Z4 top will not FULLY lock down

[Jimmytg]

So, I did a lit research in the service manual. Correct me if I'm wrong. Your problem is that when you put the top up, the catches which pull the top onto the windshield engage but stop before it is completely closed. you then have to finish the job with the manual crank. if this is what is happening, the problem might be the hall effect sensors in the front of the top where the latches are located. If you have access to the TIS, look at sections:
"54 34 125 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRIM ON CONVERTIBLE TOP CATCH .
54 34 159 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT CONVERTIBLE TOP LATCH .
54 34 160 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT CONVERTIBLE TOP CATCH ."

The service manual is a little hard to follow but there might not be a sensor on the right catch. and they use Latch and Catch interchangeably.
also the sensor seems to be in two parts and you might only have to adjust it but i don't see a procedure for doing that.
I hope this is helpful and not too confusing.

 

[enuff_zed]

So, I did a lit research in the service manual. Correct me if I'm wrong. Your problem is that when you put the top up, the catches which pull the top onto the windshield engage but stop before it is completely closed. you then have to finish the job with the manual crank. if this is what is happening, the problem might be the hall effect sensors in the front of the top where the latches are located. If you have access to the TIS, look at sections:
"54 34 125 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRIM ON CONVERTIBLE TOP CATCH .
54 34 159 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT CONVERTIBLE TOP LATCH .
54 34 160 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT CONVERTIBLE TOP CATCH ."

The service manual is a little hard to follow but there might not be a sensor on the right catch. and they use Latch and Catch interchangeably.
also the sensor seems to be in two parts and you might only have to adjust it but i don't see a procedure for doing that.
I hope this is helpful and not too confusing.

Good research, but the OP says the rear motor continues to run and definitely has a hall sensor hanging out of place so that will need addressing first.

 

[Bmwdon1941]

Well THANKS TO YOU GUYS I was able to locate its place (top sensor) and install it where it belongs.
Was a little tricky the screw in place to fasten it.
Top install set for tomorrow
I still can’t believe I was so remiss in not taking a picture of its location. GRRR
I’ll update after it’s all together.

 

[enuff_zed]

Well THANKS TO YOU GUYS I was able to locate its place (top sensor) and install it where it belongs.
Was a little tricky the screw in place to fasten it.
Top install set for tomorrow
I still can’t believe I was so remiss in not taking a picture of its location. GRRR
I’ll update after it’s all together.

Fingers crossed then

 

[Bmwdon1941]

You were very patient with me