roof motor help

S

SlammedZ4

Member
my roof motor has decided to stop working it worked fine then i closed it and it wont open since, it releases from the windscreen frame, but thats a different motor, i have checked the fuses and all the fuses are fine, im getting it plugged into a diagnostics machine 2moro will it show up a fault on there? how can i check if the motor is shot, where is it located and pics of where it is, could it just be a bad connection? roof module or something, i have released the mechanism via the red pull in the trunk and it moves freely etc, is there any other tests i can do? any help would be great, ive searched around but theres no locations of where things are etc

many thanks Sam
 
Likely the motor has seized due to water ingress, there is no way to diagnose it properly without removing the roof unfortunately.The motor is located near the passenger side drain hole attached to the roof. Some have managed a DIY recondition, I bought a new motor and housing. The motor is located near the passenger side drain hole attached to the roof.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k29tDdW4Xt4
 
Check to see if the micro switch on the back bulkhead that detects if the roof is up or down (shelf has a nub that runs in the track).. if the silver arm has broken off, it will need to be replaced. It also can be jumpered to see if the switch is bad. Two screws to remove the housing to get to the microswitch on the back...... If the switch is bad, the roof motor isn't going to work.
 
If it unlatches as normal it shouldn't be the microswitch, there would also be the amber warning light. New motor is £300+. Sopers in Lincoln do free delivery and a discount if you mention the forum. There's a good DIY guide around if you search the forum and fancy taking the roof off yourself. Beyond my skill set and I don't have garage facilities! Typical labour for fitting is 4 - 5 hours if getting it done professionally.
 
If it unlatches as normal it shouldn't be the microswitch, there would also be the amber warning light. New motor is £300+. Sopers in Lincoln do free delivery and a discount if you mention the forum. There's a good DIY guide around if you search the forum and fancy taking the roof off yourself. Beyond my skill set and I don't have garage facilities! Typical labour for fitting is 4 - 5 hours if getting it done professionally.
 
i removed the micro switch and have tested it with a meter and the readings are all over the place seems to stutter when opening and closing its not a constant flow, but when the switch is plugged in the car still recognises the switch and alows the roof to release. how else can i test the switch also where are the drain holes underneath for the roof. If it is the motor i will be attempting it myself with a help from a porsche mechanic at porsche garage hopefully. just need to make sure it is actually the roof motor and not an intermittent switch.
 
can i not get to the plastic bucket where the motor sits from behind the seats my drain hole is blocked solid i have pushed lockwire into it and it wont go any further, what other ways can i clear it as its obviously submerged in water as i jacked the rear of the car up last week all day while the wheels were off and the motor worked lol, so im hoping the drains just need cleaning but its not a very easy place to get to to clear it properly any ideas
 
SlammedZ4 said:
can i not get to the plastic bucket where the motor sits from behind the seats my drain hole is blocked solid i have pushed lockwire into it and it wont go any further, what other ways can i clear it as its obviously submerged in water as i jacked the rear of the car up last week all day while the wheels were off and the motor worked lol, so im hoping the drains just need cleaning but its not a very easy place to get to to clear it properly any ideas
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When you get the roof off , it will be easy to clear the drains, clearing them will not fix your motor, the micro switch is not the fault ..as said above if it's the micro switch nothing happens and you get an amber light !

There is access to the motor wires on the left side behind some trim just aft of the door, it's bit tricky , but you can check for
voltage going to the motor there !
 
Do you get a red light or amber warning light by the switch?
If red it is almost certainly the roof motor if the latches are releasing; if the lights amber it's the micro switch under the parcel shelf.
Happened to me about 3 months ago - I ended going to Grosvenor Motor Company in Reading (BMW independent specialists) they replaced the motor - and even kept the old one to show me the corrosion - in about 4 hours for £650.
I would really recommend them if they are anywhere near you - see the roof motor dedicated page on their website at http://bmwspecialistreading.co.uk/z4-roof-motor-failure/
 
That's the thing it was working when I jacked the rear of the car up so it still works but I think it is submerged In water therefore not working. Going to try and clear the drains out and see if it dries out if not ill get a new motor and fit it with help from a friend of mine
 
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