Roof stuck up...no noise...flashing red light

[Melman]

Sorry for yet another ‘roof’ thread...

Having been the proud owner of a 2003 3.0i for all of 4 days, the roof has stopped working. One of the reasons we settled on this car was that the motor had been relocated and the mechanism seemed quick and smooth.

Went for a drive this evening with the roof down and pulled over, as it was getting chilly, to put it back up. Literally nothing happened, no noise let alone any movement, just a flashing red light next to the operating buttons. I haven’t got a manual (on order) so haven’t been able to check there.

I’d be hugely grateful for any pointers...apart from this I’m loving it!

 

[Number5]

Firstly pull the red hoop in the boot up under the boot lip. That should allow you to lift the roof manually and then it may lock down electronically still once near the windscreen.

 

[Number5]

After returning the red hoop to its original position get someone to press the console button whilst you tap the roof motor in the boot lightly with a small hammer. It may then jump back into life.

If not report back for the next options

 

[Melman]

Thank-you number 5

I’ll try this first thing and report back. Thanks again

 

[Melman]

Well, much like an earlier thread from an American Z4 owner, it seems potentially temperamentally sensitive to the cold after driving with roof down....

Jumped in this morning and it worked like a dream. I will be lubricating the catches later though.

Thanks again no.5.

 

[Number5]

Thanks again no.5.

No worries -- Use the experience to gain a little knowledge of the manual over-ride process just in case you get stuck again and in the rain next time

 

[Melman]

 

[CHIMV8]

Check your roof boot micro switch is working correctly also

I've had a few occasions when the roof wouldn't go down and the red light is on,then next day working fine

 

[Melman]

Thanks, I’ll to do that. The Z4 roof really is the gift that can keep giving!

I’m loving what a great resource and helpful forum this is though

 

[Melman]

Hi, more roof problems I’m afraid. For a while manual overrides and the odd tap of the motor have worked but now it seems stick closed. So, two questions I’d be grateful for some help with:

1. I’ve pulled the red lever out but the hood won’t fold down manually, I’m using the alun key to unlock. Way to much resistance. What to do?

2. Can someone help with a picture of the micro switch in the boot that can cause problems. I’m both unclear where to find it and what I’m looking for.

Thank-you in advance...

 

[Tommo61]

There's this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fuciU1gbX0 , or you could check the 2 knobs to drop the roof stowage shelf are fully lowered - it's about a quarter turn. (the Left one is visible here below the red bowden cable release). The micro-switch is as described here: https://www.bmwrepairguide.com/bmw-e85/bmw-z4-convertible-microswitch-repair/
Otherwise, is the problem with your front motor - The one that releases the windscreen catches? The roof mechanism operates in sequence, so first the front catch opens, then the roof retracts using hydraulic rear motor.

 

[Melman]

Thanks Tommo, I’ve just watched the first video and will have a proper go through everything tonight.

 

[Big Bad Boris]

Gotta love the knowledge and helpfulness of this forum. I have read many threads of a technical nature where I don’t begin to understand what is going on. But I also love the fact that you can be given correct and appropriate advice to “hit it with a hammer” when necessary, beautiful.

Good luck with your investigations OP let us know what you find as no doubt such issues will affect us all one day.

 

[Melman]

So having released the hydraulic pressure with the red loop, the roof goes back about 10’’ without too much force but then won’t budge.

The closing motor is working fine and closed it back up ok. The red lights by now have gone and the motor opened closed the hood but....

It’s sticking for several seconds around the back of the seats, and the motor seems to be working very hard to then get it down all the way. So it’s working, just, but clearly isn’t right.

Is there any good videos covering lubricating the mechanism?

Is it possible the hood has been refitted poorly? I know it had a repair 3 years back. Grateful for any more thoughts...

And thank-you again to Tommo and a Red 5 for help so far.

 

[Melman]

After 2 full cycles of hood down and up, I’m back where I started. On the first cycle the hood closed and the windows came up. But on the second the windows stayed half way and the flashing red light returned.....

 

[Melman]

But still have the micro switch to check...

 

[Mr roadster]

Check the shelf is down in the boot.
That’s what happened to me my shelf was up it needs to be down. Hope that helps sorry didn’t se earlier posts.
Look down driving me nuts

 

[Melman]

Thanks, the shelf is down....

Sorry to hear the lock down is driving you nuts. The lock down I can live with....my furloughed girlfriend with too much time on her hands is another matter - She’s keeping me from the Zed!

 

[Number5]

If it’s a shelf issue the light will be orange not red.
Sounds like a classic motor fail to me, so needs to come out and be relocated and fixed at the same time. If it’s addressed soon it will probably be ok Don’t leave it to rot further or you’ll need a new motor too.

If you don’t fancy doing it yourself you’ve a choice of either Ross (Bowser) down in Hants, or myself along the M4 in Bristol who can do it for you.

Let me know if you want more info

 

[Melman]

Yes, the shelf issue resolved the orange light but the flashing red continues to return - I fear you’re correct!

I have PM’d. If I learn anything useful tinkering in the meantime I’ll obviously share