Pump Motor suggestions for soft top

[Ten8-Z4]

Hello,
Sorry if this topic has been covered. I searched and didn't find the answer I was looking for.

I was able to get the motor out and test it...kaputt!

Two questions:

1. Is it possible to get the BMW/Hoerbiger factory motor (just the motor) for the soft top pump? If so where? Can't seem to find it online.

2. If not, has anyone found a really good eBay or Amazon (or other retailer) motor that is a good factory sized, bolt in option? I've heard some of these eBay and Amazon units are less than a bolt on part. Some needing pretty complicated modifications to get working.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SonnyA85]

Google will help you out loads of people are using pumps/motors from ford Mustangs and minis, etc.

They do have to swap parts from the old pump sometimes so worth reading the threads made by those that have replaced with other pumps.

I posted about the ford Mustang Motor on here recently. It's more powerful than the Z4 pump so the roof goes up and down very fast. Would be a decent upgrade and cheaper than official z4 pump

 

[Jas- USA]

I've never done this but, here is a youtube on the mustang pump https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7lfvKerfhg&t=9s

 

[Johnbmwz4]

Hello,
Sorry if this topic has been covered. I searched and didn't find the answer I was looking for.

I was able to get the motor out and test it...kaputt!

Two questions:

1. Is it possible to get the BMW/Hoerbiger factory motor (just the motor) for the soft top pump? If so where? Can't seem to find it online.

2. If not, has anyone found a really good eBay or Amazon (or other retailer) motor that is a good factory sized, bolt in option? I've heard some of these eBay and Amazon units are less than a bolt on part. Some needing pretty complicated modifications to get working.

Thanks in advance!

These pumps can usually be brought back to life just by leaving them soaked in diesel all night apparently. There are plenty of posts on here about fixing ones that you would normally think would be scrap. I’d go down this route 1st then whatever you do get it relocated to the boot/trunk

 

[Johnbmwz4]

Search ‘roof motor diesel’ in the search box in E85/E86 problems on the forum section and you will find loads of posts about bringing them back to life

 

[jgerrard2003]

I replaced my electric motor with the 2004 era mini convertible motor. The hydraulic pump isn't the same, but the motor fits and will work fine. Just remember to make sure there's a rubber o-ring between the motor and the pump otherwise it'll leak hydraulic fluid. The motor in the mini is in a dry part of the vehicle and so it didn't rust like the Z4. You can get them from ebay for around £30-40.

 

[colb]

Loads of motors on ebay and Amazon at various prices
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=BMW+Z4+Roof+Motor&_sacat=0
or
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=bmw+z4+roof+motor&i=automotive&crid=R778IPRT4S97&sprefix=BMW+Z4+Roof+motor%2Cautomotive%2C142&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_17
They shouldn't require any modification, just a straight replacement.