Roof motor

T

Tysonwills

Member
Hi
I haven't bought my z4 yet but I am currently looking at 2 in my area.
I have read that the roof motors fail quite a lot is they anyway I can check this on the vehicles before I purchase
What do I need to look out for
 
I think the only check is to try it and see if the operation is smooth and reasonably quick - it should be in the 8-10 second bracket.
You maybe be lucky and find it's already relocated to the boot by a previous owner
With the experts on here its' not the major expense it used to be as people have found ways to replace without removing the roof

Good luck with your search
 
Stop it mid cycle and then start it again in either direction. That's a good test to indicate the strength of the motor.
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open.

Ask the owner when heblast cleared the drains and ask him how he did it and to point to where they exit. (About 3-4 inches in front of the rear wheels)

If he starts waffling you'll smell a rat.
 
Stop hood half way and pour water round edge
If none comes out in front of rear wheels
You have an issue
 
Number5 said:
Stop it mid cycle and then start it again in either direction. That's a good test to indicate the strength of the motor.
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open.

Ask the owner when heblast cleared the drains and ask him how he did it and to point to where they exit. (About 3-4 inches in front of the rear wheels)

If he starts waffling you'll smell a rat.
Click to expand...

Not all Zeds have the latch. It was removed around facelift time, but some pre facelift owners have removed to stop it rubbing on the roof lining, which is what I have also done on my ///M.
 
Number5 said:
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open

Do they all 'latch down'? When I saw d4dawg his felt like it mechanically fixed down but mine and Dietcokemans doesn't?
Click to expand...
 
srhutch said:
Number5 said:
Stop it mid cycle and then start it again in either direction. That's a good test to indicate the strength of the motor.
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open.

Ask the owner when heblast cleared the drains and ask him how he did it and to point to where they exit. (About 3-4 inches in front of the rear wheels)

If he starts waffling you'll smell a rat.
Click to expand...

Not all Zeds have the latch. It was removed around facelift time, but some pre facelift owners have removed to stop it rubbing on the roof lining, which is what I have also done on my ///M.
Click to expand...

Scrap my last question Number5 :D
 
D4dawg said:
But motors been sat in that
Click to expand...

Not if it's moved to the boot, it's a good bargaining tool if the roof isn't working though as there are plenty on here that can revive them :)
 
Tbh, I wouldn't worry about the roof operation if it is working. Relocating it however, is a wise move once you have bought one. As said, it's not a big job, takes me about 30 mins. Even if they fail, they CAN be brought back to life in about 15 mins and then go on to perform perfectly.

Mike
 
Thanks for all the advice guys.
The only problem if it needs sorted is I am in Northern Ireland does anyone know if there is someone here can sort it
 
Tysonwills said:
It will be all year use. , are they study enough for the rain We get over here can the roof stand up to it
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DLV lives in Liverpool and does these in his sleep, so a quick ferry crossing and your sorted. These cars are pretty watertight..they are BMW's at the end of the day.
What's being said on here is "don't let a broken roof motor put you off buying a decent car" just try and knock the price down to factor in the repair. And if the roofs working OK, live with it :thumbsup:
 
firebobby said:
Tysonwills said:
It will be all year use. , are they study enough for the rain We get over here can the roof stand up to it
Click to expand...

DLV lives in Liverpool and does these in his sleep, so a quick ferry crossing and your sorted. These cars are pretty watertight..they are BMW's at the end of the day.
What's being said on here is "don't let a broken roof motor put you off buying a decent car" just try and knock the price down to factor in the repair. And if the roofs working OK, live with it :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

Mike
 
Tysonwills said:
Can the motor be replaced or moved without removing the top and if not is it a big job
Click to expand...

Motors very rarely need replacing if the right guy is on the job, it can be revived/overhauled and then relocate to the boot.
Its worth mentioning that it's down to the ingenuity of a handful of members that have worked out how to do it without taking the roof off! The costs for replacement motors at dealers is £500 upwards, these forum guys will fix it and relocate for a fraction of the cost. I should know - I've had mine done :thumbsup:
 
D4dawg said:
If used all year id have mine done
But mines dry use only
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My Alpina hasn't seen rain in my 2.5 year ownership but when it failed this year after winter hibernation, I extracted it to find the drain wells bone dry but the casing the motor sits in was flooded. Therefore you never know how a previous owner treated it.

(I relocated it and fitted a brand new motor)
 
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