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Soft top Roof Latch (Squeaky roof SOLVED)

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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Soft top Roof Latch (Squeaky roof SOLVED)

Post by Fanatic » Tue Sep 19, 2017 11:25 am

Ok, so I have read here that on facelift models (or some anyway) BMW removed the latch/lock which engages when the roof is fully open. This latch is known to create squeaks etc so I went ahead and removed the motor part out of the way. Now the roof just opens and sits on top of the metal part (circled in yellow in the pic) where the latch use to lock itself under. I do remember though a few years back on a friends Z4 facelift the he did not even have this metal part. He has sold his car now so I have no way to check. I was wondering if there is anyone here that does not have the metal part to take a photo so I can see how it looks on the FL cars. Also was wondering if the latch is missing what does the button (reddish circle) do?

Thanks

PHOTO:
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Last edited by Fanatic on Tue Sep 19, 2017 5:33 pm, edited 2 times in total.
04' Z4 2.5i Maldives Blue - 108 alloys - Hardtop - 3,0si brakes F/R, BMW sport stubby, K&N filter, chrome exhaust tips, ZHP shift knob, cruise control, sound generator, twin clear reverse light, led dome light and footwell lights. :driving:

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Ducklakeview
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Soft top Roof Latch

Post by Ducklakeview » Tue Sep 19, 2017 11:48 am

The motor part of the latch is in the roof, not on the car, what part did you remove? I suspect you've removed the locking motor for the cubby hole..

Mike

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Soft top Roof Latch

Post by Fanatic » Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:00 pm

Ducklakeview wrote: Tue Sep 19, 2017 11:48 am The motor part of the latch is in the roof, not on the car, what part did you remove? I suspect you've removed the locking motor for the cubby hole..

Mike
I removed this
Image


But I am also thinking on removing the metal bracket circled in yellow in the first post.
04' Z4 2.5i Maldives Blue - 108 alloys - Hardtop - 3,0si brakes F/R, BMW sport stubby, K&N filter, chrome exhaust tips, ZHP shift knob, cruise control, sound generator, twin clear reverse light, led dome light and footwell lights. :driving:

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Soft top Roof Latch

Post by MACK » Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:07 pm

The part you have circled (The metal bracket) can be removed as well, I've removed mine. The roof just sits in place under it's own weight once down. The button is the source of the infamous annoying squeak. One you have removed all the latch mech it may well stop as this is what causes the squeak. (Contact with the button) But if it doesn't stop it the button is now redundant so you can glue it shut . Ive done this but I'm not sure if it was a bit of overkill.
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Soft top Roof Latch

Post by Fanatic » Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:10 pm

MACK wrote: Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:07 pm The part you have circled (The metal bracket) can be removed as well, I've removed mine. The roof just sits in place under it's own weight once down. The button is the source of the infamous annoying squeak. One you have removed all the latch mech it may well stop as this is what causes the squeak. (Contact with the button) But if it doesn't stop it the button is now redundant so you can glue it shut . I be down this but I'm not sure if it was overkill.

I have already stopped most of the squeak just by removing the motor from the roof. But I was thinking of also removing the metal bracket (yellow circle) as it is useless to even be there. But I was also thinking since the FL models did not have it maybe there is a trim to buy and cover up the hole left. Any pictures of yours? Did you also remove the motor seen in post #3?
04' Z4 2.5i Maldives Blue - 108 alloys - Hardtop - 3,0si brakes F/R, BMW sport stubby, K&N filter, chrome exhaust tips, ZHP shift knob, cruise control, sound generator, twin clear reverse light, led dome light and footwell lights. :driving:

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Soft top Roof Latch

Post by Fanatic » Tue Sep 19, 2017 5:32 pm

Latch completely removed! No problem with roof lift even at high speeds! No squeaking anymore! I would call it a success! :driving:
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04' Z4 2.5i Maldives Blue - 108 alloys - Hardtop - 3,0si brakes F/R, BMW sport stubby, K&N filter, chrome exhaust tips, ZHP shift knob, cruise control, sound generator, twin clear reverse light, led dome light and footwell lights. :driving:

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Soft top Roof Latch

Post by Fanatic » Tue Sep 19, 2017 5:33 pm

I would want to hide that hole though so I am hoping to find which trim part the FL models had to cover it up.
04' Z4 2.5i Maldives Blue - 108 alloys - Hardtop - 3,0si brakes F/R, BMW sport stubby, K&N filter, chrome exhaust tips, ZHP shift knob, cruise control, sound generator, twin clear reverse light, led dome light and footwell lights. :driving:

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