Another E85 roof motor gone

P

peter700

Member
Hi

When I try and lower my roof I can hear a motor run for a second and the roof lifts off half an inch from the screen and then stops. A red light flashes on the open switch, the strange thing is if I press the close button it works and shuts the roof. I have checked the micro switch in the boot and it works fine, it just seems strange that the roof works in one direction.

I would appreciate peoples thoughts on this as I don't want to go ordering a new roof motor is that isn't the issue after all.
 
The roof locking has its own electric motor at the windscreen end, that's what you are hearing I expect. The electric motor and hydraulics that are subject to the infamous water damage failure, are located in the hood storage area and this is what fully opens and closes the hood. Are you sure the red hydraulic override puller (Bowden cable) has not been pulled, this disengages the hydraulics to allow opening and closing of the roof manually when the motor has failed. Although it should need a quarter turn when pulled to lock back, It can sometimes be pulled accidentally and stick, or by an inquisitive unknowing owner thinking "what happens if I pull this" (look for red loop handle at top left corner of open boot and make sure it is fully pushed in)

If you do find the motor has failed you can still operate the hood manually by using the Bowden cable but you must still push the button to allow the hood to unlock and then pull it down by hand, and then vice versa when closing the hood by hand. The first few times you manually operate the hood it can be very stiff. I have never had to do this myself but I believe I have described this accurately (if basically) but there are so many very knowledgeable members, if I have got something wrong it will soon be corrected. Also, if you have to have a new motor fitted do not pay the £800 - £1200 that often gets quoted. There are specialists around (one is a member) who can supply and fit for £600-£650, just do a search. Good luck with it, hope for your sake it's not the motor..
 
Thanks for the reply, I have just checked the cable and it is seated as it should be. I would like to tackle changing the motor myself, from looking at other posts regarding roof motor failure people have mentioned that there is a guide. I have looked in the how to section but I can't find it, I don't suppose somebody can point me in the right direction (assuming it still exists).
 
Hi. If you want to PM me (bottom left hand corner of the post) with your email address, I will email the pdf's covering the soft top removal and the motor replacement that were posted by shipkiller (the member who was one of the first to do this job) which has very comprehensive photos.
 
The garage rang me today to confirm that the roof motor has failed and the warranty company WILL pay for the job. That's saved me £450 in parts and a lot of time :)
 
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