this twice now, both times the car has been sat in full sunshine all day. Could it be the boot sealing rubbers expanding in the heat and causing the boot to not quite shut as tight as normal?
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
- Zed Baron
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1895
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2018 1:17 am
- Location: Scotland
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Have you checked the parcel shelf is seated properly and none of the hinges are broken or crackedPondrew wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 5:42 pm I have a small roof issue which I could do with advice on please (I have done a search but there are so many I can't find what I need).
So; The roof opens fine either with the key, or the button inside. After a few miles (or minutes) the roof button flashes red and roof warning symbol comes up on dash for about 20 seconds then goes out and all back to normal. The bootlid is closed tight and there is nothing obvious that isn't where it should be.
The roof closes fine and no warnings come up with the roof closed when driving.
The battery is fine and fully charged. I DO NOT HAVE A CODE READER!
Could it be a sensor, presumably for the bootlid closing, breaking contact whilst driving, say over a bump?
It has done this twice now, both times the car has been sat in full sunshine all day. Could it be the boot sealing rubbers expanding in the heat and causing the boot to not quite shut as tight as normal?

- Chippie
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2673
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2019 9:11 pm
- Location: Wakefield
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
I remember a post last year with similar symptoms, I think it was one of the micro switches on the top section of the roof, apparently they are spring loaded and the spring becomes weak over time resulting in a poor contact
E89 35is space grey Kansas coral red leather
- Ole gits rule
- Lifer
- Posts: 4739
- Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2020 5:49 pm
- Location: Pont-y-Pwll
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Had similar the last few weeks plus a few occasions when the roof just seems to take an age to close and on a few occasions I have had to close the roof to stop the bong going off - I put it down to low battery aster car has done 30 miles in 3 weeks max.Pondrew wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 5:42 pm I have a small roof issue which I could do with advice on please (I have done a search but there are so many I can't find what I need).
So; The roof opens fine either with the key, or the button inside. After a few miles (or minutes) the roof button flashes red and roof warning symbol comes up on dash for about 20 seconds then goes out and all back to normal. The bootlid is closed tight and there is nothing obvious that isn't where it should be.
The roof closes fine and no warnings come up with the roof closed when driving.
The battery is fine and fully charged. I DO NOT HAVE A CODE READER!
Could it be a sensor, presumably for the bootlid closing, breaking contact whilst driving, say over a bump?
It has done this twice now, both times the car has been sat in full sunshine all day. Could it be the boot sealing rubbers expanding in the heat and causing the boot to not quite shut as tight as normal?
Could be micro switches as well but will see how it goes next few weeks
M4 Vert in Yas Marina Blue
2011 23i M Sport Highline in Alpine White with Smart Top installed - Gone but not forgotten.
Use the link to gain £50 credit when you sign up to Octopus energy - https://share.octopus.energy/alive-raven-300
2011 23i M Sport Highline in Alpine White with Smart Top installed - Gone but not forgotten.
Use the link to gain £50 credit when you sign up to Octopus energy - https://share.octopus.energy/alive-raven-300
- Pondrew
- Lifer
- Posts: 10461
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
I have now checked everything that is accessible. All locating pins, hinges etc appear to be fine and are seated firmly. I will keep an eye on it. My wife is now worried about putting the roof down, as she is concerned she will get stranded.Zed Baron wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 6:09 pm Have you checked the parcel shelf is seated properly and none of the hinges are broken or cracked![]()

All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
- RobbiZ4
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1494
- Joined: Wed May 16, 2018 10:12 am
- Location: Munich
- Contact:
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
These issues are always based on corroded microswitches coupling lock, nothing else.
Both should be replaced latestly after 10 years to avoid these random issues!
Both should be replaced latestly after 10 years to avoid these random issues!

