Another Z4 roof problem - Bristol, UK

T

TOM4S

Member
Hi all

Whilst mindlessly fiddling I recently pulled the roof release cable (in the boot) and now, the first time trying since I think, the electric roof will not function.

When pressing the ‘open’ button the windows drop and the roof disengages from the window, the motor continues to whir away but nothing happens. The roof will then re-engage with the windscreen when the ‘close’ button is pressed.

The motor potentially gurgles more than it used to but I’m not sure.

I have checked that the release cable has retracted and the internal parcel shelf in the boot is in the lowered position. No warning lights flash during [attempted] operation, just a steady red light, and I have opened and closed the roof manually and there are no obstructions. Lastly it won’t close from fully open either, same motor whirling but no action.

I was told on purchase that the roof motor had been fixed and relocated but I don’t think I have seen a receipt.

Picture added incase it shows anything, seems to be some dry spray residue of some kind in there but as my first soft top car I really have no idea how these things work.

If anyone has any ideas I’d be very happy to hear them! :headbang:

Thanks

Tom
 

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Looks like its been pulled up out of its normal position and wedged in the opening, should have been pulled right back into the boot and secured at the side, the motor should have been pulled out of the plastic box as its not required in the new position. Sounds like the bypass valve is stuck open, they seize up and need a bit of lube and pushing in and out to get it working again. Best pull it back into the boot and check the sticking valve out. When in position the reservoir should be about half full so ther is room for the oil to circulate to and from the rams so don't overfill it. Good pictures in this thread to see where it should have been positioned, https://zroadster.org/threads/z4-roof-motor-relocation-to-boot.19256/
 
Glad you found Number5, lot of people been sorted by him when they are not in a position to do it themselves, at least it looks like a straightforward job to sort yours, let us know if it was a sticking valve when its fixed.
 
It was a sticking valve. Some repeated gentle pulling of the release pull and it went back into place.

Presumably a temporary fix until next time I pull it without thinking but working great again for now.
 
Thought that would be the cause, best bet is to lube the brass valve and press it in and out a few times to free it up, I would also pull it further back into the boot and secure it behind the carpet in the recess front of the arch hump, there is a bracket behind the carpet you can zip tie the unit to, you may need to release the pipe run along the top edge from their clips to allow it to be pulled back into new position. That link I posted earlier with pics shows all.
 
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