Roof won't lock down & liner catches lock.
- Thread starter coriolis
- Start date
AndyBeech said:
Mine did... until the roof started rubbing on it there was no issue. Now there's an unsightly bit of wear. Think it started off as looking like a letter H pressed in - I thought it was just resting on something when down and leaving an imprint.
Needless to say I've taken the latch out and have had no adverse effects, just wish I'd done it sooner.
Z4Lithuania
Member
Hello, and greetings from Lithuania.
I'm new on this forum and to Z4's too, so don't be very mean to me guys.
Let's start from that, a few weeks ago I bought a 2004 Z4, 2.2 liters engine, and now, when the weather is getting warmer I noticed that I have some problems with my soft top... My English is not very good, but I will try to do my best describing my problem and maybe we can solve it together.
So, when I lower the soft top everything seems to be OK (windows lowers by itself, motor starts opening the roof and it goes down, then motor stops, windows go back up, no lights are flashing), but if I take a short drive, red light between the roof buttons starts flashing. I stop the car, push the roof opening button once more, light goes out, and it starts flashing again, after a few mins in the road... It seems like I have a problem with soft top locking in open position. I tried to help it a bit with hands, and push down in a last few moments when its going down, but it doesnt help... Although, seems like it's locked, but not directly in a place where it should be (I can pull it up a bit only if I press the manual release button in centre console behind seats). Here is a picture below, how my soft top looks in "full open position". Isn't it a bit too high? What you think?
Also, does this part (picture below) even make any "clicking" sound when you lower the hood down and it locks into place? Because mine just sits in place without any "clicking" sound or something like that. I also tried to disconnect hydraulics and lower the top with hands, but the problem is still the same... Seems like it's locked, but after a few mins in a road light flashes again, like its unlocked, or not in place...
I have read about incorrect folding of soft top, which can cause similar problems, so I took a few pictures, and compare it to one of your forum member. The folding seems good to me? What you think guys? (Pictures below).
Also tried to take a look at micro swith in the trunk. Removed it, metal shaft is OK, moving nicely and pressing the switch without any problems, so I assume it works fine. I pull up parcel panel, Orange light lit up, and it didnt let to open the soft top, so I pressed the micro switch button (same thing as if you would do with lowering the parcel panel down) and the light went off, so I might say the switch is not broken, right? It responds as it should? Or maybe this switch has more functions?
Any help is appreciated. Sorry for long story, it's quite hard to describe my problem in English in a few words. But if you need any information or pictures just tell me.
Thank you.
I'm new on this forum and to Z4's too, so don't be very mean to me guys.
Let's start from that, a few weeks ago I bought a 2004 Z4, 2.2 liters engine, and now, when the weather is getting warmer I noticed that I have some problems with my soft top... My English is not very good, but I will try to do my best describing my problem and maybe we can solve it together.
So, when I lower the soft top everything seems to be OK (windows lowers by itself, motor starts opening the roof and it goes down, then motor stops, windows go back up, no lights are flashing), but if I take a short drive, red light between the roof buttons starts flashing. I stop the car, push the roof opening button once more, light goes out, and it starts flashing again, after a few mins in the road... It seems like I have a problem with soft top locking in open position. I tried to help it a bit with hands, and push down in a last few moments when its going down, but it doesnt help... Although, seems like it's locked, but not directly in a place where it should be (I can pull it up a bit only if I press the manual release button in centre console behind seats). Here is a picture below, how my soft top looks in "full open position". Isn't it a bit too high? What you think?
Also, does this part (picture below) even make any "clicking" sound when you lower the hood down and it locks into place? Because mine just sits in place without any "clicking" sound or something like that. I also tried to disconnect hydraulics and lower the top with hands, but the problem is still the same... Seems like it's locked, but after a few mins in a road light flashes again, like its unlocked, or not in place...
I have read about incorrect folding of soft top, which can cause similar problems, so I took a few pictures, and compare it to one of your forum member. The folding seems good to me? What you think guys? (Pictures below).
Also tried to take a look at micro swith in the trunk. Removed it, metal shaft is OK, moving nicely and pressing the switch without any problems, so I assume it works fine. I pull up parcel panel, Orange light lit up, and it didnt let to open the soft top, so I pressed the micro switch button (same thing as if you would do with lowering the parcel panel down) and the light went off, so I might say the switch is not broken, right? It responds as it should? Or maybe this switch has more functions?
