Roof not clicking into place when open?

[s4vva]

Hi I am a new owner so I am not sure if this is right or not. When the roof is open is it supposed to sit flush because mine looks like it sits an inch or two too high like its not clicking into place properly. I can try and take some pics if that helps?

 

[Leon_in_uk]

sounds like the top motor isn't working, take your alan key hex thing out of your boot and manually lock into place. You need to take the plastic section from the middle off though and read your manual if your stuck. Not sure how to replace the motor? Did you check fuses?

 

[Rudd]

hi, welcome to the forum.


common problem and not a major issue. its caused when the roof hasnt been down for a while and the fabric 'forgets' how it folds.

The Fix:

1. open the roof about half way
2. get out of the car, go to the roof and smooth out the fabric so it folds nice and neat
3. lower the roof all of the way
4. if it is still a little high give it a push in the middle where the clip is, it wont do any harm.

it happens to me after i have washed it or not had it down for a week. you may have to repeat the process a couple of times until it fixes itself.


hope this helps

 

[Leon_in_uk]

oh read it the wrong way, thought you was closing it.

 

[DrNick]

I didnt think they locked into place when they were folded down?

 

[Rudd]

Dr Nick.

if you look in the moddle there is a latch with a hook. it should go into there. if you watch it when you go to put the roof back up the latch retracts before the roof moves

 

[DrNick]

Im going out to look...!

 

[DrNick]

Nope...when it gets to its resting position you can hear the latches that hold it onto the windscreen when it is closed tuck away or something, but nothing holds it down into the open position that I can see...

 

[s4vva]

Dr Nick.

if you look in the moddle there is a latch with a hook. it should go into there. if you watch it when you go to put the roof back up the latch retracts before the roof moves

That's what made me wonder as the latch that holds it down does not seem to click into the hood. However I see it retract as it is about to go up again...

Will give the folding tip a go and let you know if that helps. Thanks.

 

[Rudd]

like i said, if you do the folding thing and the roof is still 1-2cm above you can just give it a little push and it will click in. after a while it will get used to going down like that.

there has been quite a few people ask about it, especially after wither when the roofs are mostly up.

 

[DrNick]

Still not convinced - my roof folds flush against the trim, just none of this "clicking into place" that people talk about here

 

[Rudd]

its not a click as in a sound, more the latch moving into the bracket. you might want to have a look as its not uncommon for people to take the little bracket off because of the roof squeeking when its down.

if it fits flush it should be fine

 

[DrNick]

How much should you be able to 'lift' the roof manually when its in the down position?

Sorry for lack of understanding Rudd!!

 

[AlanJ]

Several threads on this subject so worth a search. BMW did a dealer bulletin about the issue of the roof not connecting with the latch when in the open position with a minor modification suggested. Mine definately connects with a latch on opening (pre facelift) but on post facelift this latch has been ommitted.

Here's the link to the BMW TIS modification;
http://www.bmwtis.net/tsb/bulletins/bulletin_graphic_temp/B540302g.htm

 

[gannet]

The facelift model doesnt have a latch in the centre of the roof though...

 

[DrNick]

Thanks Alan/Gannet - that makes it clearer...mine is post facelift so assume latch is not there and being that it folds pretty much flush I shall stop trying to find a problem that is not there....!!

 

[Rudd]

i didnt realise that the latch isnt on a facelift.


and drNick, iv never tried lifting it when it is down. i would have thought it would strain the parts, motor, connections etc etc.

 

[s4vva]

hi, welcome to the forum.


common problem and not a major issue. its caused when the roof hasnt been down for a while and the fabric 'forgets' how it folds.

The Fix:

1. open the roof about half way
2. get out of the car, go to the roof and smooth out the fabric so it folds nice and neat
3. lower the roof all of the way
4. if it is still a little high give it a push in the middle where the clip is, it wont do any harm.

it happens to me after i have washed it or not had it down for a week. you may have to repeat the process a couple of times until it fixes itself.


hope this helps

Thanks that worked perfectly, also it needed that little nudge at the end.

 

[Rudd]

cool, do it a few times and it should get used to it.

after a wash you sometimes have to do it but its no big deal.

 

[AlanJ]

The facelift model doesnt have a latch in the centre of the roof though...

Ahhh thought that's what I said........