Roof folding problem

[Aleks Mys]

Hello everyone!
Maybe someone faced such a problem that the roof does not fall to the lowest position in the lock? Photos are attached.

A photo of the position where the roof stops and the motor continues to buzz with effort:


Photo, from the side, of the position, where the roof stops and the motor continues to buzz with effort:


Photo of the middle of the folding process:


It opens and closes at normal speed, but when I try to open it completely, it stops in the position as in the photo and the motor slowly tries to pull it down.

I completely removed the back cover in the trunk to eliminate the possibility of microcontroller failure. I've also seen posts about the roof folding incorrectly, but mine seems to be doing everything right.

I plan to check the fluid level in the roof motor, could it be motor wear and poor performance?

The motor was moved to the trunk a few years ago.
BMW Z4 e85 2004

To all who responded, thank you very much!

 

[DashingDaryl]

I agree that it might be due to low hydraulic fluid. Maybe you have a very small leak in one of the lines or fittings. I would add some hydraulic fluid and see if it remedies the situation. If it does, you can then start searching for the leak

 

[bigwinn]

I know several have removed the offending clip (which isn’t fitted on the later models) it may be worth getting the downlow on that?

Combined with a little top up needed this should remedy it?

I think Martin Enuff-Zedd had this issue but I can’t remember how to tag people in…

 

[enuff_zed]

And as if by magic, here I am!
Cheers for the Whatsapp Stuart.
I did indeed have a similar problem.
In the pic showing the roof half folded, look into the seam in the edge of the roof. You'll see a plastic reinforcing strip. This breaks, which means when the roof folds the material folds inwards instead of outwards. This is enough to prevent it going fully down.
Try moving the roof halfway, then going to each side and pull that portion of the material that you can just see starting to dip in your photo, so that it sticks out, not in. Then continue the roof operation and hopefully it should fold flat.
It's a pain in the ass to have to do it every time, bit if you don't then the incessant rattling will drive you insane!

 

[ivanchen1211]

I have same problem, is there anyone can help point out where is the plastic reinforcing strip?

 

[chapeau]

I have same problem, is there anyone can help point out where is the plastic reinforcing strip?

if you look in the 3rd photo of the edge of the roof you can just about see the edge starting to dip/fold. As the roof continues down this folds inwards rather than flat. It's a simple case of as the roof goes down just to pop it back out so it folds flat

 

[Usel]

I have same problem, is there anyone can help point out where is the plastic reinforcing strip?

if you look in the 3rd photo of the edge of the roof you can just about see the edge starting to dip/fold. As the roof continues down this folds inwards rather than flat. It's a simple case of as the roof goes down just to pop it back out so it folds flat

Looks like the anti traps plates have snapped off. If you look to the left where the strap is bolted on you can just make out a small piece still hanging on for dear life.

 

[dkleit]

Hi All,

Thought i'd pick this thread up instead of starting a new one.

I think I have a similar issue but mine stops here (see photo). It seems to go down when I give the back window fold a push.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Middle panel has been removed to replace SRS console :-(

Thanks.
Dave

 

[chapeau]

Probably not the full cause as it seems to stop quite high but in your 3rd photo the fold in the roof is going inwards and should not be. If you pull this out the roof folds how it should. Check both sides for the same problem. See the photo with the green ring above for where i mean

 

[dkleit]

Thanks Chapeau. I don't believe its that fold which is causing the issue.
I manually moved it a few time and its still getting stuck.
Could it relate to the middle panel being removed?

 

[StudioWizard]

To Dave:
Is your tray in the up or down position? Normally, if the tray is in the up position, you can't operate the top, but some people permanently engage the switch if it's faulty. If that's the case with your car, just put the tray in the low position and that would fix it.

If your tray IS in the low position, then you could be low on hydraulic fluid. Something could also be catching, but I'd have to look it to know.

Also, as Martin said, the corners of the stop should NOT fold in. They fold outwards. There was a technical bulletin from BMW about this many years ago. The remedy is to partially open the top, pull the corners out, then finish opening the top and latch it. Leave it for 24-48 hours to "train it". I'm not sure how well this procedure works on an older top. It was suggested that this was a new car issue.