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Hardtops off but...

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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DMC63
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Hardtops off but...

Post by DMC63 » Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:18 pm

Yep, the hardtop came off this morning. Soft-top popped up and all was right with the universe...Until I got in the car :?
Now, I knew at this point my ocd would kick in, and it did. :)
First off I checked all the seals where the top meets the windscreen were ok. Drivers side, check, passenger side...we have a problem Euston. There was a small gap between the rubber seal that sits atop the door window and abuts the windscreen seal. No problem I 'massaged' the rubber roof seal forward to meet the windscreen seal nicely. Once again all was well with the universe...Until I popped the roof down and up again. :(
It's been nearly 6 months since I opened and closed the soft-top and I can't remember what it used to close like or how it looked once it was closed.

Here's my questions (for those who are still awake)
At the point of the soft-top securing itself to the screen is there and audible click as the claws from the roof clamp into place?
I don't get a click as it locks into place. More of a clunk as the top meets the screen and the sound of the motor for a second or so and that's it.

When the top is closed there's a visible gap on the inside when I look up I can see the locking mechanisms through a gap between the top and screen. See pic. I'm not sure it this was like this before :?

Should there be a gap?
P1030328.JPG
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BMW Z4 2003 2.5i and lots of bits and pieces - 2016 - 2020 Sold

Kbs133
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Hardtops off but...

Post by Kbs133 » Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:46 pm

You can't see the mechanism on mine. Looks like the motor isn't completing the final part. I think you maybe able to close the last bit manually but sure someone will be along soon to assist
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DMC63
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Hardtops off but...

Post by DMC63 » Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:16 pm

The roof is is sitting flush and tight fitting to the screen rubber. I'm guessing/hoping this is the way it should be.
P1030335.JPG
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buzyg
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Hardtops off but...

Post by buzyg » Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:22 pm

No click when mine closes. No gap either. Looks just like yours on the outside. I asume it's not letting in water, so perhaps the lining has moved. :?
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DMC63
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Hardtops off but...

Post by DMC63 » Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:35 pm

buzyg wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:22 pm No click when mine closes. No gap either. Looks just like yours on the outside. I asume it's not letting in water, so perhaps the lining has moved. :?
What car have you got? Doesn't say in you sig. Though I can see a silver z in the pic.
Nope, no water leaking in. I can't see how it can close any further because the top is sitting home on the outside.
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Hardtops off but...

Post by buzyg » Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:41 pm

DMC63 wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:35 pm
buzyg wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:22 pm No click when mine closes. No gap either. Looks just like yours on the outside. I asume it's not letting in water, so perhaps the lining has moved. :?
What car have you got? Doesn't say in you sig. Though I can see a silver z in the pic.
Nope, no water leaking in. I can't see how it can close any further because the top is sitting home on the outside.
Z4M, but surely the roof is the same on all the fun Zeds.
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Hardtops off but...

Post by firebobby » Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:56 pm

Hi David, I don't get a click, just a whine as the lock motor pulls the roof down. If I shine torch up through the 5 to 6 mm gap I can just see part of the lock mech. My outside sits about the same as yours does.
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Hardtops off but...

Post by Crazy Harry » Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:18 pm

Had my Zed since January - I like a lot of 'top off' action done more miles topless than topped already (Norfolk to Oxford and back last week for example0. No reason to question the closure of the roof. Sort of locks in place with a reassuring rubber locking sound.

Just been out to look for you (with a torch) - I have a gap and I can see the mechanism - OMG is mine broke :o

Seriously mine is water tight - I think they are all like this (I hope :lol: ).

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Hardtops off but...

Post by DMC63 » Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:45 pm

Thanks everyone for the feedback :) This assures me that this is the way they fit. It's water tight and secure.
All is well in the universe...again :D
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Hardtops off but...

Post by srhutch » Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:51 pm

Give it a few days and the rubber may sort itself out and fill the gap.
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Hardtops off but...

Post by Russ59 » Mon Apr 24, 2017 10:01 pm

DMC63 wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:18 pm Yep, the hardtop came off this morning. Soft-top popped up and all was right with the universe...Until I got in the car :?
Now, I knew at this point my ocd would kick in, and it did. :)
First off I checked all the seals where the top meets the windscreen were ok. Drivers side, check, passenger side...we have a problem Euston. There was a small gap between the rubber seal that sits atop the door window and abuts the windscreen seal. No problem I 'massaged' the rubber roof seal forward to meet the windscreen seal nicely. Once again all was well with the universe...Until I popped the roof down and up again. :(
It's been nearly 6 months since I opened and closed the soft-top and I can't remember what it used to close like or how it looked once it was closed.

Here's my questions (for those who are still awake)
At the point of the soft-top securing itself to the screen is there and audible click as the claws from the roof clamp into place?
I don't get a click as it locks into place. More of a clunk as the top meets the screen and the sound of the motor for a second or so and that's it.

When the top is closed there's a visible gap on the inside when I look up I can see the locking mechanisms through a gap between the top and screen. See pic. I'm not sure it this was like this before :?

Should there be a gap?
P1030328.JPG



Just had a look at mine and it's exactly same as yours, I've had no probs.
2005, 3.0l Toledo Blue, sports seats, sports suspension, ZHP, MFSW,4 clear spot rear lights, clear side repeaters and third brake light , 19" AXE EX14 wheels, DIY carbon badges, interior parts gloss black wrapped, rear spoiler

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Hardtops off but...

Post by D4dawg » Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:09 pm

Have to look at mine when next out now hahah
Gives a nice if hard clunk when contacts with top of screen
Then it tightens with no noise I think
Roof down in sun will warm and sort your rubbers out

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Hardtops off but...

Post by enzed4 » Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:58 pm

Measured the gap on mine - 5mm across the length of the windscreen. TBH never noticed it before you posted, guess I've never really had a need to look there before. So it would seem yours is normal. Although if it's 6mm or more you should probably get a new Z4.... :P
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Hardtops off but...

Post by DMC63 » Tue Apr 25, 2017 11:31 am

enzed4 wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:58 pm Measured the gap on mine - 5mm across the length of the windscreen. TBH never noticed it before you posted, guess I've never really had a need to look there before. So it would seem yours is normal. Although if it's 6mm or more you should probably get a new Z4.... :P
It's under 6mm. Phew! :thumbsup:
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