Roof failure

[RickZ4]

Greetings all!

I hope you are all faring well in the current situation. Since the lockdown, I have not been using the car much and the hardtop has remained in place since winter. But, today, enough was enough, that hardtop was coming off. That was very easy but you know what’s coming next...

When I tried to close the soft top, it rose about 12 inches and then gave up. Pressing the roof open button resulted in the roof returning to the fully open position but now nothing. I did try a little manual assistance and discovered that I can now lift the roof 12 inches and no further and if I let go it flops back.

I’ve just had another go at raising the roof and the windows drop as normal, the red light flashes on the button as normal and the motor makes what I think is the is the usual sound for a couple of seconds, then stops abruptly.

Hydraulics? Motor? Are these classic symptoms of anything?

I’m not sure this fantastic weather or the lockdown is going to last another 6 months so I can’t just leave it with the top down... Any expert opinions would be most welcome.

 

[sw4nny]

Yet again another roof motor failure,
From what i gather the motor your hearing is the one that unlatches the roof,the one in the swimming pool as failed.
Someone will be along shortly to explain in more detail and with vastly more technical ability than i have ,it probably can be revived and then relocated to the boot.
Many will be able to offer advice or even sort your issue depending on your location

 

[colb]

Have a look at the current threads running on here regarding similar problems that you have. Links in some to a guide on how to relocate the motor and pump to the boot. Sounds like yours has got waterlogged and failed. Need to pull it out and get it in the boot to investigate and fix.

 

[Mr Tidy]

OP, if you fancy having a go yourself you might find this thread useful:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=85266&hilit=roof+motor

But if you want to have it done by one of the forum regulars the 2 nearest to you would be either "Number5" near Bristol or "Bowser134" in Hook, Hampshire.

 

[RickZ4]

Thanks for all the valuable replies. I have perused the other threads but not managed correlate my precise symptoms.

It does sound like the motor to me. However, I believe I have kept the drains unblocked over the past 5 years while the car also spends winter with hardtop protection. I would like to think that the swimming pool has been kept empty. I also read that the waterlogged motor issue had been addressed by the facelift. Is this not so?

I will definitely be seeking assistance. Thanks for pointers.

 

[Number5]

But if you want to have it done by one of the forum regulars the 2 nearest to you would be either "Number5" near Bristol or "Bowser134" in Hook, Hampshire.

Thanks for the recommendation Mr Tidy.

Yes Either myself or Ross (Bowser) should be able to sort this and relocate it to the boot at the same time if you wish.

 

[RickZ4]

But if you want to have it done by one of the forum regulars the 2 nearest to you would be either "Number5" near Bristol or "Bowser134" in Hook, Hampshire.

Thanks for the recommendation Mr Tidy.

Yes Either myself or Ross (Bowser) should be able to sort this and relocate it to the boot at the same time if you wish.

Well, I trekked up to see Number5 and he did a fantastic job. While I maintained social distance and admired the latest addition to Alan’s stable, he got straight to work. Turns out it was nothing worse than the usual water-logged pump. 2 hours later, with the pump cleaned and discretely relocated to the boot, everything is working normally again (which probably explains the change in the weather).

Alan was the perfect host and even had a supply of antiseptic wipes ready when he had finished. This saved me a small fortune and I cannot recommend him highly enough if you run into this problem.