BMW Z4 Roof not working

Z

z4_lover

Member
Hi Guys

I am new to the forum, really hoping someone can help me.

I have a 2007 2.0 Z4. I put the roof down on Friday , and it went down under motors as usual, but I thought it made a slightly different noise than usual. When I went to raise it again, it made a little noise but then the light next to the button started flashing.

I engaged the manual red pull cable, and lifted it back into place manually and used the allen key to tighten it back up.

It unlatches fine with the button (and back into place), but there is no noise after the unlatching, and the button just continues to flash.

I've read some forums and it seems that this might be the motor - has anyone had this experience?

Thanks in advance
 
Have you checked the moveable shelf in the boot is located correctly? If it's micro switch is not activated I think you just get a flashing light by the roof button.
Regards
 
What you describe is exactly what happened to me when the roof motor failed. :thumbsdown:
 
I really hope it isn't the motor... how much did that cost you to fix?

Smartbear... by that do you mean by twisting the two knobs either side of the shelf? Or should I be looking at the microswitch (not sure where this is).


I've had a quote so far of 32 per 1/2 hour to have a diagnostic, saying it can be either:

a) pump most costly
b) control unit
3) compartment switch in the boot (assume this is the microswitch) cheapest
 
Yep it's the two knobs that control it, make sure they are fully turned-I'm not sure where the micro switch is located I'm afraid but it should be on here somewhere if you try a search?
Regards
 
For the micro switch look in the boot just under the parcel tray - you will see a plastic tongue from the tray goes into a slot in the bulkhead. This tongue moves up and down as you raise/lower the parcel tray and when in its down position actuates micro switch to allow roof to be retracted. If it hasn't actioned for any reason you will get a yellow flashing light by the hood switch. Yellow flashing light means problem with the switch or its activation, red flashing light means something more serious - in my case a roof motor/pump unit which I got fixed by Grosvenor Motors in Reading for around £650 total parts and labour -they are a super BMW in dependant - see their web page on zed roof motor failures.
 
For the micro switch look in the boot just under the parcel tray - you will see a plastic tongue from the tray goes into a slot in the bulkhead. This tongue moves up and down as you raise/lower the parcel tray and when in its down position actuates micro switch to allow roof to be retracted. If it hasn't actioned for any reason you will get a yellow flashing light by the hood switch. Yellow flashing light means problem with the switch or its activation, red flashing light means something more serious - in my case a roof motor!
 
Hi, per this post I am now in need of replacing the micro switch for power top. The yellow light is flashing /on when trying to open the top. I have looked on line and found the instructions to remove the switch. However, with the boot panel in up position I can't see the top torx bit to remove it? Do I have to remove the tray? I can see the top Torx bit thru the back window but assume it would be almost impossible to reach from inside car.
 
Z4-Lover - You can get this fixed for £150 - Maybe £300 all in, if you need a new motor, so dont go paying a big garage to do it.
There ae a few people on this forum scattered around the Country (myself included) who can fix this within an hour or so for you.
- What is your location, as we can then find the nearest capable person to you ?

Also, ignore all the comments about the parcel shelf. From your description, I know this is the motor. ( The parcel shelf issues will display an orange light and not red on the switch.)
 
Number5 said:
Z4-Lover - You can get this fixed for £150 - Maybe £300 all in, if you need a new motor, so dont go paying a big garage to do it.
There ae a few people on this forum scattered around the Country (myself included) who can fix this within an hour or so for you.
- What is your location, as we can then find the nearest capable person to you ?

Also, ignore all the comments about the parcel shelf. From your description, I know this is the motor. ( The parcel shelf issues will display an orange light and not red on the switch.)
Click to expand...

I think it's actually [ref]rdm05z4[/ref], and if they turn out to be in the general East Anglian area, maybe that would up the numbers for your planned trip over?
 
Thanks for the reply's. And the offers but am located in the US. Also it is definite that it is a "orange" light and not a "red" one so at this point doesn't appear to be the motor. So access for top microswitch Torx from inside car, remove boot shelf or ?
 
rdm05z4 said:
Thanks for the reply's. And the offers but am located in the US. Also it is definite that it is a "orange" light and not a "red" one so at this point doesn't appear to be the motor. So access for top microswitch Torx from inside car, remove boot shelf or ?
Click to expand...

No, I think yours is a different problem to the OP's issue.
The microswitch is easily re-buildable. Undo the unit with the two Allen screws you can see. The two wires will unplug from it and you can rebuild it in comfort on the kitchen table. The roof is looking for a 'closed' circuit from those two wires to be happy so if your competent you can even test it by shorting them together using a paperclip or similar as a temporary test. There is no traceable voltage on them, just a closed loop required
 
Hi. ok as stated am getting "orange" light when trying to put power top down. So as posted probable the microswitch. I was able last night to remove the torx screws holding in the unit. But how to you get it out with out breaking the panel tab? Ordered a new switch only 40 US $$ so cheap and will replace if can get old one out?
 
Hi, can anyone recommend someone in the North West / Cheshire area who can fit a new hood motor on 2003 Z4 ?
 
Hi, update on my post about roof issue. Was getting "orange light" when trying to activate roof. Ordered micro switch from BMW dealer. Due to a last minute trip not having the time to replace switch myself. Called Dealer they fit me in. All in under 200.00 USD. They replaced switch, resolved my headlight issue, washed car and cleaned out my roof drains. Dealer stated if I used them for my Oil changes they would clean out roof drains at no cost. So with oil changes every 3-3.5k my drains should be clean for a long time. :D
 
Morning all,
I have a similar issue. As I was raising the roof it got to within inches of full closure then completely stopped and the red light on the raise/lower buttons started flashing. Hand-latched the roof into place and now nothing! Red light continues to flash whenever ignition is on, but roof doesn't unlatch and there's no sound from the motor. Diagnostics so far;
1. microswitch checked and I can clearly hear it clicking. I don't think it's the issue as the problem started when the roof was near full closure.
2. Motor is newly reconditioned and was relocated to the boot area a couple of years ago and hasn't been a problem until now (used almost daily).
3. I've checked the manual release is fully positioned. Again, I don't think that's the issue as the roof doesn't latch or unlatch.
4. Rear screen heater doesn't work (indicating perhaps the roof doesn't "think" it's up?)
Checking other forums it sounds like a defective hall sensor or a crimped/split wire but I can't see any photos or details which would help me. Any ideas please?
I'm in East Anglia.
Cheers
 
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