Can't remove convertible top to repair motor

[bobbie lake]

2005 z4 2.5i My top won't go down (close). When I press the down button, the red light comes on, the overhead motor reponds and releases the top from the windscreen and the motor in the trunk operates but there is a leak or low/no hydraulic fluid in the motor and the top will not move beyond the little distance it separated from the windscreen. I am this far along:
1. I pressed the down button so that it would release the top from the windscreen after verifying that the shelf was in the lower position.
2. I pulled, jiggled, wd-40'd the red release cord in the trunk and the bowden cable does not make a change in the motor so i can't lower the top manually.
3. I did endless search on options and am in the middle of trying to remove the motor through the trunk with the top up. I have removed the shelf, worked my hand into the pocket above the motor area and removed the top of the plastic cover that holds the motor and lifted the motor out of the plastic case. I can not figure out a way to release the lower half of the plastic case (with the hydraulic lines zip tied to it and the actuator. I read that you have to "break the case free" with lots of tugging but mine is stronger than me and I can't figure out a way to grab the top of the plastic case with some kind of tool to have enough pull to yank the plastic box and hydraulic lines free.

A. Anybody that has done this method is free to chime in on how you got the lower half of the plastic container free.
B. Anybody that has been able to remove the top without having the ability to lower it is asked to share information as well.
Thanks. Bobbie in sunny Florida where putting the top down is the reason to own a z4

 

[PDJ]

You need to have a short rest and try again, to pull the bottom plastic bit free you have done most of the work.

Once you can see the motor you will be able to work out how the red pull thingy works on the bypass valve and push it in and lower the roof then enjoy the sunshine while you sort out a full repair

 

[tomrdy]

Unfortunately there's no way around it - like PDJ said, have a rest and try again.

You are literally trying to snap the plastic of the casing (assuming you have snipped every cable tie that you can reach).

I had a lot of trouble and found that if I leveraged from the cabin side, I actually have more upward leverage. This was how I was finally about to snap it free.

Here's what youre trying to break:


Stick your hand down and reach the top of the housing like this:


Then just tug that mother**** out with literally everything you've got. I pulled at it so hard that I think I blacked out for a second

Good luck!