Roof problem

[Cuprat]

Haven’t opened or closed my roof for a few months now. When last used, all was ok though.

When I last used the car I used the boot so had the luggage shelf retracted. No errors on that drive.

Today when I used the car there was a warning in the dashboard - red roof open symbol. Seemed to flash up a few times, I think when I went over bumps

Once parked up, I closed the luggage shelf and tried the roof. Went down ok but seemed to struggle a bit to go back up - it did in the end and all looks to be closed correctly. After this though there was a flashing red light by the roof down switch.

Turned the car off and back on and the flashing red light stopped but still got the odd red roof warning light in the dashboard

Any thoughts/ideas on what this may be?

Thanks all

 

[flybobbie]

You will get a dozen replies.
First go buy a obd reader, one that plugs in, like Foxwell. Will pay for itself.
Plug in see what it says. If hall or switch fault, probably a broken wire.
All the circuits are monitored for a break.
Sometimes doesn't show unless roof moves or drive over a bump.

 

[Cuprat]

Thanks.

Sounds like something that will need a garage trip then given my lack of ability . Was hoping it may have been something I’d done that could be sorted.

 

[Nictrix]

It sounds exactly like what ours started doing a few weeks ago.
After reading lots of posts on here I decided it must be the microswitches.
Swapped both microswitches for new ones and the problem has gone.
Microswitches are around £16 each and you will more than likely need 4 new screws to hold them in.
If you search the forum you will find some more info on how to change them.
Minimal tools required, trim removal tools, socket set and a drill, but will take a few hours as most of the boot interior needs to be removed.
Follow instructions carefully, especially the part about marking where the 3 nuts are on each side.

 

[RobbiZ4]

@cuprat
Did you follow the following maintenance list? In your case it's #3. No OBD reader required or helpful.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=130932

@Nictrix
Perfect, I couldn't describe it better.

@all
The red led is not a fault indicator! It only informs, that the roof is neither opened nor closed based on the sensor information.
RED IS NOT FAULT.

 

[Cuprat]

Thanks both - that’s really helpful. I will have a look in more detail tomorrow when I have access to my car in the daylight

Random question - to open my drivers door from the inside when locked I now need to unlock it from the centre console switch. I used to just be able to pull the door handle (which is how the passenger door works). This wouldn’t be connected to the roof fault would it?

The door problem started post a fix BMW did on an alarm door sensor

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks both - that’s really helpful. I will have a look in more detail tomorrow when I have access to my car in the daylight

Random question - to open my drivers door from the inside when locked I now need to unlock it from the centre console switch. I used to just be able to pull the door handle (which is how the passenger door works). This wouldn’t be connected to the roof fault would it?

The door problem started post a fix BMW did on an alarm door sensor

Did you return the car to them after you discovered the issue?
Rob

 

[flybobbie]

Perhaps the plug in the door not fully connected if that has been fiddled with.
Perhaps the roof doesn't know status of windows and won't allow to operate.

I had problem with plug, windows came down and wouldn't go up. Roof wouldn't move.
In my case i noticed the illumination of buttons was out (bad earth contact on pin?).
I had to remove door card and disconnect plug. Clean with contact cleaner, re=assemble making sure all pins were home, then i think i cable tied it.
No problem since.

 

[Silverstar]

Random question - to open my drivers door from the inside when locked I now need to unlock it from the centre console switch. I used to just be able to pull the door handle (which is how the passenger door works). This wouldn’t be connected to the roof fault would it?

The door problem started post a fix BMW did on an alarm door sensor

If I am not mistaken to open from inside when locked you have to double pull the door handle.

 

[Cuprat]

Random question - to open my drivers door from the inside when locked I now need to unlock it from the centre console switch. I used to just be able to pull the door handle (which is how the passenger door works). This wouldn’t be connected to the roof fault would it?

The door problem started post a fix BMW did on an alarm door sensor

If I am not mistaken to open from inside when locked you have to double pull the door handle.

Thanks all

Yes I thought that - a double pull just results in the door staying locked. The little thing that rises when the door is open/closed (what is that called?) rises when the door handle is pulled but falls to the locked position when the handle is released. If I use the lock/unlock button on the centre console it stays up and I can get out off the car.

I have no issues with unlocking from outside the car using the key

In answer to the question above. I haven’t been back to BMW post the fix of the alarm sensor. Just discovered this new ‘feature’

 

[Cuprat]

Random question - to open my drivers door from the inside when locked I now need to unlock it from the centre console switch. I used to just be able to pull the door handle (which is how the passenger door works). This wouldn’t be connected to the roof fault would it?

The door problem started post a fix BMW did on an alarm door sensor

If I am not mistaken to open from inside when locked you have to double pull the door handle.

