convertible roof corners not folding in

[ChazLuke]

My roof folds down square and has corners that stick above the trunk area when it is down. Is there supposed to be some spring or cable that folds the corners in when the roof goes down? If so what is the part number and do you have a diagram of the mechanism? Or can someone take some photos for me. Thanks

Z4 2003 2.5

 

[carlsson]

Hi ChazLuke...what do you mean by “folds down square”? My roof folds down square too with corners and all, but it sits neatly in its place. Can you post a pic of your roof down?

 

[oldgitdave]

As above, get some pics up then it'll be so much easier to understand the issue & to help you resolve it .
There's a thread here that might help: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50464&p=733524&hilit=picture+line+drawing#p733510

 

[ChazLuke]

thanks oldgitdave. That link shows exactly what is missing. I tried submitting pics but it wouldn't take them all in one reply so I'll send them in multiple posts.

 

[ChazLuke]

Pics of my top down.

 

[ChazLuke]

Are these elastic or just cloth/canvas? What length are they? I folded my top halfway and it looks like someone cut these off flush with the top edge.

 

[oldgitdave]

Are these elastic or just cloth/canvas? What length are they? I folded my top halfway and it looks like someone cut these off flush with the top edge.

Looks like you've found the problem . They are cloth/canvas & go tight when the roof folds to keep the corners in, exactly what yours is not doing. I think I'm right in saying that but I'm sure someone will correct me if not. I can't check now as my car cover is on as it's not the best weather here at the moment but I'd guess they're somewhere between 4 & 5 inches in length.

I've had a look here on realoem https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=BT52-EUR-07-2003-E85-BMW-Z4_30i&mg=54 & it doesn't show the strap so I doubt you can buy replacements. You might have to get a bit innovative :wink: .

Having looked here on tis https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/...-31-convertible-top-linkage-operation/BmwmCdm, 2nd pic down item (1), it looks like the strap is stitched into the roof fabric :?. If it's fine tomorrow I'll take a look & come back to you.

 

[ChazLuke]

Hi oldgitdave,
Did you have a chance to look at that? If its not too much trouble, can you send some pics with a ruler included in the shot? I'm also going to look for a used Z4 for sale in Atlanta and try to see what I need first hand. Anyway, thanks soooo much for your help.

 

[oldgitdave]

Hi ChazLuke,
Not been good weather here so she's still under cover at the mo. It'll probably be sometime next week now before I get chance to look at this but I will get back to you.

 

[ChazLuke]

I think I found a better solution. I have a local shop that had replaced the roof. He said they were sent a defective top from the manufacturer so they will put a new top on it and consider it covered under warranty. I was concerned that anything they try to sew on wouldn't be as strong as the original straps that are sewed into the seam. The guy has some integrity, His shop is Victory Automotive in Gainesville Georgia, USA. oldgitdave, thanks for helping me understand the problem.

 

[oldgitdave]

Happy to help & it sounds like you've got a great result there . How did you find out it was still under warranty?

 

[ChazLuke]

It's not a BMW warranty. It's the warranty of the people who replaced my top, Victory Automotive.