How to spot a failing roof motor?

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Phil-E30

Active member
Hi guys, still waiting on selling the TT, but in the mean time I am still doing my homework on the Z4.

I know the motor that powers the electric roof is a common fail and I was just wondering if there are any signs that are a give away of this problem developing? Want to be able to check when I go to look at them to buy.

Thanks. :D
 
Speed and smoothness of the motor going up and down seem the two main things, other than that just how well its been maintained and if it's been looked after with the motor in mind (kept away from trees, drains cleaned etc).

Good luck with selling the TT and finding your Z :D
 
Thanks Ste, time for a change and I can't wait to get a new car. Not sure it's the best time of year to be selling a car though.

Thanks, I will ask the owner about the drain and motor, ideally I would get one that has had the motor replaced, failing that, a car that comes from an owner that cares for their car and has cleaned out the drainage.
 
I've entertained a theory that if the manual release in the boot does not operate smoothly, it is a strong indicator of problems. I've collected some evidence that this is true. However, a smoothly operating release is no indication of a reliable motor, so it is a marginally useful sign.
 
Ideally finding a Zed that has had the motor changed would be good, but I suppose I could easily be told this and can't actually see if it's true?
 
Phil-E30 said:
Ideally finding a Zed that has had the motor changed would be good, but I suppose I could easily be told this and can't actually see if it's true?
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Try and get a reciept/invoice if possible?
 
That would be the first thing I would have asked Ste. That would be the ideal situation, a new motor fitted, with receipts to prove it. Then I can clear out the drainage and be happy enough that I know what sort of state things are in.

With regards to the speed of the roof going up and down, how quick should it be? Where is the manual release in the boot?
 
The motor could have been changed in the last year but if the owner isn't aware that this area is a problem, doesn't clear the drains, parks under trees etc then the thing could be soaked again already. I'm not sure how often or how long it has to be soaked for the motor to start rotting, I doubt anyone knows.

The best you can do is as others have said. Check it works smoothly and quickly, I think the roof is meant to take about 15-20 seconds max to go up or down. If it does and the rest of the car is good/you get a good feeling/want the car then buy it. A roof motor costs less than £300 from Sopers so it's not the end of the world should it go. Fair enough it's a pain to change but you could probably do it yourself unless you are particularly ham fisted. Plus, the roof can still be operated manually if the worst comes to the worst.
 
Manual release is a red finger pull attached to a cable on the underside of the cowl, just forward of the lid. It should pull out smoothly and easily under light spring pressure for less than a couple cm. After testing, ensure it falls back into the deeper slot in the cable housing. You may sense a very slight mechanical catch or drag, but nothing significant. You are operating a small sliding hydraulic valve.
 
Roof is about 14 secs from the windows starting to drop in prep for roof movement to them going back up and ending the process, either direction. The roof itself will release and go down or up in about 10 secs.

Mine was just replaced, the car is garaged and I have receipts... Not for sale though I'm afraid :P
 
Has anyone done a 'dummy run' just to know that you can raise or lower the roof if the motor or something else fails? It would be 'good practice' to know what you need to do in case something fails.I've done a photo copy of the page that I keep in the car just in case it happens.I didn't want to try it on my healthy roof just in case it damaged something! :rofl:
 
Derby Z4 said:
Has anyone done a 'dummy run' just to know that you can raise or lower the roof if the motor or something else fails? It would be 'good practice' to know what you need to do in case something fails.I've done a photo copy of the page that I keep in the car just in case it happens.I didn't want to try it on my healthy roof just in case it damaged something! :rofl:
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I have thought about keeping a note of what to do -just in case! :cry:
 
In the post facelift just pull and turn the red handle to disengage the hydraulics, press the open button to release the catches, then (gripping the middle) push back and down. Then press the open button again to lock it in place :thumbsup:

Pre-facelift has a catch that needs pushed to release IIRC.
 
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