Failed roof

[Justino]

I've had an inoperative roof motor for about 18 months on my 2008 Z4m - assumed it will be the motor based on the fact the roof will unlatch, but nothing else. This despite the car being in a dry environment for the past 4 or so years, but did live outside prior to that.

I noticed a couple of days ago that the roof will lower manually whether the bowden cable is pulled out or not - so assumed the bowden mechanism has probably seized up also in the bypass position. However on the MOT today we spotted some leaking fluid on the side of the petrol tank, that appears to be coming from above. Its not petrol as its sticky. Its been there a while, and there isn't much of it as I've not noticed any on the garage floor, although it did use to be parked on gravel under a cover, so less noticeable.

My theory is this could be hydraulic fluid from the roof, as its a small amount, and could explain why there is no resistance in the roof when operated with bowden in or out.

My question is, as this is at the opposite side to the motor/pump, were could the fluid be leaking from, a hydraulic hose or the drivers actuator? Is there a route for the fluid to leak out in this way if whether of these is the issue? Are the actuators repairable, or is it a dealer parts visit?

thanks

 

[DMike]

Hi Justino,
The hydraulic hinges are in the wells/funnels on both sides. Thus the hinges and the hydraulic lines could leak to the wells, which drain just front of the rear wheels.

 

[PDJ]

The sticky fluid is likely to be diff oil

There is from memory only 4 types of fluid in that area

Fuel you would know by the smell
Brake fluid your mot man should have failed you for a brake fluid leak
Diff oil most likely
Roof hyd oil but as above this leaks into the wells that house the rams and pump/motor and drain near the wheels

 

[Justino]

I had the diff seals done about 3 years ago, so could be residue from that, but it appears to be coming from higher up. Its not brake fluid or petrol, as you would know straight away. I also thought there would be no route from the wells to the side of the petrol tank.

I need to get it up back in the air and have another look. This picture shows where it is, I have marked up on a stock pic

 

[PDJ]

Diff input seal, or the cv joint that bolts to it has some grease in that could leak out.

 

[Justino]

Thinking about this some more, that could line up with where the pinion flange is, hidden by the splash guard, and its sprayed up the side of the tank, then run down, shown by the red lines I've drawn.

I'll get it cleaned off with brake cleaner and see if any more appears, but I'll be disappointed if the seal has gone again so quickly.