New owner with roof problems, help please.

[Speedracer]

Hi all, I recently purchased my first Z4, a 3.0SI from a member on here & really like it, looks to be a well kept example that didn't exhibit any problems on the viewing & I had a almost 200 mile journey home to acquaint myself with any foibles, although nothing bad happened at all.
However, collected the car yesterday from having it MOT'ed, which it passed with no advisories, & the roof wouldn't open or close. Previously it had worked perfectly both ways. So I have been scouring the internet trying to find the same symptoms as I have & I can't find the exact issue, so here I am asking you good folks.

The symptoms, on pressing the button the front latches open, the windows go down & I can hear the motor for a few seconds & then nothing, & the button flashes red. I have pulled the boot bowden cable & I can manually push the roof all the way down, & then pressing the button it locks into place & stops flashing. Reversing the process I can lift the roof manually until it is a few inches away from the windscreen & pressing the button the motor kicks in, the latches open & it locks in place as it should & the button stops flashing. So the start & the end of the cycle is fine, but nothing happens the rest of the travel either way, & their is no resistance either, does this point to hydraulics? I also disconnected the battery in the hope of a re-set but no joy there either.

I have checked the drain holes & both are bone dry & free of any detritus; I have checked the fuses & all are good so I am at the end of my level of expertise, any advice guys & gals?

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, the roof offers no resistance as you've pulled the Bowden cable which disconnects the hydraulic system from interacting with the roof.
As for the drains, it's good to check them but the motor could have previously been water damaged
Where are you? There's a few members on here that can resuscitate poorly motors & relocate them to the boot in a safe, dry place
Rob

 

[Speedracer]

Hi Rob, thanks for replying so quickly. So once you pull the cable how do you get back to having resistance, is there a way to do that?
I am in the Poole/Bournemouth area by the way. We had a very hot dry spell followed by non stop rain for three days & it worked perfectly & repeatedly both before & after so I am not convinced it is water damaged, I couldn't find a speck of moisture in the drain wells & the previous owner garaged his car so I don't think it is wet down there at all, but what do I know!

Cheers,
Brook.

 

[Number5]

Try what Smartbear says and then if that doesnt work, post your location and one of us should be able to help you.

 

[Number5]

Try what Smartbear says and then if that doesnt work, post your location and one of us should be able to help you.

 

[Smartbear]

The Bowden cable locks out by twisting once pulled, to reinstate hydraulic operation it should be the reverse-i.e. Twist & push back.
Because the cables not used much, if at all they have a tendency to seize
Use the search function to see about roof motor relocation, I think bowser is around your way and possibly one or two more?
Ps, you do know that you're supposed to keep your finger on the roof button for the duration of the operation don't you :?
Rob

 

[Speedracer]

I do know I have to keep my finger on the button yes mate. I will try & put the cable as it was, if it will, & I have updated my profile with my location, thanks so far guys.

 

[firebobby]

Between Bowser and Number5 if your motor is goosed

 

[Speedracer]

Sorry firebobby I don't get what you mean by that?

 

[Ducklakeview]

Sorry firebobby I don't get what you mean by that?

The motor will be sitting inside a soaked sponge, all wrapped up in it's casing. Not a problem as I and others can easily fix for you, in less than an hour - Whereabouts are you located?

Mike

 

[Ducklakeview]

Sorry firebobby I don't get what you mean by that?

The motor will be sitting inside a soaked sponge, all wrapped up in it's casing. Not a problem as I and others can easily fix for you, in less than an hour - Whereabouts are you located?

Mike

EDIT - Just noticed location update. I'm possibly a little bit too far from you? But I CAN fix it without needing any parts.

 

[Darren Slone]

Sorry firebobby I don't get what you mean by that?

They're the 2 members who would be able to help you out

 

[firebobby]

Sorry firebobby I don't get what you mean by that?

Hi, the members I mention can move your motor to the boot (a much better location) and sort out your roof problem, these are the closest to you. As above, the motor sits in a well (stupid idea) which fills with water, this is what stops the motor in the end.

 

[Speedracer]

Mike
[/quote]

EDIT - Just noticed location update. I'm possibly a little bit too far from you? But I CAN fix it without needing any parts.
[/quote]


Hi Mike, thanks for the offer but just the small matter of a round trip of almost 9 hours assuming no traffic & £100 in fuel so I think I will have to look closer to home on this one.

 

[giz]

Hi Speedracer
I can highly recommend No.5 he's in Bristol and he fixed mine and relocated the motor to the boot
and Bowser has recommends on this forum and he is in the Camberley area I believe.