Newbe

[Tom Asebrook]

Hello everyone..I just bought a 04 z4 2.5 convertible. 2 questions. The previous owner showed me the manual top procedure, but I have forgot it. Can you refresh me? Also , the car will be in the garage for 5 months this winter. I do not want to use a trickle charger with no one around. I've always disconnected the battery in this situation, but have read of problems with these cars having no power for extended periods. Any suggestions?

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum Tom.

If it's the same as UK cars, then there is a pull cord in the boot. Pull and twist to disengage the roof mechanism from the motor. On UK models it is only for emergency use, if the motor has failed ect. I only ever used it once when the battery failed and I needed to put the roof up.

You should use a trickle charger. Even after just a few days of no use your battery voltage can drop enough to start degrading the battery and shortening it's life. A lot of cars now don't like having the battery disconnected. The Z4 is one. If you have Nav, be sure to give it time to power up properly, if disconnecting and reconnecting. Not sure how long is recommended. I never had any issues. But for general winter quite time my Z4 and my current Mx5 were on a trickle charger if left more than a few days.

Hope that helps. Now for a picture of your car sir.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome aboard Tom.

buzyg seems to have answered your questions, but I'd agree you don't want the battery getting low on charge in BMWs of this era as they seem prone to throwing up random issues and warning lights.