Z4 roof closes but not open after next pump UK

[jaygoodwin]

Hi all

I've had the common problem with the roof motor being sat in a puddle of water.

I've purchased a motor from Graham at roofmotors.co.uk.

I've replaced the motor and the propeller (plastic spinning part) in the pump.

I've then relocated the pump into the boot to prevent further issues.

However the motor won't open the roof. It is clearly spinning and you have to help it open manually.

Once fully open the motor perfectly closes the roof with no issue.

The motor when closing the roof sounds like it's under pressure pumping though hydraulic fluid.
However when trying to open it sounds like the motor is spinning freely under no pressure.

Has anyone got any ideas or could recommend someone who could take a look.
I'm in sheffield UK

Thank you

 

[enuff_zed]

Well, firstly, welcome to the forum.
As I'm sure you've discovered, there is a wealth of information here via the 'search' facility.
Also, it would be great to see and hear more about your car, over in the newbies section.

Regarding your problem, have you made sure you have enough fluid in the reservoir? After the initial fill, it may have dropped a little as air comes out of the system.
I believe it also takes a few operations up and down in order to bleed the hydraulics properly too.

Another diagnosis method would be to reverse the pipes on the motor, simply swapping the two sets to the opposite ports, and see if your issue then occurs in the opposite direction.

There are a few roof specialists on the forum, with Number5 seeming to be the most active, so hopefully you'll get more targeted advice soon.

 

[jaygoodwin]

Hi Thanks for the reply.

I've topped up, actually removed the reservoir as advice from Graham. Clean it all out, re fit then filled up. Loosened the manual release pin in the pump also which seems to be loose so expect its not seized.
I've swapped terminals over on the pump. It reverses movement but still issue with opening not closing.
I've also loosened up rusted motor with drill.
This actually closes the roof now but again won't open.
So it's either the pump but not so sure it is, or a hydraulic line fault? Or a ram fault ??
I'm really hoping there is someone local who could advice/take a look.

Thanks

 

[Number5]

The problem is with the pump head and not the motor. If you swap the hydraulic lines (keeping in pairs) over to the other ports AND swap the two electrical connections on the motor, I bet you'll find the issue swaps directions. (i.e It will open but not close)

Edited : This is a common problem, even with some new refurbished pumps offered by some companies.

 

[thespannerman]

I’ve got this problem with a complete pump/motor from roofmotors and Graham isn’t really interested in resolving the problem, but it sounds like you only brought the motor and not the pump part.

Al

 

[Number5]

I’ve got this problem with a complete pump/motor from roofmotors and Graham isn’t really interested in resolving the problem, but it sounds like you only brought the motor and not the pump part.

Al

Good point. I thought I read that he'd purchased both motor and pump, but you are correct. I'll edit my post.

 

[Number5]

I've got 6 weak/faulty pump heads here. I may offer to send them to Graham and see if they are any use to him and if he can fully refurbish them.

 

[thespannerman]

From what I can see I think he just cleans them and adds new motors, so does nothing with the pump heads , as his website warranty details that it only covers the motor.

Al

 

[enuff_zed]

If you swap the hydraulic lines (keeping in pairs) over to the other ports AND swap the two electrical connections on the motor, I bet you'll find the issue swaps directions. (i.e It will open but not close)

That's why I was hoping you'd appear Alan. I missed swapping the connectors over.

 

[Number5]

If you don’t swap the electrical connections too, your dash buttons will operate in the opposite/wrong directions

 

[jaygoodwin]

Graham is short of the pump heads he said.
But will only sell them with the motors.
I'm sure he would love them for the right price.
Can you promise me one? Lol

I'm just about the reverse the pipes to test. Will let you know

Thanks all

 

[jaygoodwin]

Hi all
Swapped pipes and wires over
Worked the opposite way.
So appears to definitely be the pump.
Does anyone have a working one they are willing to sell?
Thanks

 

[thespannerman]

@ number5

Would you be able to supply me a pump head, as I’d like to see if they can be refurbished. It’s my opinion that Graham doesn’t refurbish the pump head, just cleans them and adds a new motor.

It certainly looks like he doesn’t test them for full operation

Al

 

[jaygoodwin]

Hi all
After speaking to Graham he does refurbish them however there are 2 types
Early and later.
The latest ones can be refurbished but the early ones cannot.

The early ones have 2 identical alloy screws on the side of time pump where as the later ones are slightly different sizes

 

[thespannerman]

His web site states refurbished pumps, but given what he’s told you this clearly isn’t the case. If I can get another pump I will be returning the one I purchased from him for a full refund as it’s never worked correctly from day one.

Does anyone know who manufacturered the pump for bmw?

Al

 

[thespannerman]

Has anyone looked at or tried the hydraulic repair kit:

Genuine BMW Z8 E85 Roadster Rooftop Hydraulics Repair Kit OEM 54347114081

Car model:
Z4 E85   (01/2002 — 08/2008)

Item description: Brand new

Part No: 54347114081

Wondered if this contained bits to fix the pump?

Al

 

[BumpyZ4]

That "kit" is pretty worthless it only contains the external bits. See the below picture.

 

[Jas- USA]

I'm not sure exactly what pump part is need, but here is a UK based company which sells parts for convertible car roof motors/pumps.

https://roofmotors.co.uk/index.php?route=product/search&sort=p.price&order=ASC&search=Z4

Although, I'm in the USA, I retained this site because they are the only business I've ever come across which sells parts for roof motors/pumps and they claim they will ship world wide.

 

[thespannerman]

Sorry but that’s the company that sold me my pump that has a problem, and they don’t refurb the pump heads on all pumps, just replace the motors. The customer service isn’t great either.

Al

 

[Number5]

@ number5
Would you be able to supply me a pump head, as I’d like to see if they can be refurbished. It’s my opinion that Graham doesn’t refurbish the pump head, just cleans them and adds a new motor.

It certainly looks like he doesn’t test them for full operation

Al

I'll have a look at the ones I've got and see if they are the fixable type ( drop me a pm with contact details )