Yet another roof motor failure...

[donkey-feet]

All of the recent hot, dry weather has finally killed my roof motor. The car is 2003 so I wonder if this is the first time it has failed?

The hood unlatches but doesnt lower.. the light just flashes.. I can hear a relay clicking and can diagnostically see the hood output switching on/off when I press the button.
The emergency release does nothing.. so I cannot raise/lower the roof manually.

I have read a lot of the how to’s regarding accessing the motor and decided to have a go at it myself...

So far I have got the parcel shelf out - quite easy....
I have peeled off some of the tape around the motor housing but can’t get to it all.. this is the point where I am now stuck.. Is it just perseverance or is there a special knack to it?

My hands are now a bit knackered and the rain has just started so it will have to wait for a while before I try and have another go..

 

[Crazy Harry]

I think the 'knack' is normally pronounced 'experience' and from what I understand being left handed helps a lot. Having watched Mike do mine I recall the motor housing needs to be levered/snapped from the cable tie holding it but the hoses are close and easy to nick - I decided that it was easier to get another member to do mine even though I'm reasonably competent with spanners.

From Oxford I guess Number5 is probably the nearest for you he's in the Bristol area

 

[Mr Tidy]

Typical - I'm left-handed, but I've got an E86! :lol:

OP, your other option would be bowser134 in Hants.

 

[Grumpyowl]

I think the 'knack' is normally pronounced 'experience' and from what I understand being left handed helps a lot. Having watched Mike do mine I recall the motor housing needs to be levered/snapped from the cable tie holding it but the hoses are close and easy to nick - I decided that it was easier to get another member to do mine even though I'm reasonably competent with spanners.

From Oxford I guess Number5 is probably the nearest for you he's in the Bristol area

I concur with crazy Harry for what these guys charge it's not worth getting your hands dirty and knuckles bruised.

 

[donkey-feet]

I am left handed.. so in theory it should be easier.. i will give it another go tomorrow, weather permitting.

If that goes well, i will then get to investigate a vacuum leak on the other car... the joys of motoring.. :headbang:

 

[Number5]

Happy to help if needed but I dont extract it this way, as too difficult and too risky, blind with the hydraulic lines.
PM me if you cant complete it yourself.

 

[Mike6]

When I had mine moved I recall it was a bit of a brutal job getting the plastic cover off and then cutting the retaining plastic strap. Didnt take him more than 30 odd minutes but at one point I remember thinking 'thats no way to treat a car'

 

[RROB]

I carried out the motor relocation using the blind stick your hand in method.....
and ok got the roof operational.... but with a flashing LED on opening !

Took the car over to "Number 5" today and he used his proven method to sort the sensor fault out and fix motor in boot recess complete with custom panel.....
I must say an absoulte top bloke with great hospitality (his wife ran us down the road to the local Mall) while he did the work (picked up within a couple of hours).

I'm not promoting him above any other on this forum, but if your not completly sure on haveing a go id advise going down using one of these boys on here.... lets be honest it saves a ton of offical BMW money, for what in many cases can revive hydraulic motor....

A well worthy trip Many Thanks Number 5 !