E89 Roof Problems - Code A696 - Guidance Required

G

gwatson

Senior member
 Aberdeenshire
As per my for sale post, I've been tasked with selling my late father-in-laws Z4.

Car is fantastic, other than the red roof warning light which I would like to fix as appreciate it may put a few people off.

The roof is fully functional, but it stops half way through lower or raising and the warning appears on the dash. Wait 5 seconds and press the button and the operation resumes and completes.

Interestingly, it stops at different stages.

If the roof is going down, it stops on the final step of the boot lid lowering.
IMG-20260405-WA0002.jpg

When raising, it stops in this position.

IMG-20260405-WA0008.jpg

Other possible connected observations:
- The passenger window doesn't always come back up. Does it need a reset?
- Battery warning light occasionally comes on when turning the car off, but car is connected to trickle charger and shows full charge.

Can anyone offer advice. Happy to get stuck in.
 
Get a code reader to see what codes it’s producing otherwise you are guessing

After that it will most probably be a relatively simple fix with sensors or switches in need of replacing
 
Yeah, unfortunately my handheld device only provides basic error code detection. Will need to get it booked in, but low priority at the moment with everything going on.
 
gwatson said:
Yeah, unfortunately my handheld device only provides basic error code detection. Will need to get it booked in, but low priority at the moment with everything going on.
Click to expand...

Not sure if BMW still refund the diagnostic charge if you have them undertake the work.
It’s worth getting it to them for a quick fix. The symptoms sound like a microswitch issue, possibly frayed wires.

Their diagnostic equipment can pin point it.
 
I have an independent BMW specialist I've been using for 15+ years, it's just finding the time to get them to look at it given the circumstances. Will give them a call tomorrow when they open again.
 
The symptoms of the roof would point to a dodgy connection on the wiring, as it faults in different stages when opening and closing, so is unlikely a switch or sensor.
The battery warning MAY be a cause, though. I would change the battery first. It is as cheap as getting a diagnosis from a garage and easier.
Battery chargers can't diagnose a knackered cell. If the battery has a faulty cell it will still charge to 14v (ish), just won't have the 'oomph'.
A faulty battery could easily be the only problem.

As said, get a decent code reader. They are £50 ish from Amazon or eBay and if the battery is the only problem you can register it with the code reader. If it isn't it will give you codes as to the problem.
 
Pondy said:
The symptoms of the roof would point to a dodgy connection on the wiring, as it faults in different stages when opening and closing, so is unlikely a switch or sensor.
The battery warning MAY be a cause, though. I would change the battery first. It is as cheap as getting a diagnosis from a garage and easier.
Battery chargers can't diagnose a knackered cell. If the battery has a faulty cell it will still charge to 14v (ish), just won't have the 'oomph'.
A faulty battery could easily be the only problem.

As said, get a decent code reader. They are £50 ish from Amazon or eBay and if the battery is the only problem you can register it with the code reader. If it isn't it will give you codes as to the problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the wiring tomorrow, see if I can spot anything.

My F-Type roof is very sensitive to battery voltage so I know what you mean. . Do you have a recommendation for a diagnostic tool?
 
Last edited:
gwatson said:
Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the wiring tomorrow, see if I can spot anything.

My F-Type roof is very sensitive to battery voltage so I know what you mean. . Do you have a recommendation for a diagnostic tool?
Click to expand...
I have a Creator 410+ which does everything on an E89 (except coding). I don't have an E89 anymore but the scanner works on my old E36 Z3. It also works on any BMW up to (and including) all F series.

Others will recommend other makes. As long as they do what you need, it's a case of personal preference IMO.
 
Pondy said:
I have a Creator 410+ which does everything on an E89 (except coding). I don't have an E89 anymore but the scanner works on my old E36 Z3. It also works on any BMW up to (and including) all F series.

Others will recommend other makes. As long as they do what you need, it's a case of personal preference IMO.
Click to expand...

Thanks, think I'll grab one of those, especially as I have a F11 as my daily so will be useful.
 
Rather amazingly my Creator 420 arrived after ordering at 10pm last night, thanks Amazon.

Only faults stored were relating to the roof. 3 in total. I cleared them and went for a quick drive, one came back so now need to research code A696 tonight.
IMG-20260125-WA0004.jpg


20260407_160112.jpg

Battery doesn't look great, but will reconnect to charger. Strange though, as it started no problem after sitting for 3 weeks.


20260407_160717.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: B21
This video suggests replacing the hall sensor and using the 1 & 2 series part 54347190735



Will get one ordered and new Bosch battery.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B21
A696 I think will eventually lead you to a wire break in the loom

I’ll stand corrected by others of course
 
bigwinn said:
A696 I think will eventually lead you to a wire break in the loom

I’ll stand corrected by others of course
Click to expand...

I had a look at the harness and can't see any obvious damage, not to say it can't be hidden damage. Will try the sensor first for the sake of £20.
 
Absolutely

Follow robbi’s advice and do the two hall sensors on that side, I think I paid £24 each for the 1 series convertible hall sensors which are the same with different connectors
 
bigwinn said:
Absolutely

Follow robbi’s advice and do the two hall sensors on that side, I think I paid £24 each for the 1 series convertible hall sensors which are the same with different connectors
Click to expand...

I only ordered 1x 54347190735. Should I have ordered 2 of those or do you have a different part number for the second sensor?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom