So, my roofs finally died

Tommo

Member
 Stoke-on-Trent
:(

About 2 months after my first problem with the roof (sorted by lubing up the catches) my roof has finally died. I can't for the life of me find my manuals around the house so they must be at work.

The only thing I did the other day was push in the handle behind me in the centre console because of the squeeking. Is this just a coincidence?

The roof unlatches but then just wont go any further and the motor doesn't even attempt to work to move the roof, the same when I go to raise the roof.

There is a local bmw specialist near to me would these be capable of doing this job or is BMW my only option? :(
 
If you are handy with tools, you can do it and SAVE a ton of money.

How to remove the softtop from the car: http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=10189

How to replace your softtop motor: http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=10190
 
Thank Shipkiller... I have had a look at your guides to check how complicated it all looks. The truth is, aside from topping up washer fluid & Oil, Im as clueless as they come. :(

Its not like I've got £1000 to burn its just I know for a fact Im not capable of doing it and will likely end up getting half way and getting stuck, messing it up even further.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh *and breathe...* :(
 
In the two months in between my motor going out and me fixing it, I lowered and raised my roof manually.

I set the bypass (to be always bypassed) in the trunk and hit the button to unlock the locks then pushed the top down, then hit the button again to lock it in place.

I did the reverse to raise. I hit the button to unlock the top, then put both hands behind me (while sitting in the drivers seat) and pulled the top up, then hit the button again to lock it in place.... Works....
 
Sounds like a good temporary get around until you can fix it!

I'd probably save up and get it done if you can't bring yourself to do it Tommo, but in the mean time it won't break any more if you use it manually :)

Bit of a bugger of course, but at least it IS fixable, and when you get it done you know it'll not go again if you keep your drains clear, and it'll be a selling point too I'd think!

Dave
 
I think I could live with that for a few weeks. Whats the bypass in the trunk? Ive seen the red cable and tried pulling it with a little force and it didn't want to budge ?
 
Thanks Dave. I think Im going to get it looked at tomorrow at my local specialist. Ive got the back up money for stuff like this anyway, but Im due an Inspection II in about 2-3 weeks time aswell so its call come at once :x Oh and I bought 2 new rear tyres on Friday.

It doesn't just rain it pours :lol:
 
Yep, it's the red cable.

You pull it (it does not move much) and hook the cable into the slit in the housing. This keeps the cable taught and allows the bypass valve to be initiated...
 
Ok thanks Ive done that now.

Just one more question, the roof doesnt sit right down into the catch when I open it manually (even when I press the close button).
Is it ok to drive around like this?
 
Seems like the whole top motor getting wet and stop working really is a design flaw!!

It's outside sitting in a sump that doesn't drain properly Of course it's gonna fail.

I just hope mine fails while still under warranty!!
 
I tested my drains the other day, by letting lots of water down them. Stood there for a minute or so with the hose pipe and it didn't come bubbling over the top :D
 
I never did get around to clearing my drains out...Live and Learn as they say.

Yeah I got it to lock now shipkiller, thanks for all your help dude :thumbsup:
 
I'm being told there are 3 motors?? Is this correct? Will all 3 need replacing?

Confused...
 
Well this is what I was saying to the service guy at BMW. He was asking what motor and I was telling him theres only one. Then he got a guy to come out of the workshop to come and speak to me... he told me theres the one main hydraulic motor and then 2 small ones.

That seriously threw me, I went back and checked your guide shipkiller and saw no mention of these other 2 motors so thats why I wanted to make sure before I ring up on Tuesday to try to get a good will claim put forward to BMW UK.
 
Its fine I just need to know in my head so I can continue the argument further if needs must :D

They quoted around £700 + VAT. Which to be honest seems quite reasonable.

£600 cash is yours shipkiller if you come over in the next 2 weeks :poke: :P
 
Well...... :D

Im going to be doing it myself! (kinda)

My dad's friend came to visit today, not seen him for ages. He's an ex mechanic and offered me his garage and told me he'd do it for me for free over a few nights soon.

I'll be printing the PDF's off from Shipkiller :thumbsup:

Will let you guys know how I get on.
 
Back
Top Bottom