Z4 Roof Doctor Required! - E. Midlands

[step_change]

I must say, the reliability of the roof is my biggest concern with these cars. I believe they are just too complex. If it were possible to get the roof back down manually if it failed when 50 miles away and it starts raining, that would at least be something. But it isn't. If one of the 23452345435 parts of the roof fails, you are f****d.

[RobbiZ4]

Flybobbie, that is my concern. Even this morning, the roof warning indicator came on whilst driving (the roof was up and not being used) and then after a while went off. During this alert, it was not possible to open the windows.

These are exactly the symptoms of the microswitches coupling lock. Get it replaced and you will get rid of this funny amusement.
There is asolutely no additional diagnosis required, just get it replaced.

[RobbiZ4]

I must say, the reliability of the roof is my biggest concern with these cars. I believe they are just too complex.

To be honest, there is no "inreliability" of "the roof".

• water might get into the trunk and destroy the hydraulic pump, if not checked regularly - no roof issue!
• 2 microswitches generally have to be replaced by new ones every 10 years
• wires and the hoses will break in the rear roof shell sooner or later (8-12 years), but it will break

There is absolutely no difference between "the roof" and brake discs:
if you don't get these parts replaced in time, it will break.

[Pondrew]

These are exactly the symptoms of the microswitches coupling lock. Get it replaced and you will get rid of this funny amusement.
There is asolutely no additional diagnosis required, just get it replaced

OP, these microswitches are £33 for both, so it's a cheap fix too. They are also extremely easy to change yourself which is then a very cheap fix. Instructions are on many different threads on here.

I have the exact same model, year and mileage car as yours. My roof started to play up in the same way. £33 later, all fixed, so it's not the end of the world

[flybobbie]

We now have plenty of fixes on the forum, needs some reading and education. Possibly print off and show a good garage mechanic. Us diyer's have fixed the roof without too much problem. Knowledge is the key.

[Rockhopper]

i spoke to Hoodtech in Chester about re-locating my roof motor - this was before i was really familiar with other people who can do this.
Their reply was that their customers prefer that cars are kept original so they were not prepared to relocate it but would gladly replace it in the the BMW approved manner (take the whole roof off etc).
I went elsewhere

[blunderthumbs]

Mike at the z shed Near Warrington knows his stuff were z roofs are concerned

[Pondrew]

Mike at the z shed Near Warrington knows his stuff were z roofs are concerned

Don't think he is flavour of the month on here by some. The fact that the real name of the company is blanked out by the site surely means something is up?

[enuff_zed]

Mike at the z shed Near Warrington knows his stuff were z roofs are concerned

Don't think he is flavour of the month on here by some. The fact that the real name of the company is blanked out by the site surely means something is up?

I also believe he is more E85 focused.
From following all the back-stories on here I know that personally I would go to RobbiZ4 for a definitive diagnosis, then if I believed it to be beyond my capabilities, take the info to a reputable dealer or indy and ask them to read it all before diving in. Any that would not entertain even looking at my research I would walk away from.
Tbh, if Robbi wasn't so far away I'd go to him.
(NB. This is not to belittle any of the other valued input by forum members. I believe that some UK based enthusiasts are starting to become pretty well experienced by now too, but as Robbi obviously sleeps in the boot of an E89, it would be foolish not to listen to him.)

[Smartbear]

Mike at the z shed Near Warrington knows his stuff were z roofs are concerned

Don't think he is flavour of the month on here by some. The fact that the real name of the company is blanked out by the site surely means something is up?

I also believe he is more E85 focused.
From following all the back-stories on here I know that personally I would go to RobbiZ4 for a definitive diagnosis, then if I believed it to be beyond my capabilities, take the info to a reputable dealer or indy and ask them to read it all before diving in. Any that would not entertain even looking at my research I would walk away from.
Tbh, if Robbi wasn't so far away I'd go to him.
(NB. This is not to belittle any of the other valued input by forum members. I believe that some UK based enthusiasts are starting to become pretty well experienced by now too, but as Robbi obviously sleeps in the boot of an E89, it would be foolish not to listen to him.)

That’s fine as long as he doesn’t become trapped
Rob

[RobbiZ4]

..., but as Robbi obviously sleeps in the boot of an E89, ...

That’s fine as long as he doesn’t become trapped
Rob

Thanks god, I've already mounted the US emergency grip.

But to bring this discussion to the point:
We indeed have to do some maintenance on the roof, same as for the brakes
=>
1) replace the 2 MS coupling lock every decade
2) replace the 2 salmon relays once or better twice a decade
3) check the water level BELOW and the corrosion status of the bottom of the hydraulic pump once a year or, if there is no garage, after every very heavy rain
4) finally, think about a replacement of the hydraulic loom every decade

These 4 simple(sik) steps will avoid hardly any trouble regarding the retractable hardtop of our E89.

[RobbiZ4]

Tbh, if Robbi wasn't so far away I'd go to him.

Why not simply inviting me a for an anually roof ZEDfest?

But at least, I can't explain you more than the 4 points of my former post.

[enuff_zed]

Tbh, if Robbi wasn't so far away I'd go to him.

Why not simpy inviting me a for an anually roof ZEDfest?

That's a great idea. Get a few together who need help, to cover your costs plus your time......................
Sod's law mine will go wrong the week after

[RobbiZ4]

Tbh, if Robbi wasn't so far away I'd go to him.

Why not simpy inviting me a for an anually roof ZEDfest?

That's a great idea. Get a few together who need help, ...

Sounds nice, but that is the core of the problem, if the E89 owner didn't follow the above listed maintenance plan:
The roof issues will happen unplanned and will be managed by Murphy. Very specialized support is required asap, not tomorrow, neither next week, nor in mid of August.

[Pondrew]

That's a great idea. Get a few together who need help,

It would need to be renamed 'Bongfest'.