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Temperamental roof issues...

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matthiasmilli
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Temperamental roof issues...

Post by matthiasmilli » Sat Jun 28, 2025 10:59 am

Hi guys

My 2012 E89 has a odd roof issue... but only sometimes. I've probably used the roof about 50 times since I've had the car and recently hit 3 issues.
The first was trying to open the roof with the key. Started ok, windows went down, back window lifted, boot opened - the it froze. I then started the car, closed it all up which worked fine - then it opened as normal from inside the car.

The probably used the car roof another 10-15 times with no issues at all.
Second issue is hard to describe because someone was talking to me as I was opening the roof, but I swear it stuttered when opening.

Third issue was basically the same as the first, but in reverse order. Roof was down, got home - wanted to put the roof up. Boot opened, roof folded out, clicked into place, boot closed, but the last part of the movement (the rear screen folding back down) didn't happen. It just sat on top of the roof. I then opened the roof fully, closed it again with no issues.

Now I'm dreading attempting to open it again in case it freezes and doesn't close at all!

I should have checked for codes while this was happening, but didn't have the reader with me.
Checking the historic codes, the only one I can find under 'function centre, roof' is A670 Error fitting sensor 0xA670 - but reading other forums it might not be related?

Salmon relays were replaced about 6 months back.

I have it booked in with BMW in a couple of weeks (£144 just to look at it so dreading what cost follows!) but thought I'd come here to see if anyone had any ideas of what it could be?

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Chippie
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Temperamental roof issues...

Post by Chippie » Sat Jun 28, 2025 11:14 am

The 1st issue is more than likely a flat/duff battery, if the car doesn’t sense there’s enough power it won’t open the roof from the key fob.
I’d look at replacing the battery and then see if you get any more problems.
The other times it could be a wire that’s starting to break or a temperamental micro switch or hall sensor.
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matthiasmilli
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Temperamental roof issues...

Post by matthiasmilli » Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:05 pm

Yeah, that was my conclusion too based on what I've read online.
Is there any way I can narrow it down to what one of those issues it could be?
(I'm assuming a much more expensive code reader!)

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B21
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Temperamental roof issues...

Post by B21 » Sat Jun 28, 2025 4:55 pm

matthiasmilli wrote: Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:05 pm Yeah, that was my conclusion too based on what I've read online.
Is there any way I can narrow it down to what one of those issues it could be?
(I'm assuming a much more expensive code reader!)
As the man says..decent new AGM battery suitably registered and coded if required..then…
“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”….
One of 258 Atacama Yellow 35is…165 modifications and updates…and counting.. :tumbleweed:

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RobbiZ4
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Temperamental roof issues...

Post by RobbiZ4 » Sat Jun 28, 2025 9:01 pm

matthiasmilli wrote: Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:05 pm Is there any way I can narrow it down to what one of those issues it could be?
Yes,
follow this list:

⌛ E89: Collection of the 9 typical age-related defects in the roof environment
viewtopic.php?t=148657
:ant:
Z4 E89 Roof Topics
viewtopic.php?t=130932

Y1 ... Y4 Roof Diagnostic Systems for BMW, AUDI, VOLVO
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=129048
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