Any help is appreciated. Sorry for long story, it's quite hard to describe my problem in English in a few words.
But if you need any information or pictures just tell me. Thank you.
Z4Lithuania
Member
Sorry for double post, but I can't PM anyone in this forum yet, so I'll post here.
While using search, I found some similar topics, and in one of them there is a discussion about the same problem like mine.
This topic:
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34204&start=30
In the middle of this discussion "Hunter" and "Craig3.2" is talking about some kind of "catch" which needs adjustment. Can anyone show me in picture what "catch" exactly are they talking about, because I'm a bit of confused.
Appreciate in advance.
While using search, I found some similar topics, and in one of them there is a discussion about the same problem like mine.
This topic:
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34204&start=30
In the middle of this discussion "Hunter" and "Craig3.2" is talking about some kind of "catch" which needs adjustment. Can anyone show me in picture what "catch" exactly are they talking about, because I'm a bit of confused.
Appreciate in advance.
Try addressing your question to "ducklakeview" an outstanding purveyor of roof relocation and all things ROOF
You are unlikely to bring car to UK for some TLC ( tender loving care ) but he might give you a pointer or two to resolve your issue
ps ,your English is excellent
You are unlikely to bring car to UK for some TLC ( tender loving care ) but he might give you a pointer or two to resolve your issue
ps ,your English is excellent
Z4Lithuania
Member
Thanks for your reply!
Too bad I can't send a personal message to him, hope he will read this topic, or forum administrator will let me send PM's.
EDIT: Yay, I already can contact forum members by PM's. Thank you.
Too bad I can't send a personal message to him, hope he will read this topic, or forum administrator will let me send PM's.
EDIT: Yay, I already can contact forum members by PM's. Thank you.
Z4Lithuania
Member
Tried to PM a few guys about my issue, but no-one replied yet...
Also, tried to adjust soft top lock, under the plastic trim where the manual release button is. Tried to move that lock to different directions (back and forward), but nothing has changed... Roof goes down, light goes out, but after a short ride, red flashing light lights up again.
Personally, I think that when the roof is going to it's down position it should make some kind of "clicking" sound when it locks up? Is it correct?
Or maybe I'm having a problem with some kind of "down position sensor" which is so sensitive that de-activates from the vibration on the road? Is it possible to get to that sensor without removing soft top?
How to know if my roof folding is correct? It seems correct to me, but I have no idea how it should look like, there is no one near me with Z4's, so I can't compare to anyone.
Also, tried to adjust soft top lock, under the plastic trim where the manual release button is. Tried to move that lock to different directions (back and forward), but nothing has changed... Roof goes down, light goes out, but after a short ride, red flashing light lights up again.
Personally, I think that when the roof is going to it's down position it should make some kind of "clicking" sound when it locks up? Is it correct?
Or maybe I'm having a problem with some kind of "down position sensor" which is so sensitive that de-activates from the vibration on the road? Is it possible to get to that sensor without removing soft top?
How to know if my roof folding is correct? It seems correct to me, but I have no idea how it should look like, there is no one near me with Z4's, so I can't compare to anyone.
Peterboroughdave
Member
I have exactly the same problem on my 2005 E85. Doesn't quick make the latch down and no red light, it used to work fine but has being playing up for about a year.
Mike (Ducklakeview) has said he can fix this whilst moving the roof motor in the boot,( current price is £80 plus travelling expenses were relevant). Work being done this weekend as part of the group roof motor move that Mike is doing this weekend in Peterborough (Cambridgeshire). Can update you after the event.
Dave
Mike (Ducklakeview) has said he can fix this whilst moving the roof motor in the boot,( current price is £80 plus travelling expenses were relevant). Work being done this weekend as part of the group roof motor move that Mike is doing this weekend in Peterborough (Cambridgeshire). Can update you after the event.
Dave
Z4Lithuania
Member
It's me again. Probably I have watched all the videos in youtube about Z4 roof problems.
Here is what i found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YepZJiPdpR8
In this video, when the guy opens the roof, at 4:45 min, I can hear a nice "clicking" sound and the roof locks into place. Mine doesn't do that! I can't hear that sound, and I suppose that's why my light is flashing after some driving! Does it mean, that my lock, under plastic trim (see picture below) needs adjusting?
