Roof down - Light wont stop flashing red.

[Tommo]

Hi guys. My roof doesn't seem to be sitting correctly when I drop it down, the motor is still trying to work and the light flashes red when I let go.

The luggage switch is working fine, its as if the roof wont go down the last few mm's, Ive tried pushing and that hasn't helped.

I also had a look at the fabric folding and there doesn't seem to be a problem there.

I can easily get my fingers under the roof and lift it up.

Confused

 

[Wondermike]

I think the catch was deleted on the facelift cars, so it will be different to your old one. Can't be of any more use :idunno:

 

[srhutch]

There was the issue of the way the canvas folding at the edges so getting in the way. It was posted on here a while ago.

 

[Tommo]

I have seen that thread with the photos on how the edges stick out. Pretty sure mine is correct both side, will double double check though.

 

[srhutch]

Does the roof seem to be moving quickly and without to much noise/effort?

 

[Tommo]

It certainly moves quickly, I wouldn't say there are any signs of
it being a weak motor to be honest. It's not exactly quiet but I can't remember how noisy my last one was. Just don't want to take it to BMW for them to just say it's the motor gone when IMO it isn't.

 

[Psy]

Hi Tommo - did you end up finding a solution to this?
Think I have the same issue...

Ta,
Si

 

[inkey$]

Mine does this (check my recent threads for video). If the fabric is folding fine, try giving it a harsher push down until you hear the click. It's probably down to lack of winter use/cold air so should sort itself. Other option is that it may need folding mech oiling or some motor adjustment (although I've not yet looked into this). Try the firmer push first though.

 

[Psy]

Inkey - followed your links, many thanks!

Will try this tonight.
Si

 

[Psy]

Hmmm...

Tried giving it a firmer push, nothing.
Tried oiling up the mech, nothing.

Mine's a facelift so doesn't have the catch in the centre.
Perhaps if I manually closed the roof completely that might help it on its way?

My situation is exactly the same as Tommo's...

 

[inkey$]

Very perplexing. Def nothing in the boot stopping it from folding completely? Both 'extra boot space' dials in normal position? Nothing trapped under the fabric? Not sure what else it could be other than dodgy motor.

 

[Psy]

Thanks Inkey$.

No, nothing in the way, store-box fully down, have check all the fabric.
The roof goes all the way down (roof front sits flush to the rear shelf) but just isn't 'locking in'.
Whole thing works fine on way up and way down, only part of the cycle with fault is the roof 'finishing' and allowing the windows to come back up.

Is there a way to reset the roof system - what about if I disconnect the battery perhaps??

I'll try resetting the windows too...

Si

 

[inkey$]

Worth a try. MIght be a solenoid switch problem too.

 

[Psy]

OK, although I bought a warranrty from the garage when I bought the car, they still had a warranty/sale of goods act right from the BMW dealer they bought it from, so they took the car off to BMW for a look...

I've had a Yaris in the meantime.

Joy, it is not.


Anyway - turns out the problem was a solenoid, but not the 'obvious' one, apparently it was one right under the guts of the roof and it took 4.5 hours to take apart and replace. A £15 part for some serious labour time...

I'll find out more when I get the car back, but they are fronting the costs under warranty so I'm not worried about the £££.

Can't wait for Sunday to see her again...!

Si

 

[Number48]

Hi Si,

Have you any more info on the solenoid part problem and fitting. I have exactly the same problem as described but my dealer is insisting it will take 2 hours to run diagnostics, investigate and identify the fault at £100/hour. I have found a BMW specialist mechanic that has suggested I gather as much info as possible and he will tackle it for a fraction of the price....

Here's hoping.. Any further info, short cuts and solutions would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Andrew