Z4 E85 Roof problem

PKZ4

Member
 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Hi ya

I'm new to the forum and hoping someone can help, fingers x

My roof has stopped working on my E85 2004 2.2 model, the 2 lights for/by the power hood buttons the top light constantly flashes red. There is no sound at all and nothing happens.

I've had no issues with the roof but I had a flat battery and after getting it tested and told the cells where ok just charged it over a weekend and the engine seems nice and strong again just the roofs not working. Also noticed the rear de-mister does not work now even though the light on the button works.

I've checked all the fuses and all are fine. I'm stumped and would appreciate any assistance or ideas.

Many Thxs
Peter
 
Hi Peter,

Have you checked that there is nothing in the boot that means that the roof won't open?. Check that the safety shelf is in the correct position, other than this I idea if the fuse is o.k. Jon
 
Hi Jon

Thanks for your reply, yes I've had a look at the shelf and put it up and down etc :headbang:

I'm not sure what else there is left to check ?
 
Ok got an up date on my roof issue.

I've manually lowered the roof to see if it goes up when I press the up button and thankful it does as BMW would charge £600 parts and £500 labour so £1100 :o

The only issue now is the roof goes all the way up but won't lock in place, I have to do that manually :(

I've ordered a new micro switch that goes under the parcel shelf in the boot and I'm told by BMW this is the only micro switch for the roof and it's only £21.60.

Does anyone know how to do a window reset ? I've tried looking for some links but hit dead ends.

I'll do an update on Friday when I get the new micro switch, fingers crossed
 
Turn ignition on

Push the open window button until the window is open, then keep it pressed for 5 seconds longer.

Push the close window button until it is closed, then release.

This should reset the memory on the window and use the same procedure for both windows
 
PKZ4 said:
Ok got an up date on my roof issue.

I've manually lowered the roof to see if it goes up when I press the up button and thankful it does as BMW would charge £600 parts and £500 labour so £1100 :o

The only issue now is the roof goes all the way up but won't lock in place, I have to do that manually :(

I've ordered a new micro switch that goes under the parcel shelf in the boot and I'm told by BMW this is the only micro switch for the roof and it's only £21.60.

Does anyone know how to do a window reset ? I've tried looking for some links but hit dead ends.

I'll do an update on Friday when I get the new micro switch, fingers crossed

Doesn't sound like the micro switch in the boot - the light in the console flashes orange if that switch is in the wrong position, and nothing related to the roof works - motor, latching, etc. Your flashing red indicates there's no problem there - as does the motor raising the hood. The flashing red indicates the roof is somewhere in motion (so not latched at the top or bottom!) which you already know. I think there are various sensors etc that detect when the hood is up and so activate the latch, a search around here might get you some info. There's also quite a few suggestions of just checking it's all lubricated properly.

As a short term, I think you can latch/unlatch it manually - there's a cover thing in the middle of the front plastic piece on the hood that comes off. There's a bolt under there you can do with an allen key. I've never done this though - so you should google/search here to check I'm right (I just had a quick look, but nothing definitive), and I've also no idea how practical this is, it might just be an emergency get it shut type thing.
 
Hi DAV THE WHEEL NUT I'll give that a go, many Thxs.

Hi Benlumly, yes I've read some threads about lubricating the roof so I'll get my GT85 out the shed to see if that helps.

Many Thxs everyone for your inputs :thumbsup:
 
Hi all

Ok had a week not worrying about my roof problem because of all the rain but it's time to get back to the detective work.

Does anyone have any ideas regarding locking/unlocking of the roof :!: :!:

I still have the flashing red light so I have to manually unlock the roof with the Allen key. Now when I press the down button nothing happens, so while holding the down button I apply a little pressure (pulling back) then the windows go down half way then the roof retracts all the way down but won't lock down into place ??

I then push the up button and the roof goes all the way up but when it hits the top it won't lock into place so I have to use the Allen key and do that manually then do the windows up myself :headbang:

I know the micro switch in the boot is fine as the roof won't come down if the shelf is up and I've lubricated the roof and the up and down is smoother as a result so just the unlocking/locking issues.

Cheers guys :thumbsup:
 
sounds to me like it's one of the position sensors AFAIK there are several I know one is at the front underneath the left sun visor, one op. changed one lately, I'll see If I can find the post and edit it in later !

Edit :- found this post..http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53729 slightly similar to your problem and has a list of the sensors !
 
Hi ya Fixit Man

Many thanks for your reply, the more I look into this the more I'm guessing it has to be something like the sensors and/or the roof has lost track as to where in the cycle it is.

Looking for to seeing that thread :thumbsup:
 
So I've had the weekend to tinker with my roof and now seem to be getting results :rofl: Roofs working fine now just won't lock in the down position but I'm hoping the micro switch I have on order from BMW will sort that and it's worth the £20 to try.

After some searching for info I finally managed to track down the 2 hidden side screws to get the 'Windshield Frame Cover' off to inspect the locking mechanism.

To take it off you need a T20 screwdriver or a T20 socket,

1- First you need to lower the roof just past half way, NOTE if the roofs not down enough you won't see the side screws, I had the engine running as the roof will creep down otherwise.
2- Then remove the cover that hides the part for manually releasing the roof, where the Allen Key goes. Then remove the screw at the back, it will be obvious which one it is.
3- Then remove the 4 little screws at the front of the panel.
4- Then remove the side screws (one on each side) it won't come off without breaking unless you Remove them as I very nearly found out.

