Another failed roof motor question

bradmarsh1989

Senior member
 Bournemouth
Just a quick one chaps. Roof motor is failing... it won't open and close on it's own steam... I've done all my research and I know it's a common fault. It still locks into place against the windscreen which is good but I'm going to need a new roof motor... anyway this is my question:

I have been quoted the following:

The total cost of a replacement roof motor (supplied, fitted and modifying the roof motor container to include a drain) is: £685.56 inc VAT.

The labour to repair your vehicle (with your supplied roof motor) is £323.99 inc VAT. We would however only fit a new motor.

So what i'm saying is... does anyone know where I can pick up a new motor for cheaper than the difference in cost? So... a new roof motor for less than £361.57?

thanks chaps! I've seen THIS on ebay for £89.99

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E85-Z...398?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c4ed2878e
&
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-e36-e...589?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f46bb312d

but i'm not sure if either of these are the correct part... it's certainly not new though. But the saving is really good.

Advice chaps?
 
The first E Bay link shows a mechanism but a check on the 11 digit BMW serial number (67618370816) shows this as fitting a 3 series and 6 series convertible :(

http://realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=67618370816

The second link shows the same motor and serial number. BMW usually indicate on the OEM site where parts fit across different models but certainly no link for this part to the Z4 :?
 
Hi. I could be totally wrong but, as no other replies yet, here's my take on your question.

I think what you have looked at on ebay is the front of hood locking motor, item 13 here, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=54_0311&hg=54&fg=10

From your description and the fact that your quote includes fitting a drain to the motor it seems as though you are talking about the elec motor/hydraulic unit, sited under the folded hood when down, which is the dreaded blocked drains, soaked motor failure syndrome. Item 02 here http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=54_0313&hg=54&fg=10

If that's the case there is a member specialising in supplying and fitting this, who offered a special January price of £500 here, http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=73041&hilit=roof+motor+replacement. Perhaps he would extend this offer.

For those who try to do the job themselves, there is a fantastic write up of how to do the whole thing by Shipkiller, which I have somewhere if useful to you.

If I have got this wrong, I apologise and hope that someone comes on to help.

Edit. The 1st reply obviously came as I was typing this out.
 
Midhurstman said:
Hi. I could be totally wrong but, as no other replies yet, here's my take on your question.

I think what you have looked at on ebay is the front of hood locking motor, item 13 here, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=54_0311&hg=54&fg=10

From your description and the fact that your quote includes fitting a drain to the motor it seems as though you are talking about the elec motor/hydraulic unit, sited under the folded hood when down, which is the dreaded blocked drains, soaked motor failure syndrome. Item 02 here http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=54_0313&hg=54&fg=10

If that's the case there is a member specialising in supplying and fitting this, who offered a special January price of £500 here, http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=73041&hilit=roof+motor+replacement. Perhaps he would extend this offer.

For those who try to do the job themselves, there is a fantastic write up of how to do the whole thing by Shipkiller, which I have somewhere if useful to you.

If I have got this wrong, I apologise and hope that someone comes on to help.

Edit. The 1st reply obviously came as I was typing this out.


You are indeed 100% correct. Can I get this write up on how to do this myself? It is indeed the soaked hydraulic unit that is FKd! :)
 
If the top still moves, but moves slowly, then you might try to lube all of the frame pivet points with a good 30 weight oil, include oiling the windscreen locking devices. I have heard from several that this can bring the top back into correct operation and I have lubed my top as well. I have attached the link you requested. http://dellis.co.uk.linkpc.net/Z4/Pdfs/Instructions/How%20to%20Remove%20and%20Replace%20your%20Soft%20Top%20Motor.pdf
 
quote]
You are indeed 100% correct. Can I get this write up on how to do this myself? It is indeed the soaked hydraulic unit that is FKd! :)[/quote]

Couple of PM's sent. I have two different PDP's covering this.
 
Fastatv said:
If the top still moves, but moves slowly, then you might try to lube all of the frame pivet points with a good 30 weight oil, include oiling the windscreen locking devices. I have heard from several that this can bring the top back into correct operation and I have lubed my top as well. I have attached the link you requested. http://dellis.co.uk.linkpc.net/Z4/Pdfs/Instructions/How%20to%20Remove%20and%20Replace%20your%20Soft%20Top%20Motor.pdf

i shall give it a go. no harm in trying
 
When my roof was doing the same I took the roof off and found the motor was drenched so dried it out, let air out of the bleed valve on motor and it's worked a treat ever since :driving:
 
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