E85 Roof Help 2003 3.0 Z4

Noel30

Member
I am aware that this issue will have been covered previously but I have read so much I am confused. My roof out of the blue, has stopped working. When I press the open button the windows go down as per usual the roof unlatches then nothing. Recently I persevered and managed to get it down eventually using the key fob operation. However today the same issue is back.

The motor as far as I am aware was refurbed by the previous owner and relocated within the boot (not the boot space).

I am aware that it may be an issue with the parcel shelf switch but don't know how to access this or what to look for.

Any tips would be appreciated but please bear in mind that I am not mechanically minded so idiots guide please. (I'm new, be gentle)...
 
The previous owner has relocated it in the actual boot (far left corner), he managed to get it in their without removing the roof as far as I am aware. He spoke about putting it in a diesel bath etc to refurb it. Any suggestions to rule out all possible issues??
 
So the fact it needed the diesel bath means it previously died but fortunately it's now easy to get to to be able to inspect it to get it going
 
Sounds like the previous owner knew what he was doing. At least you can get to it now so worst case scenario just the cost of a new or refurb'd motor with no huge labour costs
 
Mine was refurbished but then died few days later !!!

Do you hear the motor noise when you keep the button pressed ?
 
Nah I would say no noise from motor, haven't checked fuses yet, could it be a fuse? Where is best place to get a new motor at a half decent price? Does any one know what services the highly renowned Dave from Durham actually offers?
 
The parcel shelf is in the top section, there's no physical on /off switch for you to operate, just a micro switch. Make sure that it's fully down on both sides using the knobs on either side and then the circuit is made. If something pushed it up and unlatched it, then the roof won't open. However, I think that if that was the case, the windows wouldn't lower and the roof wouldn't unlatch so it does sound like a motor problem. Have a word with Dave.
 
DLH said:
The parcel shelf is in the top section, there's no physical switch for you to operate, just make sure that it's pulled down fully on both sides and then the circuit is made. If something pushed it up and unlatched it, then the roof won't open. However, I think that if that was the case, the windows wouldn't lower and the roof wouldn't unlatch so it does sound like a motor problem. Have a word with Dave.

^^^^
This is WRONG .

There IS a physical switch .

The parcel shelf has a small tab that is on the centre of the edge of the shelf that is against the bulkhead ( back wall ) . If you look you will see that it locates into a bracket . This bracket holds the micro switch . The parcel shelf has two positions, on either side of the shelf there are round handled knobs that turn through 180 degrees , with the roof up you can turn these knobs and they raise the shelf a few cms to allow a bigger load space in the boot . Raising the shelf ( turning the knobs) moves the shelf ( and the tab ) up and operates the micro switch . If the shelf is in the up position the switch tells the roof not to operate down as there isn't enough room for the folding roof to fit in the now reduced roof space . If the knobs and shelf are down then the switch tells the roof it's ok to go down .

If your roof motor is not making a noise it is either in need of some TLC or it needs replacing ,or the micro switch is in wrong position or faulty, but I've only had to actually replace one motor in all the ones I've done they can normally be revived .

If you motor is already in the boot, your laughing as it will be easy to sort .

Again if you need some help I'm always willing to talk people through the process or provide practical help if I can .

It's good to help !
 
Dietcokeman said:
. . .

Again if you need some help I'm always willing to talk people through the process or provide practical help if I can .

It's good to help !

The forum spirit at its best :thumbsup:
 
Dietcokeman said:
DLH said:
The parcel shelf is in the top section, there's no physical on /off switch for you to operate, just a micro switch. Make sure that it's fully down on both sides using the knobs on either side and then the circuit is made. If something pushed it up and unlatched it, then the roof won't open. However, I think that if that was the case, the windows wouldn't lower and the roof wouldn't unlatch so it does sound like a motor problem. Have a word with Dave.

^^^^
This is WRONG .

There IS a physical switch .