So that's a total of 7 screws to remove and with a bit of wiggling she's off. I disconnected the blue wire connector and simply used WD40 to lubricate all the hinges and moving parts as well as the wire connectors and as if by magic my roof now goes up and locks into place and even the flashing red light goes out :D

If someone can tell me how to add photos I'll take some pictures if anyone needs them.

Happy days, for now
 
PKZ4 said:
So I've had the weekend to tinker with my roof and now seem to be getting results :rofl: Roofs working fine now just won't lock in the down position but I'm hoping the micro switch I have on order from BMW will sort that and it's worth the £20 to try.

After some searching for info I finally managed to track down the 2 hidden side screws to get the 'Windshield Frame Cover' off to inspect the locking mechanism.

To take it off you need a T20 screwdriver or a T20 socket,

1- First you need to lower the roof just past half way, NOTE if the roofs not down enough you won't see the side screws, I had the engine running as the roof will creep down otherwise.
2- Then remove the cover that hides the part for manually releasing the roof, where the Allen Key goes. Then remove the screw at the back, it will be obvious which one it is.
3- Then remove the 4 little screws at the front of the panel.
4- Then remove the side screws (one on each side) it won't come off without breaking unless you Remove them as I very nearly found out.

So that's a total of 7 screws to remove and with a bit of wiggling she's off. I disconnected the blue wire connector and simply used WD40 to lubricate all the hinges and moving parts as well as the wire connectors and as if by magic my roof now goes up and locks into place and even the flashing red light goes out :D

If someone can tell me how to add photos I'll take some pictures if anyone needs them.

Happy days, for now


I finally got round to having a look at my roof today.
Thankfully the motor hasn't gone but it will only go up with the button if it has been manually lowered then stops about a foot from locking at the windscreen. It wont even lower on the button, has to be done manually.
The red light is still flashing too.

I have done what PKZ4 has done above but to no avail.

This is were it stops on the button. I don't know what to try next :cry: Suggestions on a post card.

 
PKZ4 said:
So I've had the weekend to tinker with my roof and now seem to be getting results :rofl: Roofs working fine now just won't lock in the down position but I'm hoping the micro switch I have on order from BMW will sort that and it's worth the £20 to try.

After some searching for info I finally managed to track down the 2 hidden side screws to get the 'Windshield Frame Cover' off to inspect the locking mechanism.

To take it off you need a T20 screwdriver or a T20 socket,

1- First you need to lower the roof just past half way, NOTE if the roofs not down enough you won't see the side screws, I had the engine running as the roof will creep down otherwise.
2- Then remove the cover that hides the part for manually releasing the roof, where the Allen Key goes. Then remove the screw at the back, it will be obvious which one it is.
3- Then remove the 4 little screws at the front of the panel.
4- Then remove the side screws (one on each side) it won't come off without breaking unless you Remove them as I very nearly found out.

So that's a total of 7 screws to remove and with a bit of wiggling she's off. I disconnected the blue wire connector and simply used WD40 to lubricate all the hinges and moving parts as well as the wire connectors and as if by magic my roof now goes up and locks into place and even the flashing red light goes out :D

If someone can tell me how to add photos I'll take some pictures if anyone needs them.

Happy days, for now


I have a smiler problem where the lock just won't open fully, giving it a little push up opens it perfectly, which is really annoying me as I have had a gaptech for a year now suddenly I can't use it properly. Is there anyway you could take some pics of the screw location PK as I think my release locking mechanism needs a spray too :D

Cheers in advance.
 
Nur5ey said:
PKZ4 said:
So I've had the weekend to tinker with my roof and now seem to be getting results :rofl: Roofs working fine now just won't lock in the down position but I'm hoping the micro switch I have on order from BMW will sort that and it's worth the £20 to try.

After some searching for info I finally managed to track down the 2 hidden side screws to get the 'Windshield Frame Cover' off to inspect the locking mechanism.

To take it off you need a T20 screwdriver or a T20 socket,

1- First you need to lower the roof just past half way, NOTE if the roofs not down enough you won't see the side screws, I had the engine running as the roof will creep down otherwise.
2- Then remove the cover that hides the part for manually releasing the roof, where the Allen Key goes. Then remove the screw at the back, it will be obvious which one it is.
3- Then remove the 4 little screws at the front of the panel.
4- Then remove the side screws (one on each side) it won't come off without breaking unless you Remove them as I very nearly found out.

So that's a total of 7 screws to remove and with a bit of wiggling she's off. I disconnected the blue wire connector and simply used WD40 to lubricate all the hinges and moving parts as well as the wire connectors and as if by magic my roof now goes up and locks into place and even the flashing red light goes out :D

If someone can tell me how to add photos I'll take some pictures if anyone needs them.

Happy days, for now


I have a smiler problem where the lock just won't open fully, giving it a little push up opens it perfectly, which is really annoying me as I have had a gaptech for a year now suddenly I can't use it properly. Is there anyway you could take some pics of the screw location PK as I think my release locking mechanism needs a spray too :D

Cheers in advance.




The screws are obvious when you peel the roof back. Its just the 2 on the sides which needs 2 people to do because you have to move the roof about a bit to see them, they are only small screws and need to be kept hold of when unscrewed or they drop onto the car floor where the carpet monster eats them.
 
Back
Top Bottom