Roof motor relocation

[Robster68]

My roof works but its always been a bit slow in operation,so always on the to do list,drains below car always bone dry.
Looking at the cars history new motor was fitted in 2011,took the plunge today,getting it out was a bit of a pain but I’m so glad I did.What should I be looking for to solve this slow running issue?

 

[enuff_zed]

Is the motor running slow. If so it’s an obvious issue. If it’s running full speed then it is possibly the hydraulic pump starting to struggle.
However, the hydraulic pipe nearest the camera looks a little kinked to me so check they are all straight and not restricting the flow.
Is the reservoir full? No evidence of oil leaks?

 

[enuff_zed]

You can unbolt the motor from the pump to clean it but take very careful note of where all the locating pins go!

 

[Robster68]

Is the motor running slow. If so it’s an obvious issue. If it’s running full speed then it is possibly the hydraulic pump starting to struggle.
However, the hydraulic pipe nearest the camera looks a little kinked to me so check they are all straight and not restricting the flow.
Is the reservoir full? No evidence of oil leaks?

Will investigate further tomorrow,what’s the best fluid to use and how full should it be?

 

[enuff_zed]

Use hydraulic jack oil. There is a + about half way up the reservoir. When the motor is in the original position it is almost upright. However when you put it in the boot it usually sits at more of an angle. This can mean the ports aren’t fully covered and air can be drawn in. I always stand it upright and fill with a syringe until it runs out the top. This means it’ll be full enough to work at an angle.

 

[Robster68]

Use hydraulic jack oil. There is a + about half way up the reservoir. When the motor is in the original position it is almost upright. However when you put it in the boot it usually sits at more of an angle. This can mean the ports aren’t fully covered and air can be drawn in. I always stand it upright and fill with a syringe until it runs out the top. This means it’ll be full enough to work at an angle.

Great advice,thank you

 

[Robster68]

Bmw sell hydraulic oil for this 54 34 7 193 448,several good brands sell it cheaper on Autodoc,just seen price of a new pump €625 .

 

[enuff_zed]

One other thought occurs to me.
Have you unscrewed the plastic casing that holds the bowden cable on the pump?
Take this off and you'll find the brass bypass plunger underneath it. Make sure this is free to move. It should push in until nearly flush, then pop back out a few mm. It is possible this is stuck partially in, allowing some hydraulic pressure to bleed past it. Tbh, with the motor in the boot you don't need the cable fitted as you can access the pump if needed.
The last one I did, the plunger was free to move, but the lever in the plastic casing had seized, holding it in the bypass position.

 

[Robster68]

One other thought occurs to me.
Have you unscrewed the plastic casing that holds the bowden cable on the pump?
Take this off and you'll find the brass bypass plunger underneath it. Make sure this is free to move. It should push in until nearly flush, then pop back out a few mm. It is possible this is stuck partially in, allowing some hydraulic pressure to bleed past it. Tbh, with the motor in the boot you don't need the cable fitted as you can access the pump if needed.
The last one I did, the plunger was free to move, but the lever in the plastic casing had seized, holding it in the bypass position.

Will do

 

[Robster68]

I got stuck to it again this evening pump was low on oil and it looked dirty,emptied what I could out and am waiting for new fluid,routed all the cables and I’m happy with the positioning.one thing I did notice in operation the roof fabric seems to bunch up behind roof hoops hindering progress.

 

[enuff_zed]

Very neat install! Never seen anyone retain the casing before but why not I guess.
Just another check. Was it only dirty water in the casing in your first photo? No evidence of a fluid leak?

 

[enuff_zed]

Oh and one other thing.............. you will need to cut away a section of the parcel shelf support as well to avoid pinching any pipes or wires.

 

[Robster68]

Oh and one other thing.............. you will need to cut away a section of the parcel shelf support as well to avoid pinching any pipes or wires.

No evidence of a oil leak as far as I can tell,retaining the casing for me serves two purposes,protecting the motor and gives me somewhere to fix zip tie to parcel shelf support,looking at things now I will be able to get away without cutting the parcel shelf but will know more when it all goes back together.Trouble is I’ve just ordered new rear shocks so don’t want to a job twice.

 

[Robster68]

Big Autodoc delivery today febi hydraulic oil refill,roof is so fast now,job well done,thanks enuff_zed

 

[enuff_zed]

Big Autodoc delivery today febi hydraulic oil refill,roof is so fast now,job well done,thanks enuff_zed

Glad it was an easy one