Power roof problem

parndr

New member
The power up on my 03 is going bad. It starts up but stalls behind my head and won't close unless I grab it and give it some help. Closing it is no problem. No strange noises and had the battery tested, its good. Of course the warranty is gone, anyone else have this happen?
 
Must be the day for power roof problems. Mine is stuck in the up position and won't go down. Cycled the windows and cycled the storage thingey in the trunk, still no luck. The yellow light comes on when I press the open button. I know this was talked about on the old Z4UM, but forget what else could cause this. Anyone?
 
My closing problem has been gradual. From working normal to slower and slower and now needs help. I assume there is only one motor so wonder if there is just a drive retainer thats loose.
 
parndr said:
My closing problem has been gradual. From working normal to slower and slower and now needs help. I assume there is only one motor so wonder if there is just a drive retainer thats loose.

Sounds like the hydraulic pump is not pumping as well as it should. The drains for the top get plugged and then the pump sits in water and gradually dies (if I remember right from GVfB's write up).
 
Yal said:
parndr said:
My closing problem has been gradual. From working normal to slower and slower and now needs help. I assume there is only one motor so wonder if there is just a drive retainer thats loose.

Sounds like the hydraulic pump is not pumping as well as it should. The drains for the top get plugged and then the pump sits in water and gradually dies (if I remember right from GVfB's write up).

Sure wish we'd saved all that stuff. :cry:
 
The How-to to unblock the drains is still kicking about somewhere, just can't remember where.

Anyone know ???
 
Wow, I'm sorry to hear that your top isn't working....
Sounds like the Hyd. motor..
Take it to the dealer and have it tested (mine was going to charge me $100.00 to test it) and if it is the motor the complete top needs to be removed to replace it.
Mine died earlier this year and was covered under a CPO warrenty so I do not know how much it cost to replace it.
Don't waste your money on a Chilton or Haynes repair manual they do not show anything (I bought both).
If you want to tackle it yourself you can go to the BMWTIS web site and for a charge (I think it's $30.00 for 24 hours) you can have access to BMW service manuals and they show how to replace the pump.

There is also a Service bull. out there stating the factory was going to change the way they sealed the units as this was a factory defect, maybe if enough people fight it BMW will cover it?
They also said they opened up the drain vents on mine, but I do not know how much....

I'll try and attach the service bull. in a seperate post and good luck with your top....
 
parndr said:
The power up on my 03 is going bad. It starts up but stalls behind my head and won't close unless I grab it and give it some help. Closing it is no problem. No strange noises and had the battery tested, its good. Of course the warranty is gone, anyone else have this happen?

I had a similar problem after the liner was replaced, It took a visit to a different dealer to finally get it fix. They cleaned, lube and adjusted the top mechanism, and now is working just fine, very smooth. Hope this help
 
O.K. everyone, how do I attach a file I have stored on my computer? It is in PDF format??
Thanks for your help!!! :cry: [/img]
 
My car is at the dealer right now and they're replacing the motor (under warranty). Do I need to check the drain right away, or is this something I shoudl just check once a year?

thx
 
I've just (finally) done the checking of my drains, and rather surprising - completely clear :o

still good to know :D
 
Going to do mine next weekend; putting new discs, pads and sensors on, and I believe you can get access to the bottom of the drain when you take the cover for the brake wear sensor off, put a hoover to it and suck out the crap that way?

For the OP, I think the first thing I would do is lubricate the mechanism. There's a post about it somewhere around here, I believe it was said that bike-chain oil was the thing to use, while the hood is half up to give good access.

wasupdu: if the dealer's replacing your motor, they should replace it with the newer version, which is a sealed unit and doesn't have the same problem of getting water-logged. Probably still a good idea to clean your drains though (or make the dealer do it when they have the hood off ;))
 
Sounds like your motor might be on it's way out, mine failed over the winter and had it replaced by BMW in Chigwell cost £700.
Shipkiller has DIY instructions on replacing the motor and clearing the drians that cause the issue.
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333198
 
good day

i just this morning got the same problem, it was slow to retract and open
and just stop after, no more movements. i washed my car the evening before, it' a 2006 3.0 ie. is these year came with the upgrated motor? before i' m looking to replaced it,what should be done before ,to be sure it's the problem, i clear the drain hole it seems o.k.
thank you :?
 
People delete the rubber thingy??! I put mine back in :headbang:

Well, my contribution to this thread - if you happen have your side skirts off for whatever reason, another way to clear the holes!

When I had my side skirts off for my wrap, I accidentally found it (it fell out) and I was like "what's this??!".

Wasn't even thinking about the drains at the time but checked they were all clear and popped the rubber back in.

I am in Australia though so maybe for the best as I did find black widows in my side skirts haha.
 
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