Thanks all

Yes I thought that - a double pull just results in the door staying locked. The little thing that rises when the door is open/closed (what is that called?) rises when the door handle is pulled but falls to the locked position when the handle is released. If I use the lock/unlock button on the centre console it stays up and I can get out off the car.

I have no issues with unlocking from outside the car using the key

In answer to the question above. I haven’t been back to BMW post the fix of the alarm sensor. Just discovered this new ‘feature’

 

[Cuprat]

Went to use the car today and got a constant bong bong bong and warning that the roof was not latched. This wasn’t the message last time I used the car . Only difference this time was I’d been in the boot.

I’m booked into BMW next Tuesday to get this looked at (car has the BMW warranty) but typical that it’s happened when the weather has picked up

 

[RobbiZ4]

...but typical that it’s happened when the weather has picked up

That is #3, no doubt. No expensive diagnostics is required, just get the 2 boobies replaced. 8)
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=130932

 

[Cuprat]

Thanks RobbiZ4 appreciate the expert advice

 

[Cuprat]

I’ll keep this updated so others can see the faults I’ve had a and (hopefully) what fixes it!

Car is currently in the garage - fault was a constant bong and warning message “roof not latched”. Roof was operating.

Of course when I got to the garage to show them it had gone . Putting the top down and up did show a different message to what I’d had before “roof operation impacted” (I think).

Nicest week of the year coming up so no doubt they won’t have the parts to fix it today

 

[Cuprat]

I’ll keep this updated so others can see the faults I’ve had a and (hopefully) what fixes it!

Car is currently in the garage - fault was a constant bong and warning message “roof not latched”. Roof was operating.

Of course when I got to the garage to show them it had gone . Putting the top down and up did show a different message to what I’d had before “roof operation impacted” (I think).

Update - it is the micro switches as advised to me by RobbiZ4. Cost to repair is £300. Slightly annoying as I’d assumed the warranty would cover this - I assumed this as I spoke to BMW warranty when I renewed my policy and they said they were covered! Apparently not covered when they are corroded.

Additionally I have a very slight oil leak from the gearbox. They think it’s the sump gasket.

Good job the weather is good and mood high

 

[Ole gits rule]

I’ll keep this updated so others can see the faults I’ve had a and (hopefully) what fixes it!

Car is currently in the garage - fault was a constant bong and warning message “roof not latched”. Roof was operating.

Of course when I got to the garage to show them it had gone . Putting the top down and up did show a different message to what I’d had before “roof operation impacted” (I think).

Update - it is the micro switches as advised to me by RobbiZ4. Cost to repair is £300. Slightly annoying as I’d assumed the warranty would cover this - I assumed this as I spoke to BMW warranty when I renewed my policy and they said they were covered! Apparently not covered when they are corroded.

Additionally I have a very slight oil leak from the gearbox. They think it’s the sump gasket.

Good job the weather is good and mood high

I would be back on to BMW regards the microswitches, mine were stuffed and covered by a third party warranty company, had a cost of £250 and to pay around £30 myself.

Seems to me BMW are being a little harsh as the roof won't function correctly irrespective of wether they have failed just corroded

 

[Pondy]

had a cost of £250 and to pay around £30 myself.

When the switches are £32.00 per pair (delivered) and it is an extremely easy self fix.

I was under the mis-apprehension that a forum such as this helps people with faults from others who have been there and done it, so they can save by doing simple jobs themselves. All of the diagnosis and instructions, mostly provided thanklessly by Robbiz4, is available in multiple threads.

If it just to bleat about how much your 'assured warranty' is costing, then I honestly don't see the point TBH.

Sorry rant over. Carry on

 

[Ole gits rule]

had a cost of £250 and to pay around £30 myself.

When the switches are £32.00 per pair (delivered) and it is an extremely easy self fix.

I was under the mis-apprehension that a forum such as this helps people with faults from others who have been there and done it, so they can save by doing simple jobs themselves. All of the diagnosis and instructions, mostly provided thanklessly by Robbiz4, is available in multiple threads.

If it just to bleat about how much your 'assured warranty' is costing, then I honestly don't see the point TBH.

Sorry rant over. Carry on

It is an easy /cheap fix mate - but I had a warranty (Not assured - 3rd party as stated in my post) so it was covered, its not about what my warranty is but why are BMW refusing to replace under their warranty scheme which is meant to be a premium warranty scheme

 

[Pondy]

It is an easy /cheap fix mate - but I had a warranty (Not assured - 3rd party as stated in my post) so it was covered, its not about what my warranty is but why are BMW refusing to replace under their warranty scheme which is meant to be a premium warranty scheme

Not getting at you Sean, or anyone else, just that I don't quite get a lot of the threads on here when the information has been supplied and then ignored. :?

As someone said in another thread; I am a simple soul.