How many hours to replace softtop motor by someone with experience?

[tinustate]

My z4 soft top motor has died since some time and now with the upcoming spring, summer and autumn i do miss driving with my top down.

I called a bit around to see how much indies and dealers charge for the softtop motor replacement and the prices vary wildly. The bmw dealer seem to be one of the cheapest, which did surprise me.

This price variation caused me to wonder how much hours it will take, for someone who already done a soft top motor replacement before, to replace the soft top motor?

 

[Marlon]

There are guys on here who know guys who have done this job many times and will relocate the motor in the boot so you never have to worry again.

These DIY threads may give you an idea:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=84900&p=1258810&hilit=relocate+roof+motor#p1258810

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=85311&p=1263032&hilit=relocating+roof+motor#p1263032

 

[benv6]

Hi Tinustate,

I Have done it few weeks ago for the first time, It took me something like 12 hours all together.

I will need to do it again soon to sort out the mod and relocate the motor in the boot.

So to answer your question, I am thinking next time it will take me about 5 - 6 hours max to do all the work, but I think if there are 2 people it would take a lot less.

There is a guide in here that I have used to remove my top. What is the cheapest quote you got for the labor ?

 

[WLH]

I believe BMW allows 6 hours for replacement in the traditional manner. However, I have been told that it can be done in 2 hours using 2 individuals that are experienced which would total 4 hours of labor.

 

[tinustate]

quotes including replacement parts, labour and vat where between 900 to 1500 up to 2000 euro's. I suspect that the higher range ones don't yet have experience and are playing it safe. I'm still waiting for a few quotes to arrive.

The 900 was from the dealer, i suspect: around 400 for the motor, 5 hours of 100 euro per hour, could total up to 900.

I'm a bit worried that dealer would really go much higher when something doesn't go as planned.

Not really worried about this happening again after it is fixed, with a bit of struggling you should be able to keep the drain clean that causes the flooding of the motor, wish i knew that earlier.

 

[benv6]

Can you not do it yourself ?

You can revive the motor , it just need to be cleaned and dried for few days.

In case you change your motor, just keep the old one as IT WILL work again.

There are plenty of guides online and in this forum on how to do the work yourself.

Best Regards

 

[Jamo1980]

My z4 soft top motor has died since some time and now with the upcoming spring, summer and autumn i do miss driving with my top down.

I called a bit around to see how much indies and dealers charge for the softtop motor replacement and the prices vary wildly. The bmw dealer seem to be one of the cheapest, which did surprise me.

This price variation caused me to wonder how much hours it will take, for someone who already done a soft top motor replacement before, to replace the soft top motor?

Don't know where abouts you are? But these guys in Harrogate and Bradford quote £499.99 to £598.00 via eBay. The one in Harrogate even states they include a brand new oem motor and relocate into the boot.

Soon as i get the available funds i'm going for the Harrogate one.

Here are the links:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-Cabriolet-Convertible-Roof-Pump-Fault-Repair-Service-Pump-relocated-/272152475387?hash=item3f5d8d36fb:g:aU4AAOSwBLlVZumR

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-Cabriolet-Roof-Motor-Supply-Fitting-Service-with-12months-Warranty-/131739039443?fits=Model%3AZ4&hash=item1eac4236d3:gO4AAOSwZd1VbK~4

 

[Number5]

I've done it recently. It took me 1 Hour to have the roof and motor out and on the floor.
It then took me about 5-6 hours to relocate the motor and put the roof back in to completion.

I think next time i could cut the re-fit down to about 3-4 hours if i did things in the correct order, as last time I fixed some parts too early and it took the play and adjustment out of lining other bits up, so i had to go back a stage or two before continuing.

Where are you based, as someone local may be prepared to give you a hand ?

( I cant find your "introductory post" or photos... oke: )

 

[tinustate]

I don't mind driving a bit, but the uk is a bit too far I'm currently located in Groningen in the netherlands, there aren't many bmw indies in this part of the Netherlands. The ebay offers do seem nice though.

Thumbs up for the helpful offers!

I might be able to do it by myself, although I'm a bit worried because I'm not utterly technical when it comes to cars, that i screw up and end up having to buy a entire new soft top which are a lot more expensive compared to just swapping out the motor.

But i will tell, if i get the roof motor replaced, that they should keep the motor and not throw it away, i might be able to sell it if it is refurbished and still works. Super tip.

 

[benv6]

I haven't tried this myself but I was told to clean the motor with WD40 thoroughly then put it in a container then cover it with rice ( Yes !!! rice !!! ) and close the container, Leave it for few days and the rice will absorb all the humidity within the motor.