Z4 E89 Roof Topics
viewtopic.php?t=130932
Y1 ... Y4 Roof Diagnostic Systems for BMW, AUDI, VOLVO
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=129048
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Had the same issue..bought the switches and now threaten the car with them..the roof now behaves perfectly!RobbiZ4 wrote: Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:22 pm These issues are always based on corroded microswitches coupling lock, nothing else.
Both should be replaced latestly after 10 years to avoid these random issues!
In my case a long , damp, cold winter with no use may have excacerbated the issue..
I'll replace them if they misbehave again of for next winter..
- RobbiZ4
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1494
- Joined: Wed May 16, 2018 10:12 am
- Location: Munich
- Contact:
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
No, no, the new ones will last the next 6-10 years.Pbondar wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:47 am I'll replace them if they misbehave again of for next winter..


Z4 E89 Roof Topics
viewtopic.php?t=130932
Y1 ... Y4 Roof Diagnostic Systems for BMW, AUDI, VOLVO
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=129048
- Nictrix
- Lifer
- Posts: 5699
- Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:59 pm
- Location: Paisley
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Is there any preventative measures that can be taken to stop the microswitches corroding or at least to help?RobbiZ4 wrote: Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:22 pm These issues are always based on corroded microswitches coupling lock, nothing else.
Both should be replaced latestly after 10 years to avoid these random issues!
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather 

- Pondrew
- Lifer
- Posts: 10461
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Which switches are they; and where are they located please?RobbiZ4 wrote: Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:22 pm These issues are always based on corroded microswitches coupling lock, nothing else.
Both should be replaced latestly after 10 years to avoid these random issues!

All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
54377228585Pondrew wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 4:14 pmWhich switches are they; and where are they located please?RobbiZ4 wrote: Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:22 pm These issues are always based on corroded microswitches coupling lock, nothing else.
Both should be replaced latestly after 10 years to avoid these random issues!![]()
54377228586
viewtopic.php?f=45&t=128428
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- Pondrew
- Lifer
- Posts: 10461
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Thanks Pete! I'm presuming these are on either side of the bootlid mechanism below the rear window? I did view the other topic but am still not quite sure where they arePbondar wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 4:28 pm54377228585Pondrew wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 4:14 pmWhich switches are they; and where are they located please?RobbiZ4 wrote: Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:22 pm These issues are always based on corroded microswitches coupling lock, nothing else.
Both should be replaced latestly after 10 years to avoid these random issues!![]()
54377228586
viewtopic.php?f=45&t=128428

All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Correct-ish..when the roof is stowed you can see either side above the wheel arches in the boot two chunky arm assemblies..they are screwed in there!Pondrew wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 5:49 pmThanks Pete! I'm presuming these are on either side of the bootlid mechanism below the rear window? I did view the other topic but am still not quite sure where they are![]()
- Pondrew
- Lifer
- Posts: 10461
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
Thanks again mateyPbondar wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 6:08 pmCorrect-ish..when the roof is stowed you can see either side above the wheel arches in the boot two chunky arm assemblies..they are screwed in there!Pondrew wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 5:49 pmThanks Pete! I'm presuming these are on either side of the bootlid mechanism below the rear window? I did view the other topic but am still not quite sure where they are![]()

Has anyone tried squirting some contact cleaner in them? Seems like an easier fix if it works!
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
2024 Audi A4 avant 40 black edition petrol
2025 Ford Focus ST 'track pack'. Go-kart with sat nav.
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half.
No Z4 anymore!
Small roof issue (surprise surprise)
The issue is that the switch has a small rubber ‘nipple’ over the press to switch part of the microswitch that gives an impression of sealing it
Inside there are dissimilar metals so with a bit of damp corrosion sets in
Even though Robbi mandated a swap out in my case with frequent use and warmer weather the fault has not re appeared so I plan to swap it out at my convenience
Inside there are dissimilar metals so with a bit of damp corrosion sets in
Even though Robbi mandated a swap out in my case with frequent use and warmer weather the fault has not re appeared so I plan to swap it out at my convenience