AT wits end...

[Smurfalot]

Ok. Sept last year, my roof motor burnt out. Roof wouldn't work and unit I could've fried eggs in.
Bought a new unit from BMW with a 2 year warranty. In July this year, that new unit, also burnt out. As before. Changed under the warranty.
Yesterday it again burnt out. And am now trying to get it changed again. I reckon I have dropped the roof 12 times since it was changed in July...
BMW said last time, there was nothing wrong with anything else and it was just the motor that packed up.
Surely there has to be an underlying problem?
Does anyone have any ideas?
Please.....

 

[jamie_z4]

Ok. Sept last year, my roof motor burnt out. Roof wouldn't work and unit I could've fried eggs in.
Bought a new unit from BMW with a 2 year warranty. In July this year, that new unit, also burnt out. As before. Changed under the warranty.
Yesterday it again burnt out. And am now trying to get it changed again. I reckon I have dropped the roof 12 times since it was changed in July...
BMW said last time, there was nothing wrong with anything else and it was just the motor that packed up.
Surely there has to be an underlying problem?
Does anyone have any ideas?
Please.....

get Number 5 on here to have a look at it or if you fancy a trip up north Ducklakeview (st Helens)

 

[Taz]

I would have thought the only thing that could burn the motor out would be if the roof was jammed/seized

 

[mr wilks]

E89 Jamie + Taz :wink: id say the car has fundamental problems that need rectifying as that cannot be just bad luck

 

[Smartbear]

I think if a sensor or switch malfunctions it can result in the motor “running on” could you hear any sound after the roof completed it’s movement?
Rob

 

[Ducklakeview]

Wasn't there another E89 owner on here recently that had an error of something like "pump running too long?"

OP - How long was the roof taking to open/close when it was working, was it within the specified operation time?

Mike

 

[Ducklakeview]

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=99762&p=1468018#p1468018


Mike

 

[Anonymous]

Ok so I've sorted out a few of these E89's with roof issues, but normally the roof will be doing something abnormal with the opening or closing procedure . Even if it's just the windows not coming back up after operation . So OP do you have any other issues with the roof operation and associated operations , boot, windows, warning lights etc ?

 

[Smurfalot]

Wasn't there another E89 owner on here recently that had an error of something like "pump running too long?"

OP - How long was the roof taking to open/close when it was working, was it within the specified operation time?

Mike

It took about 20 secs to go in each direction.. Which I think is about right..

 

[Smurfalot]

Ok so I've sorted out a few of these E89's with roof issues, but normally the roof will be doing something abnormal with the opening or closing procedure . Even if it's just the windows not coming back up after operation . So OP do you have any other issues with the roof operation and associated operations , boot, windows, warning lights etc ?

Two things.. 1 the vehicle check light, (car on ramp) 2 days ago. Never seen that light before. 2 on Monday, when I put roof up, drivers window hit the top and then came down again. Don't recall that on the previous 2 units, but my memory isn't good. (Living with depression is a b*tch).

 

[Smurfalot]

I think if a sensor or switch malfunctions it can result in the motor “running on” could you hear any sound after the roof completed it’s movement?
Rob

I don't recall hearing anything mr smartbear....

 

[Smartbear]

Ok so I've sorted out a few of these E89's with roof issues, but normally the roof will be doing something abnormal with the opening or closing procedure . Even if it's just the windows not coming back up after operation . So OP do you have any other issues with the roof operation and associated operations , boot, windows, warning lights etc ?

Two things.. 1 the vehicle check light, (car on ramp) 2 days ago. Never seen that light before. 2 on Monday, when I put roof up, drivers window hit the top and then came down again. Don't recall that on the previous 2 units, but my memory isn't good. (Living with depression is a b*tch).

I think the bouncing window is probably just the anti-trap mechanism being over sensitive, you can reteach them by holding the window switch all the way up for several seconds after the travel has completed which should teach it any difference in resistance that may have slowly crept in
Rob

 

[flybobbie]

Isn't there a over temperature sensor that should cut the motor out.
From a repair manual;

Hydraulic Unit
The hydraulic unit is located in a pan in the luggage compartment floor. The
movement direction of the retractable hardtop and rear module are determined by
corresponding valve positions and the direction of rotation of the hydraulic
pump. The direction of rotation of the hydraulic pump is controlled by two
relays.
The hydraulic pump generates an operating pressure from 150 to 200 bar.
The temperature in the hydraulic pump is measured to avoid the pump
overheating during frequent use of the retractable hardtop. Two cables connect
the temperature sensor ground-free to the convertible top module. A line break
(open circuit) results in a fault code being entered in the fault code memory. At
from a temperature of 90°C, hardtop closing movement already started is
continued up to the secure end position. The movement of the retractable hardtop
is stopped immediately at a temperature of 105°C.
The movement can be continued after the temperature has dropped below 90°C.
The hydraulic unit is protected by a 50 amp slow-blow fuse.
Other than topping the hydraulic system off, the hydraulic fluid does not require
any servicing. Add only the approved hydraulic fluid to the mark on the
reservoir.

