Yes, another cry for help with the dreaded roof motor !!! I have a 2004 (2.2) Z4 with a problem getting the roof up. The roof motor doesn't seem to have enough 'strength/ooomph' to get the roof up and located onto the windscreen but this wont get any better - it needs a push for the last couple of inches or so. Strangely getting the roof down is OK. On the Forum I have seen such a vast range of costs to look at and sort out these problems. I live in Orpington, Kent and was hoping that someone in 'Z4-Land' can advise me of some trustworthy garages that will have a look at my hood/roof motor, give an honest opinion of the problem and not charge me an arm and a leg for any work needed. Any assistance would be gratefully received - Thanks, Nigel
Roof Motor !!
- Thread starter nigelwood
- Start date
From working in both a main dealer and a specialist as a guideline the main dealer charges roughly £1000, specialists are £750 but prices vary depending if they replace the housing and wiring and how much diagnosis they do. Ive done a few of these in my own time for £200 labour and can get parts for the customer usually with 15% off so it can be done cost effectively.
bowser134, Thanks for yr message.....so how much are we talking total for you to do the job?.....and whereabouts are you and how long would you need the car for ?...It would be great to get soemone whos done one before to do it!! my number is 07730678530, I live in the Bromley Area but will happily travel to whereever you are
Thanks again
Thanks again
I can get some prices on Tuesday for the parts with my discount. Likely around the £500 mark but depends if you would like the housing and the section of wiring replaced. Usually the housings can be dried out but the wiring connectors can get very corroded so would recommend replacing this at least.
Based near Camberley in Surrey.. You would need to leave the car with me for a full day, its not the sort of job you would want to rush.
Based near Camberley in Surrey.. You would need to leave the car with me for a full day, its not the sort of job you would want to rush.
Hi Willie. I have the mobile number of a guy who operates out of Crystal Palace that I am advised has done a number of Z4 roof motor replacements. His name is Luis and he trades as T R Autos of Crystal Palace 07975 810157. 'Sharpster74' had his roof motor replaced some time back by him. I need to contact this guy but will also explore your contact - Bowser 134. Please let me know how you get on and I will do the same. Nigel
Hi Willie. Spoke to Luis today. He seems very knowledgable about Z4s and he is very busy. He would refurb the existing motor and put it back without the surrounding insulation that holds all the moisture. He is charging £350 inclusive of VAT. I need to sort out a date for him to look at the car. Will let you know how I get on. Best wishes, Nigel 
robsawyer73
New member
Hi All, I'm new to the forum and have some roof issues on a 2004 Z4 3.0i... motor has just given up the ghost, first it started slowing down, then whining with no movement and now nothing. Pain in the behind as the car has been garaged for 6 months and has only seen 'hose' water on the 2 occasions it has been cleaned. Long and short is from reading all the posts I think it is roof-out and new or refurbished motor. I have the instructions on how to do this but not the confidence to carry the job out (successfully)
I have seen some guys in the London area that can offer this service but I am based in Cheshire - does anyone know a Northern option as all my local BMW 'Specialists' refuse to get involved. Any input you have would be much appreciated.
On another subject I would like to get my wheels refurbished (18" Elipsoid) and wondered whether there were any recommendations for good companies.
I have seen some guys in the London area that can offer this service but I am based in Cheshire - does anyone know a Northern option as all my local BMW 'Specialists' refuse to get involved. Any input you have would be much appreciated.
On another subject I would like to get my wheels refurbished (18" Elipsoid) and wondered whether there were any recommendations for good companies.
To all you guys with failed roof motors - Its a reasonably big job but its not horribly complex to do it yourself. You don't need to take the whole roof off, you can open it on one side and the motor almost always runs again after a dry-out, clean and a little TLC.
Having said that, if youve got a guy who will really do it for 350 Quid thats a pretty good deal. Theres a guy from a German forum who has a semi-professional set-up where he pulls the motor out through the boot without opening the roof at all and then re-positions it in the boot with a new trim cover. He charges €335,- all in but hes halfway down Germany, so a bit of a trip.
Having said that, if youve got a guy who will really do it for 350 Quid thats a pretty good deal. Theres a guy from a German forum who has a semi-professional set-up where he pulls the motor out through the boot without opening the roof at all and then re-positions it in the boot with a new trim cover. He charges €335,- all in but hes halfway down Germany, so a bit of a trip.
robsawyer73
New member
Hi, thanks for the feedback... I may well try Ross in Camberley... liked the look of his work and he seems a really helpful guy.
Finally got the roof motor sorted out last Friday.
Luis works out of small premises right by East Dulwich station.
He is very passionate about all things related to motor cars.
When I told him of the problem he spent a long time telling me about the design faults of this and what he proposed to do.
He gets the motor our, refurbishes it replacing any worn bushes and suchlike, modifies the drainage system and does away with the motor insulation which acts as sponge! He then reassembles it all
Anyhow, I collected the car and he showed me photos of the car before and all the subsequent work he had done.
Roof motor now working fine and everything doing what it should do. We shall see how it goes over time....
I would suggest you give Luis a call (07975 810 157) and have a chat with him about the particular problem. He is very patient and will explain everything to you.
If I have no more trouble with this then it is good value at the £350 he charged me.
Let me know how you get on.
Best wishes,
Nigel
Luis works out of small premises right by East Dulwich station.
He is very passionate about all things related to motor cars.
When I told him of the problem he spent a long time telling me about the design faults of this and what he proposed to do.
He gets the motor our, refurbishes it replacing any worn bushes and suchlike, modifies the drainage system and does away with the motor insulation which acts as sponge! He then reassembles it all
Anyhow, I collected the car and he showed me photos of the car before and all the subsequent work he had done.
Roof motor now working fine and everything doing what it should do. We shall see how it goes over time....
I would suggest you give Luis a call (07975 810 157) and have a chat with him about the particular problem. He is very patient and will explain everything to you.
If I have no more trouble with this then it is good value at the £350 he charged me.
Let me know how you get on.
Best wishes,
Nigel