Different Convertible Top Problem

I have a different power top problem than the usual "knobs in the trunk" fix. With the top in the closed position, I press the open button (light turns red) and the roof latches retract along with the windows as per normal operation. However, after that nothing else happens. The roof doesn't move at all and there are no noises coming from the power top motor. The only thing I can do is press the Close button and the roof re-latches and the windows close properly. HELP!!!
 
Welcome to the forum... :thumbsup:
Sound like the hydraulic pump or motor has failed which means a trip to the dealer... :cry:
 
I don't trust the local dealer here (and there is only one). Is there any way to diagnose if my problem is the hydraulic pump or the motor? Are there any DIY links to remove the power top?
 
I had exactly the same problem. Dealer visit solved it. It was covered by the guarantee (spelling?) though . . .
However I don't know what the problem really was, since I was exchanging the car for another (bigger, better bla.. bla) and the dealer took care of it.
 
westcoastmotors said:
Unfortunately my warranty expired two months ago.........so I am on my own :(
That is indeed bad news. I know someone that had that same problem and they had to remove the top to gain access and they apparently don't repair the pump but replace the entire unit or so I was told. As GVfB indicated the usual cause for this problem is water damage. There were a number of threads on the old Z4UM about this problem.
 
Check if the Microswitch under the space saver shelf is being triggered properly. sometimes they become dislodged and can stop the roof working. I've never had this problem so not sure what else to look for but give that a go first.
 
I have the EXACT same problem right now and my car is at the dealership as I type. They just got done replacing the soft top motor, but I can provide more info when I pick up my car tomorrow.
 
I just got my car back from the dealer and the invoice states that they removed and replaced the hydraulic motor, lines, and cylinders.

54-34-7-016-893 Hydraulic
54-34-7-122-950 Repair kit Hydraulic

Warranty - $0.00


They replaced the parts mentioned above for the top, the NAV computer (with an upgraded map DVD) my door panel/seals that were squeaking and the rear suspension due to excess noise. All of this was covered under warranty. I can't even imagine how much this would've been if I had to pay out of pocket on these items.
 
Thanks for the info. Not sure yet if I'm going to attempt this repair myself or take it to the dealer. If anyone has a link to remove the soft top assembly, please let me know.
 
westcoastmotors said:
Thanks for the info. Not sure yet if I'm going to attempt this repair myself or take it to the dealer. If anyone has a link to remove the soft top assembly, please let me know.
No link but I changed one at work yesterday :cry:
The complete hood needs to be removed to access the hydraulic unit, remove both seats, the rear centre trims and left and right speaker grilles.
Before removing the left and right trim panels the trims to the rear of the roll over bars need to be removed to access the two top screws that hold on the front trims, the rear ones just pull off to the rear. [ONCE REMOVED FEEL THE SEAT BELT GUIDE TRIM IT IS BLOODY SHARP AND CAN CATCH AND RIP THE HEADLINING]

After seeing others do this I always tape foam over the sharp edges.
There are four clips holding in the parcel shelf tray remove them and unclip it to remove it.
Pull the emergency release cable and open the hood halfway
Undo the rear hood rail [five 10mm hex bolts] and unclip the hood seal from the bodywork, the front edges of the rail are hooked in two clips and need to be levered out with a plastic wedge to avoid body damage.
The catch inbetween the two roll over bars needs to be removed and the other plastic trim behind them clipped into the boot carpet at the front edge of the boot just below roll over bars.
Disconect all the wiring plugs at left and right and unclip the wiring.
Remove the left and right seals at the top of the B-posts, early ones are clipped in later ones held in place with double sided tape.
[Have a good look around and make sure I haven't forgotten to tell you anything else] :oops:
the main hood bolts are two T-40 torx bolts at each left and right inner B-post [lower ones behind a grommett], once these are undone with the help of some other people it needs to come up at the front down at the back and move back in towards the boot slightly to enable the front to pull right up and lift the complete hood up and out.
There is a special tool to mount the hood on for ease of work but we did manage before we had one it's just bloody awkward.

Once out the hydraulic unit is inside a plastic cover [if not it should be] once fitted the hood needs to be powered up and opened and closed and the oil level checked, with the reservoir at the top the level should be in line with the + sign the filler screw in the top can be removed to adjust the level accordingly, I'll try and remember to see if it should be opened or closed tomorrow.
once all that is ok the hydraulic unit should be sealed back inside the plastic housing using 'Butyl Cord Sealant' to make it water tight.
Unblock the drain holes in the B-post compartments where the hydraulic unit and rams fit, that is usually the reason the water sits in there.
Then refit the hood assembly
PS "I hope I never have to do one again" :o " and mind that headlining, they are like tissue paper"

Any damaged cause by me not stating every step is at your risk :wink:
 
Hi
Like noj on the recent "roof fault" thread, I fear the roof motor has died on my '03 3.0.
As stated on the other thread, replacement cost with labour is arond £700.
I wonder, has anyone tried the D-I-Y route as described by Fixedwheelnut or can offer
hints and tips?
The BMW repair instructions, Section 54 34 005 describe the replacement procedure.
Can anyone access this? The dealer obviously is not cooperative.
Any information would be gratefully received and I am sure could be of benefit to everyone else.
Thanks
 
If you know the section and all, you an access the BMW materials at http://www.bmwtis.com for 24 hours at $30USD. The early cars are included in the 3-series manuals by Haynes and Chiltons as well, but I haven't heard how good they are...
 
Thanks very much for the tip. :)
I'm going to have a go at it when we get some settled and warmer weather.
Hopefully next month I'll let you know how I got on.
Cheers!
 
Back
Top Bottom