Roof Problems common?

[jswillia]

So I am looking into purchasing my first Z4. Looking at 04/05 plates, 2.2 with 60-70K. From reading around the forum it seems that water getting into the hood motor is common problem, due to the drainage holes blocking up? Are there any checks I can do to a potential purchase to check for this issue?

Cheers

 

[srhutch]

Not really, test a few cars and raise and lower the roof a few times on them to see if their operation is constant. Should take about 10 seconds to raise/lower. Other than that when you get one just keep the drains clear and hope it never happens.

If your handy with car DIY you can do yourself for around £300, some have even reconditioned their motor for nothing so it's not a big deal in my book.

 

[Ewazix]

All makes/models have weaknesses and it's fair to say the roof motor is vulnerable on the pre-facelift cars, the good news is that major (££££!) mechanical failures seem amazingly rare even on early or high mileage motors. Beyond Srhutch's advice I'd ask if the roof motor's been done or maybe call your local BMW dealership to check, they were happy to give me the low-down on my car before purchase and I've put a buyer on the phone to them when selling as well.

Still, if you are buying any 7 or 8 year old prestige car you would be foolish not to keep a few hundred quid back for something to need doing in the first year - remember most people (even us secretly ) sell a car in anticipation of expenditure in the near to mid term.

Happy hunting

 

[bcworkz]

You could ask if it's normally garaged or not if from a private party, though it's still no guarantee. Then you have to decide if you believe them or not. The sump and drain hole on the side without the motor (right IIRC, for both RHD and LHD) is partly visible with a torch. See if it looks clean or if there's dirt and debris in there. Of course, the other side is more important, and could be different than what you see. Or they may have cleaned it just for the sale.

You'll never really know, but if it's parked under a tree and there's water in the sump, either walk away or bid them down a huge amount.

 

[jswillia]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to view a few this weekend