What's this unconnected wire for? (PICTURE)

[JINGLE]

Ok so I was just in the garage getting my rear shocks replaced and while tinkering in the boot we noticed a wire and a connector that wasn't plugged in to anything, was running late so didn't have time to investigate with the mechanic so took a quick pic to ask u guys as would probs be easier/faster.

Could you please tell me what this is and is it inportant/expensive fix? :/

 

[GuidoK]

looks like the roof micro switch.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=51973
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=835550

 

[srhutch]

Def looks like roof micro switch

 

[Midhurstman]

+1. It definitely is. Should be in place just behind the back edge of the back shelf, your soft top will not open and close without it.

 

[Beedub]

theirs clearly been some tampering going on look at the join right by the switch

 

[DMike]

theirs clearly been some tampering going on look at the join right by the switch

And the purple isolation tape around the wires. Bypassed broken microswitch, propably.

 

[aquazi]

Yeah i would agree with the above... Looks like the microswitch was bypassed... Shame for a a few pounds for a new switch.

 

[JINGLE]

Thanks for the replies guys, my roof does currently work... Is it worthy fixing (re soldering wires etc and getting a new switch) or should I just leave it? X

 

[mt06pete]

I think it stops the roof working if you have the divider thing in the raised postion. Just make sure its down before lowering the roof.

 

[JINGLE]

Tbh I can't ever see me needing to raise the roof tray to allow more room in the boot, but if it's an easy enough job to fix/replace the micro switch I'll do it (if there's a tutorial anyway lol)

 

[johnnnnnnyy]

Tbh I can't ever see me needing to raise the roof tray to allow more room in the boot, but if it's an easy enough job to fix/replace the micro switch I'll do it (if there's a tutorial anyway lol)

I need to replace my switch, so a link/tutorial will be really useful for me too

 

[srhutch]

I would fix. You would only need to lower the roof once with the tray in the wrong position to screw things up

 

[Lance]

I had to replace this switch about 4 years ago, was £18 back then and took about 10 mins to complete.

Stand looking in the boot at the back panel, the area that is directly behind the cabin, but IN the boot! Lift the tray/shelf into the upper position, bend right down and look at back panel, there's a plastic rectangle panel in the middle, remove the screws, pull the plastic out and swap old switch for new.

Remember to put shelf/tray back into lower position.

 

[Beedub]

Yeah i would agree with the above... Looks like the microswitch was bypassed... Shame for a a few pounds for a new switch.

never in my life do i understand why people do this when the fix is like 3 quid and a simply plug and play.... no no instead, lets chop up the wiring to save money. never get that mentality.

 

[aquazi]

Tbh I can't ever see me needing to raise the roof tray to allow more room in the boot, but if it's an easy enough job to fix/replace the micro switch I'll do it (if there's a tutorial anyway lol)

In 5 years of owning my car atleast 3 times i have raised my roof thing.. forgot about it and then tried to lower the roof..... all it takes is for you to do this once.. and you will be looking at damage far more than the switch.

Especially with the gaptech.... you click the keyfob so easily and forget!

 

[JINGLE]

could somebody please take a photo of where this is located? that way i can see where it should sit and then try and fix it... also does anybody know how i can test if the switch still works or if it has just been bypassed for the sake of it? (assuming its bypassed then ill have to un bypass it and then check it??)

any links to any online tutorials or replacement switch would be much appreciated

thanks guys

 

[jamesbond]

Hi

Looks like the original switch had some sort of fault, so the previous owner shorted it out.

so you loose the safety feature when the rear self is in the up position, I bet your soft top works in either position of the rear shelf

regards

 

[BrianD]

If you have an electrical multi meter you can do a continuity test to check if the switch is working. I guess it isn't so I would order a new one.

This link should help you sort it out http://mrcarfix.com/fix/2005/BMW/Z4/How+to+Fix+your+Z4+Microswitch?f=1&m=117

 

[Billy]

Tbh I can't ever see me needing to raise the roof tray to allow more room in the boot, but if it's an easy enough job to fix/replace the micro switch I'll do it (if there's a tutorial anyway lol)

In 5 years of owning my car atleast 3 times i have raised my roof thing.. forgot about it and then tried to lower the roof..... all it takes is for you to do this once.. and you will be looking at damage far more than the switch.

Especially with the gaptech.... you click the keyfob so easily and forget!

+1 definitely replace. The roof thing breaks easily, you just need to forget it once and you will look at a few hundred quid in damage...

 

[JINGLE]

that link is perfect

anybody have a link to replacement switch or is bmminiparts best bet?