The parcel shelf has a small tab that is on the centre of the edge of the shelf that is against the bulkhead ( back wall ) . If you look you will see that it locates into a bracket . This bracket holds the micro switch . The parcel shelf has two positions, on either side of the shelf there are round handled knobs that turn through 180 degrees , with the roof up you can turn these knobs and they raise the shelf a few cms to allow a bigger load space in the boot . Raising the shelf ( turning the knobs) moves the shelf ( and the tab ) up and operates the micro switch . If the shelf is in the up position the switch tells the roof not to operate down as there isn't enough room for the folding roof to fit in the now reduced roof space . If the knobs and shelf are down then the switch tells the roof it's ok to go down .

If your roof motor is not making a noise it is either in need of some TLC or it needs replacing ,or the micro switch is in wrong position or faulty, but I've only had to actually replace one motor in all the ones I've done they can normally be revived .

If you motor is already in the boot, your laughing as it will be easy to sort .

Again if you need some help I'm always willing to talk people through the process or provide practical help if I can .

It's good to help !
OK, OK - your explanation is better and more comprehensive and was what I was trying to say (badly!) :oops:
 
DLH said:
Dietcokeman said:
DLH said:
The parcel shelf is in the top section, there's no physical on /off switch for you to operate, just a micro switch. Make sure that it's fully down on both sides using the knobs on either side and then the circuit is made. If something pushed it up and unlatched it, then the roof won't open. However, I think that if that was the case, the windows wouldn't lower and the roof wouldn't unlatch so it does sound like a motor problem. Have a word with Dave.

^^^^
This is WRONG .

There IS a physical switch .

The parcel shelf has a small tab that is on the centre of the edge of the shelf that is against the bulkhead ( back wall ) . If you look you will see that it locates into a bracket . This bracket holds the micro switch . The parcel shelf has two positions, on either side of the shelf there are round handled knobs that turn through 180 degrees , with the roof up you can turn these knobs and they raise the shelf a few cms to allow a bigger load space in the boot . Raising the shelf ( turning the knobs) moves the shelf ( and the tab ) up and operates the micro switch . If the shelf is in the up position the switch tells the roof not to operate down as there isn't enough room for the folding roof to fit in the now reduced roof space . If the knobs and shelf are down then the switch tells the roof it's ok to go down .

If your roof motor is not making a noise it is either in need of some TLC or it needs replacing ,or the micro switch is in wrong position or faulty, but I've only had to actually replace one motor in all the ones I've done they can normally be revived .

If you motor is already in the boot, your laughing as it will be easy to sort .

Again if you need some help I'm always willing to talk people through the process or provide practical help if I can .

It's good to help !
OK, OK - your explanation is better and more comprehensive and was what I was trying to say (badly!) :oops:

Just trying to make sure the chap knows that there is a switch ...that could be faulty before he goes down the motor route .
 
Dietcokeman, thanks for your input it's very welcome. I'll certainly check that out, only had the car a matter of weeks so still getting to know it...bit of a set back given its been working fine up until now.
 
Hi same thing happened to me, operated roof down switch, Windows went down, motor unlatched roof from screen then nothing, no motor noise. But if Windows go down and screen motor unlatches roof does this mean the boot shelf microswitch is good as it wouldn't have moved at all I.e. the boot shelf microswitch has to be in right position before the Windows go down etc.
Regards
Mark
 
That's the second time I've heard that Mark. Thanks for your input. Looks like a new motor, I'm thinking new as opposed to a refurb just for complete peace of mind. Would you guys advise to replace both pump and motor?? Any places cheaper than others for such parts???
 
If the micro switch is faulty, nothing else will happen except a flashing light on the panel by the roof up/down button. No windows down or roof latch operation. So sound more like the motor.
 
Just a thought to add, what about the RED loop wire thing ? Is it called a Bowden cable ?

Does this just open the valve for the hydrolics to enable the roof to be moved manually or does it stop the electrics to the motor too?

Worth checking ? Also as you can get to your motor it may be worth giving it a light tap while someone operates the switch just in case it's a sticky brush.

Stuart
 
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