E89 Roof problem

[Shawn E]

Hi all new to owning a Z4 so hopefully you can help?

I recently bought an E89 there seems to be a problem with the roof (hard top) I can open the roof using the key fob remotely by pressing the unlock button but it won't close the roof remotely by pressing the lock button, I have gone back to the garage who said that for it to close remotely it was an extra BMW and this is why it will only open remotely as my Z4 probably does not have this option to close remotely.

Is this right?

[clarker63]

Is this right?

yes and no. its not standard, and you need a Smartop to do that. its a non BMW add on. google it

[Reamesy]

Hi all new to owning a Z4 so hopefully you can help?

I recently bought an E89 there seems to be a problem with the roof (hard top) I can open the roof using the key fob remotely by pressing the unlock button but it won't close the roof remotely by pressing the lock button, I have gone back to the garage who said that for it to close remotely it was an extra BMW and this is why it will only open remotely as my Z4 probably does not have this option to close remotely.

Is this right?

I do believe unless you have comfort access you will need the SmartTop as suggested. Your car is behaving normally if it doesn’t have comfort access.

[B21]

Hi all new to owning a Z4 so hopefully you can help?

I recently bought an E89 there seems to be a problem with the roof (hard top) I can open the roof using the key fob remotely by pressing the unlock button but it won't close the roof remotely by pressing the lock button, I have gone back to the garage who said that for it to close remotely it was an extra BMW and this is why it will only open remotely as my Z4 probably does not have this option to close remotely.

Is this right?

I do believe unless you have comfort access you will need the SmartTop as suggested. Your car is behaving normally if it doesn’t have comfort access.

Correct..my first E89 didn’t have comfort access and could only remotely open the roof…my current E89 has comfort access and can open and close remotely the roof…comfort access can be recognised by a series of moulded ridges on the door handles..

[Pondrew]

Always thought it really strange that they open with the remote but not close.
OP. Opening on the key/ remote without the engine running takes a good deal out of the battery. Z4s (and BMs in general) don't like low battery charge. I was advised to have the engine running when opening or closing the roof as a general rule. HTH

[B21]

Always thought it really strange that they open with the remote but not close.
OP. Opening on the key/ remote without the engine running takes a good deal out of the battery. Z4s (and BMs in general) don't like low battery charge. I was advised to have the engine running when opening or closing the roof as a general rule. HTH

There are complex rules, harmonised between US and EU on standards related to remote closing of windows and roofs..

Essentially unless there is sophisticated anti trap measures then the remote control has to be both within close physical range of the car and must be continously held down during operations..

Given the hydraulic rams on the E89, a severe crushing force could be exerted on a limb inserted in such gaps..

Smartops break all those rules..

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.118

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content ... print=true

refer..

And certainly given the current loads its good practice, where possible to have the engine running before, during and after roof operations..

[RobbiZ4]

... its good practice, where possible to have the engine running before, during and after roof operations..

I don't agree with this:

Regarding "open/close the roof with a running engine":
From my point of view, for the 20-second roof process (20s x 20A = 400As) no more power is drawn from the battery than with 1x starter to start the engine (2s x 400A = 800As).
If that already damages the battery, what happens when the automatic start/stop system is active?
I think the often read engine-must-run recommendation is nonsensical!
But no harm.

In between, I've added this (my) view into my recommendations:

E89: Retractable Hardtop (roof) Maintenance (and additional) tasks
viewtopic.php?p=1861524#p1861524

[Ole gits rule]

... its good practice, where possible to have the engine running before, during and after roof operations..

I don't agree with this:

Regarding "open/close the roof with a running engine":
From my point of view, for the 20-second roof process (20s x 20A = 400As) no more power is drawn from the battery than with 1x starter to start the engine (2s x 400A = 800As).
If that already damages the battery, what happens when the automatic start/stop system is active?
I think the often read engine-must-run recommendation is nonsensical!
But no harm.

In between, I've added this (my) view into my recommendations:

E89: Retractable Hardtop (roof) Maintenance (and additional) tasks
viewtopic.php?p=1861524#p1861524

I use my key to open and close the roof all the time, especially in car parks as the doors are long and it makes exit / entering the car easier.

Not had any issues with the battery so far, although when its not used for a few days I stick a trickle charger on there.

[B21]

... its good practice, where possible to have the engine running before, during and after roof operations..

I don't agree with this:

Regarding "open/close the roof with a running engine":
From my point of view, for the 20-second roof process (20s x 20A = 400As) no more power is drawn from the battery than with 1x starter to start the engine (2s x 400A = 800As).
If that already damages the battery, what happens when the automatic start/stop system is active?
I think the often read engine-must-run recommendation is nonsensical!
But no harm.

In between, I've added this (my) view into my recommendations:

E89: Retractable Hardtop (roof) Maintenance (and additional) tasks
viewtopic.php?p=1861524#p1861524

Robbie, for once I’ll disagree with you..

I avoid starting the car as well…just keep driving

I always disable the stop start on our other cars..

Appreciate the mathematical calculations though..

[RobbiZ4]

Robbie, for once I’ll disagree with you..

I avoid starting the car as well…just keep driving

That's of course the best opion of all!