Roof and Boot Not Opening

[Nicdez]

I have recently purchased a 2011 Z4 which has an issue with the boot not opening, roof not working and constant pinging and red light on the open roof button.

I’ve managed to open the boot via the trip method on the wiring loom, but am still at a loss on how to open the boot and the roof. I’ve looked at the roof motor in the boot that had about 1cm of water in it which I have drained out, but it looked ok to my eye. I had the codes read and that stated one of the micro switches was faulty.

Does anyone know a quick solution to stopping the pinging and being able to open boot while I work out the next step?

Cheers
Nic

 

[javis20]

Can you specifically tell us the codes?

 

[matsmith749]

Repair the identified micro switch?

 

[Ole gits rule]

Micro switches are about £20 from BMW and there are online guides on here on how to replace them - do a search and read up and be careful should be an easy job although will cost around £300 at a specialist who knows what they are doing.

Do not take it to a back street garage as they will tell you you need to replace the whole roof your unlucky.

 

[Stash36]

Whereabouts are you? Someone nearby on here may be able to help.
Is the roof locked in place, or loose where the roof is "closed" but the rear window panel can be lifted?
If latter, use two people to lift the roof up a couple of inches and if you press in the micro switch at both sides, you can open the boot.

 

[Nicdez]

Hi Stash 36, all

Thanks for your replies. I seem to remember rear module closed left yes, right no.

The roof is locked in place where it meets the windscreen.

What would be the best way to raise the roof so I can get to the microswitces?

I'm based in petts wood, Bromley se London.

I can check for answers and reply later tomorrow as unfortunately I am on a work course. But I'd rather be working on the car, it's more fun.

9nv3 again many thanks everyone for your assistance

Nic

 

[Stash36]

It sounds like you have never had the roof work from purchase? I don't mean the front I mean does the rear window lift up at all? If so you can get at micro switches under each side.
I'm no expert but obv have a current problem with my own thread so learned a bit. Yours feels similar in that the motor does not seem to even try. In my case the motor has also been wet many times and is showing lots of rust. My auto electrician gave the motor a good tap with a screwdriver and the motor worked next time around. It's like the starter motor trick where a hammer tap can move the teeth a bit and get the car to start.
If no joy suggest post a video or describe in more detail exactly what is happening and someone will come along.
I think you also have the option of dropping the hydraulic pressure to open manually but listen to people like RobbiZ4 not me, it is possible to go from a minor issue to f'ing things right up!
Persevere and we'll get there.

 

[Stevo1987]

My advice, and I have a similar problem. I’d take it to an independent who are confident of fixing it or BMW. Pay the money and get it fixed. I wish I had but I have boogered about with it listening to the genuine and well intentioned posters on here and I still have the issue.

 

[Stash36]

Sorry you're still not fixed Steve. Just reread your thread, are you in the same position I was, with roof up but not latched at the back, red light flashing, buttons do nothing but turn green for a but, windows are open, cant open boot?

 

[Stevo1987]

Sorry you're still not fixed Steve. Just reread your thread, are you in the same position I was, with roof up but not latched at the back, red light flashing, buttons do nothing but turn green for a but, windows are open, cant open boot?

Yep, pretty much though I did get the windows to come up at one stage though I don't know why. A Foxwell NT 510 elite can unlock the boot. Weil, it did for me.

 

[Stash36]

If you can get in the boot then try giving the motor a good tap, it got mine moving and was enough the lock the roof in place. Auto engineer coming today to fit my replacement motor.

 

[Nicdez]

Hi Stash

Many thanks for your replies. I'll give the roof motor a tap with a hammer tomorrow morning.

I still don't understand the process of opening the roof when it is working fine versus when it faulty. I don't have any movement or sound when I push the open button. It flashes red all the time and sounds a chime too.

Also do you know how to manually open the roof?

cheers
Niic

 

[Stash36]

Yes thats what mine was like, no sound from the motor, which is why we started to suspect the motor at fault. I think to open it up you would need to release the hydraulic pressure but I cant comment on the right way to do that, try sending a PM to RobbiZ4 on here, he is the expert.

 

[Fullspeedahead]

Mine has just done exactly the same thing today after months of pain-free operation. Went to close it, it shut and latched on the windscreen but the rear screen froze half-way down. Alarm bong and message “Roof Movement Impaired”. Windows open, can’t open the boot. When I bought the car last September I checked the roof motor (thanks to comments on here) and it was fine and dry with no signs of rust. Stumped as to
what to do next. Anyone recommend an indy in Suffolk/Norfolk/Essex please?

 

[Stash36]

Wow they're all going now!
See my thread how to open the boot, you need to hold the two micro switches under the rear window closed. Can then open boot and close windows if you have enough arms available. Do not try and close roof from that position, if the motor triggers the window will close on your fingers

 

[Fullspeedahead]

Thanks Stash,
I’ve tried holding both switches (I can hear them clicking) but the boot still won’t open. I’ve done it with ignition on and off, me holding the boot switch and also using the key fob but nothing is working.

 

[Stash36]

You have someone at each corner yes? two man job. When I did this the red error light would go out and the boot could be opened. Ok sorry that's not working for you. I'm no expert just sharing what I've learned. PM RobbieZ4 next!

 

[Nicdez]

I’ve spent a bit more time on this as my brother came and read the code via Ista. See attached photo.

We are getting inconsistent codes on the Rear End Modules from Ista. We traced back to the micro switches and got inconsistent readings of circuit closed from those and looked via the CTM.

However, the CTM seems to be giving the inconsistent codes. We received continuity from the CTM connector to the micro switches. However, when opening the CTM there was a small scorch mark and a little water ingress, which leads me to think the CTM is faulty.

I am wonder if the forum members have any experience of this or can state if it is the CTM that’s faulty.

I do also believe there is an issue with the hydraulic pump motor as that got water in it too.

Many thanks everyone, I feel I am making progress with your help.

Nic

 

[warmasice]

Similar issues to you. Had the CTM replaced and coded. Been working great ever since. They did change a micro switch too.

 

[Fullspeedahead]

Update on my issue - all resolved and roof working. Local garage (MUTIMER, Hacheston IP13) found a broken wire on a previously-bodged repair. All tickety-boo now. Thanks to all for your help and support (esp Robbi)