Here is what i found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YepZJiPdpR8
In this video, when the guy opens the roof, at 4:45 min, I can hear a nice "clicking" sound and the roof locks into place. Mine doesn't do that! I can't hear that sound, and I suppose that's why my light is flashing after some driving! Does it mean, that my lock, under plastic trim (see picture below) needs adjusting?
Z4Lithuania
Member
Hi guys.
The problem still persists... Here is what I found...
Yesterday I tried to leave the car for a night in garage, with a soft top down. Holding the open button, windows go half way down, roof unlocks, folds, red light stops flashing, windows go up. Seems like it's all good. In the morning, I turn the ignition on... Guess what? Red light started to flash again! I didn't even move the car for the whole night! Thought maybe roof unlocked by itself over night, so tried to pull it up a bit with hands, but there is no chances to move it, unless you push the manual release button.
So... It seems like it's closed, but in the end light indicates that it's not... What would you suggest, guys?
The problem still persists... Here is what I found...
Yesterday I tried to leave the car for a night in garage, with a soft top down. Holding the open button, windows go half way down, roof unlocks, folds, red light stops flashing, windows go up. Seems like it's all good. In the morning, I turn the ignition on... Guess what? Red light started to flash again! I didn't even move the car for the whole night! Thought maybe roof unlocked by itself over night, so tried to pull it up a bit with hands, but there is no chances to move it, unless you push the manual release button.
So... It seems like it's closed, but in the end light indicates that it's not... What would you suggest, guys?
Z4Lithuania
Member
Sgr74 said:
Thank you for your reply.
You mean: "roof down position sensor"? Is it the one which is on the left side under the roof? Is it possible to get to it, without removing soft top? Or maybe it can be calibrated with computer?
Z4Lithuania - check your parcel shelf is fully down, or that there is nothing on the shelf as that will stop the roof fully retracting. Also, if you have anything blocking the catch mechanism, it will stop it locking (perhaps some fabric?). The good news is that the roof doesn't need to click into place to be OK; as long as the lights are off the hydraulic pressure will hold the roof in place.
Just as an addition - some members remove the lock from the boot area (IIRC Bing did this with his non-M E85) as it is a source of rattles.
Just as an addition - some members remove the lock from the boot area (IIRC Bing did this with his non-M E85) as it is a source of rattles.
One other thing that comes to mind - if the roof is down, fully cycled and lights are out, then after leaving a while the light is on, I would suspect that the hydraulic pressure might be low? Have you relocated the motor to the boot yet - if you do that its easier to access and, especially, top up the hydraulic fluid.
Z4Lithuania
Member
Hello, thank you for replies.
My motor is still in original place, but that's an interesting idea about the pressure dropping... How can I be sure? Is there any easy way of checking it?
I'm still thinking about the hall sensor, any ideas how to check it works properly?
Today I'll post a video of how my roof works, maybe it will help you a bit.
My motor is still in original place, but that's an interesting idea about the pressure dropping... How can I be sure? Is there any easy way of checking it?
I'm still thinking about the hall sensor, any ideas how to check it works properly?
Today I'll post a video of how my roof works, maybe it will help you a bit.
Z4Lithuania
Member
Hi, new day, new guesses. 
Today I "solved" my issue. Hehe, exactly - "solved". See picture below:
I tried to remove roof lock, and "zip tie" the roof so it stays in place. After doing that, I have ridden about 50km with no flashing light! Also, I left the car with roof in that position for about 6-7 hours and even then - no flashing red light.
BUT, as soon as I untie it - same issue again.
Here is how my lock looks like:
How can I fix the roof in that position as with zip ties? If I put the lock back, roof goes a bit more up, and, I guess, that's why I get the light flashing... Should I try to fold the lock to let the roof go further into it?
Today I "solved" my issue. Hehe, exactly - "solved".
See picture below:
I tried to remove roof lock, and "zip tie" the roof so it stays in place. After doing that, I have ridden about 50km with no flashing light! Also, I left the car with roof in that position for about 6-7 hours and even then - no flashing red light.
BUT, as soon as I untie it - same issue again.
Here is how my lock looks like:
How can I fix the roof in that position as with zip ties? If I put the lock back, roof goes a bit more up, and, I guess, that's why I get the light flashing... Should I try to fold the lock to let the roof go further into it?