 

[Smartbear]

Even if the over temp sensor has been malfunctioning, the motor still shouldn’t get that hot unless the roof is constantly being operated (or continues to be driven?)
Rob

 

[flybobbie]

Have a look here
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=95398
for the manual.
Pages 6398-6399
The wiring diagram shows a relay and states that it's next to the battery.
Could be just a dodgy relay freezing and not unlatching.
Also shown are the sensors, so the last sensor to operate, the rear shell closed could be the problem.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok so I've sorted out a few of these E89's with roof issues, but normally the roof will be doing something abnormal with the opening or closing procedure . Even if it's just the windows not coming back up after operation . So OP do you have any other issues with the roof operation and associated operations , boot, windows, warning lights etc ?

Two things.. 1 the vehicle check light, (car on ramp) 2 days ago. Never seen that light before. 2 on Monday, when I put roof up, drivers window hit the top and then came down again. Don't recall that on the previous 2 units, but my memory isn't good. (Living with depression is a b*tch).

I think the bouncing window is probably just the anti-trap mechanism being over sensitive, you can reteach them by holding the window switch all the way up for several seconds after the travel has completed which should teach it any difference in resistance that may have slowly crept in
Rob

As Rob states above, the window issue on this occasion seems to be the anti trap. Normally with window issues associated with roof problems the windows stay down and do not raise. Do you have access to Carly ? Do you have any fault codes ? I am in Buckinghamshire, if you can get over I will take a look for you, but can't say that I've come across this issue before from what you are saying, but I know where all the sensors and micro switches are and the rams etc .

When the roof operates up or down can you hear the pump running on ? You can operate the roof with the engine off ( just don't do it more than a few times ) and listen at the boot area for the pump ?

 

[Smurfalot]

Two things.. 1 the vehicle check light, (car on ramp) 2 days ago. Never seen that light before. 2 on Monday, when I put roof up, drivers window hit the top and then came down again. Don't recall that on the previous 2 units, but my memory isn't good. (Living with depression is a b*tch).

I think the bouncing window is probably just the anti-trap mechanism being over sensitive, you can reteach them by holding the window switch all the way up for several seconds after the travel has completed which should teach it any difference in resistance that may have slowly crept in
Rob

As Rob states above, the window issue on this occasion seems to be the anti trap. Normally with window issues associated with roof problems the windows stay down and do not raise. Do you have access to Carly ? Do you have any fault codes ? I am in Buckinghamshire, if you can get over I will take a look for you, but can't say that I've come across this issue before from what you are saying, but I know where all the sensors and micro switches are and the rams etc .

When the roof operates up or down can you hear the pump running on ? You can operate the roof with the engine off ( just don't do it more than a few times ) and listen at the boot area for the pump ?

I do have a Carly in the car.. Will run it later and see what pops up.
If there are any faults, I will see if I can upload the report.
As for noises, will have to wait until BMW replace the unit again, tho I might take you up on the offer of a looksee, as it'll be a nice excuse for a trundle out. Your only 1.5hrs away.. I wouldve hoped that BMW, when they claim they ran full diagnostics last time, would've found a faulty micro switch or sensor.. But it sounds like your more of an expert on these roofs than they are

 

[Smurfalot]

Finally have car back and fixed.. Although, I'm now very apprehensive about putting the roof down..

We are wondering, if there could be an intermittent fault on the shut off? So maybe the motor still keeps going, until I get home and switch off engine.
Any Thoughts?

 

[flybobbie]

Wire a bulb to the motor circuit and run a wire into the cabin, to see when it's running,
it's what I would do.
Or try first, drop your mobile phone next to the motor and record the sound to see if it's running.

 

[Smurfalot]

Wire a bulb to the motor circuit and run a wire into the cabin, to see when it's running,
it's what I would do.
Or try first, drop your mobile phone next to the motor and record the sound to see if it's running.

If I even knew how to do the first bit!! dense as can be with that sort of stuff.
BMW have been checking it, had it all week, as this is the 2nd motor they have replaced under warranty... Oh well.. I have another 12months cover lol