is it time to go to the dealer - or indie?

M

Max

Member
Hi all,
It looks like the car will have to go into the dealer or a good indie. To summarise, I have now got two threads going, water getting into the boot (water is getting in somewhere, running along the underside of the rear wing and dripping onto the wheelarch and into the rear well. Tried to lower the roof today................... no go not a peep, the light comes on but not even a murmur. Checked the 3 fuses. all OK. I have run out of ideas on both problems. I have not got the facilities to take the roof off (garage) therefore need go to a dealer or good indie.

I think BMW would be extortionate, anyone recommend a good independent near Crawley or Haywards Heath in Sussex?
 
I can't believe you have started a third thread after not answering the most important questions in the other threads when people on here are trying to help,, When you press the roof down button do the windows go down or not? that will determine as other people have asked whether you have disturbed the rear shelf and microswitch or whether you may possibly have a motor or module problem...
 
We are very limited by the number of good Indi here in Sussex, there is a BMW/Mercedes specialist in Ditchling, but I have never used them and have no idea what they are like.

As gookah has said though if you can answer the questions both PVR and myself has asked then maybe we can help.
 
I did have to take the rear shelf out to get the carpet and sound deadening out. The shelf is still out, while everything is drying out. The shelf is still out
 
Then the roof may not work as it will not trigger the micro switch if it has to be in the down position.

I cant recall if the switch is triggered with the shelf up or down but if you look at the slot in the bulkhead you can see the switch, if it's at the bottom you will need the shelf for it to work or something to activate the switch.
 
Gents, Thanks for your advice, it was the microswitch. Phew!!! I owe you a pint! especially as I see you are in Sussex. You are obviously quite experienced on the Z's. Any ideas on the water leak. As the carpets are out, you can see the water drip onto the top of the wheelarch. So how can it get into the wing.

If the fabric was torn then the water would drip into the plastic tray and away. That is all dry
 
Without searching through the posts you have made have you determined if your drain holes are blocked?

It has to be coming from the top of the car for it to be dropping on the arches other than this the boot seal is the only other area where I could see it coming from.

I would wipe any water away from the arches to ensure its dry, then run water along where the roof meets the boot, gently so that it doesnt go anywhere else, this should flow freely onto the floor thorugh the holes in the front of the rear wheel arches or may run the the front of the car depending at the angle of the car. If it doesnt it will find another access which could be your boot.
 
The drains are completely clear. It is not the boot seal as the water forms into drips is further back towards the door beyond the boot. The car is parked on a slight slope which slopes left to right so the water will run towards the back of the driver’s side. So the water will “pond” a little before draining away. However, even though ponding it should not get into the car. I have thought about getting some silicone grease and running it between the rubber and the body.
 
srhutch said:
Then the roof may not work as it will not trigger the micro switch if it has to be in the down position.

I cant recall if the switch is triggered with the shelf up or down but if you look at the slot in the bulkhead you can see the switch, if it's at the bottom you will need the shelf for it to work or something to activate the switch.
Click to expand...

The microswitch has to have its actuating arm pressed by the shelf to operate the switch before the roof will move. Removing or lifting either side of the shelf will release the switch arm, the bottom orange light will come on, and the windows will not open. These are the first signs to look for on any roof movement problem.
 
gookah said:
srhutch said:
Then the roof may not work as it will not trigger the micro switch if it has to be in the down position.

I cant recall if the switch is triggered with the shelf up or down but if you look at the slot in the bulkhead you can see the switch, if it's at the bottom you will need the shelf for it to work or something to activate the switch.
Click to expand...

The microswitch has to have its actuating arm pressed by the shelf to operate the switch before the roof will move. Removing or lifting either side of the shelf will release the switch arm and the light will flash orange and the windows will not open. These are the first signs to look for on any roof movement problem.
Click to expand...

Gookah, this is what I was trying to point out, but couldn't remember if the switch was at the top or bottom, but thinking about it now it's logical it would be at the bottom.
 
Gookha,
With the shelf out (m/switch off), the windows still worked, but the roof would not go down. However, the roof can still be closed with the shelf out.
 
Max said:
Gookha,
With the shelf out (m/switch off), the windows still worked, but the roof would not go down. However, the roof can still be closed with the shelf out.
Click to expand...

That makes sense as no damage can occur closing the roof.
 
srhutch said:
We are very limited by the number of good Indi here in Sussex, there is a BMW/Mercedes specialist in Ditchling, but I have never used them and have no idea what they are like.
Click to expand...

Im not far from there, what are they called, are they on the industrial estate at Ditchling Common as theres meant to be a couple of very good garages there
 
yep on the Ditchling Common Ind Est.

http://www.pbmtechnicalservices.com/

As I said before though no idea how good they are, they do have autologic and have sorted a colleagues ULF out but that's all I know.

Where abouts are you, I work in Burgess Hill and see 1 or 2 Z4's fairly often although at present i'm in my old banger. :oops:
 
Im in HH but I only got my Z4 friday so doubt you would have seen it.

I think thats the company that sorted the electrics out on my old Rover 220 Coupe years ago when Lavenders couldnt fix it, they recommended them. I havent used them directly but they did find the fault on the rover when no one else could! That was a bosch electrical system.

My next service needs to be done at a main dealer for the warranty but would consider an indy in the future after that.
 
Hi, I am in H.Heath. Now I know the electrics are OK, I need to concentrate on the leak, would prefer to find it myself, though it does looks lke a visit to the garage. I'll keep them in mind as Ditchling s close
 
richtea78 said:
My next service needs to be done at a main dealer for the warranty but would consider an indy in the future after that.
Click to expand...

I haven't checked this yet ... but I think there are some garages you can use aside from BMW dealers, they just have to use original parts to preserve warranty. You should check this out - or read one here, bound to be discussed. I've still get 13000 miles/8 months until i need to worry!
 
Max said:
Hi, I am in H.Heath. Now I know the electrics are OK, I need to concentrate on the leak, would prefer to find it myself, though it does looks lke a visit to the garage. I'll keep them in mind as Ditchling s close
Click to expand...

I can't see what a garage can do that you can't. I doubt it will be a problem they have come across before and they will only soak the car and trace the water. You have done the hard working removing the carpet etc. Persevere I'm sure you will find it. :wink:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom