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Watched this last night. Seems a good comprehensive guide on keeping the E89 roof mechanics and seals in good shape and squeak free. Any comments or additional do’s or don’ts from the assembled members?

https://youtu.be/cWltc7C4VVc

Boris, gummi phlegm as I call it is the right stuff for the seals but I am not sure about the greasing of the hinges as to me it looks like he is plastering it on a bit thick. Maintenance of the roof is definitely a must.
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The seal rejuvenation stuff is definitely a good idea but I’m sure I’ve read on here several times that the hinges on these have some sort of copper lubricant built in to them. Therefore you shouldn’t do what this video shows as in fact the grease attracts dirt and grit which then works it’s way onto the mechanism giving issues.

I also think it was discussed WD40 shouldn’t be used for the same reason and if you must use a small amount of spray it should be a silicon one or something like that.

This is just my recollection of previous threads and I’m happy to stand corrected by someone more knowledgeable

Thanks Andy..... I have been waiting for an “ expert” to come along and give chapter and verse on roof care, but all quiet so far.

I thought given the complexity of the roofs (rooves?) on these cars and the importance of maintenance this would be a hot topic. Anyone want to give a steer on the correct lubricant(s) we should be using on the moving parts of the roof mechanism?

Big Bad Boris wrote: Sun Aug 30, 2020 9:42 am Thanks Andy..... I have been waiting for an “ expert” to come along and give chapter and verse on roof care, but all quiet so far.

I thought given the complexity of the roofs (rooves?) on these cars and the importance of maintenance this would be a hot topic. Anyone want to give a steer on the correct lubricant(s) we should be using on the moving parts of the roof mechanism?

Forth bottom post on page one.

I’m sure there was a lot more info on how this worked but thing it might’ve been removed by the poster.

I think this was a precursor to the spat that lead to Robbi editing history posts and removing a lot of useful information

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=121916&p=1743526&h ... s#p1743526

Big Bad Boris wrote: Sun Aug 30, 2020 9:42 am Thanks Andy..... I have been waiting for an “ expert” to come along and give chapter and verse on roof care, but all quiet so far.

I thought given the complexity of the roofs (rooves?) on these cars and the importance of maintenance this would be a hot topic. Anyone want to give a steer on the correct lubricant(s) we should be using on the moving parts of the roof mechanism?

I’m certainly no expert but my understanding is that you can do more harm than good by slapping grease or whatever on the roof parts. That’s the principle I’m working too and I’m sticking with it. Reading the threads it would appear that most problems, when they do occur, are caused by faulty micro switches or hall sensors. I know I’m temping fate but I’ve had no problems with my 2009 roof and I’m hoping it stays that way. If it’s working don’t fix it!

WD40 do a spray grease which is ideal for the hinges etc. as it is a penetrating lubricant. WURTH also do a Gummi Phlegge product (from Germany) for just over £10. Good products which do what you need.

Tried that gummi stuff, waste of money.

I treated all seal with a tyre shine spray (don't get on plastics) as it penetrates and softens the rubber trim, gets rid of that chalkiness if you let it get that far, then used bumper shine (they are Triplewax products) and finally couple of times of month bees wax furniture spray, use that as well for the body work of car.
All seals are nice and black and squeak free.
I did put minute drop of oil on the hinge points.
No problems in 12 years.

My experience (6 years & 70.000 miles) of frequent roof use, summer and winter, is that BMW Gummipflege works well. I wipe the dirt off the rubber, especially in the troughs, and apply it with my hands. Beyond that, just a couple of drops of silicone oil on the front and back 'spikes' and the job's a good 'un. The roof is a non-service area and doesn't need anything else.

The man in the video use grease and much too much of it, which then just becomes a medium for dirt & grit and doesn't reach the bearing surfaces, anyway. And WD40 isn't the cure-all he seems to think it is. (WD40 'Specialist Silicone' would be better, but it's also not necessary.)