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Roof motor

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
Tysonwills
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Roof motor

Post by Tysonwills » Sat Jun 17, 2017 11:14 pm

Hi
I haven't bought my z4 yet but I am currently looking at 2 in my area.
I have read that the roof motors fail quite a lot is they anyway I can check this on the vehicles before I purchase
What do I need to look out for

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obewan
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Post by obewan » Sun Jun 18, 2017 8:56 am

I think the only check is to try it and see if the operation is smooth and reasonably quick - it should be in the 8-10 second bracket.
You maybe be lucky and find it's already relocated to the boot by a previous owner
With the experts on here its' not the major expense it used to be as people have found ways to replace without removing the roof

Good luck with your search
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srhutch
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Post by srhutch » Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:13 am

Yes, not the fear it once was so I wouldn't worry about it too much.
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Number5
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Post by Number5 » Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:14 am

Stop it mid cycle and then start it again in either direction. That's a good test to indicate the strength of the motor.
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open.

Ask the owner when heblast cleared the drains and ask him how he did it and to point to where they exit. (About 3-4 inches in front of the rear wheels)

If he starts waffling you'll smell a rat.
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Roof motor

Post by D4dawg » Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:34 am

Stop hood half way and pour water round edge
If none comes out in front of rear wheels
You have an issue

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srhutch
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Post by srhutch » Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:38 am

Number5 wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:14 am Stop it mid cycle and then start it again in either direction. That's a good test to indicate the strength of the motor.
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open.

Ask the owner when heblast cleared the drains and ask him how he did it and to point to where they exit. (About 3-4 inches in front of the rear wheels)

If he starts waffling you'll smell a rat.
Not all Zeds have the latch. It was removed around facelift time, but some pre facelift owners have removed to stop it rubbing on the roof lining, which is what I have also done on my ///M.
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Post by Pastry » Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:42 am

[quote=Number5 post_id=1435399 time=1497773668 user_id=14788]
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open

Do they all 'latch down'? When I saw d4dawg his felt like it mechanically fixed down but mine and Dietcokemans doesn't?
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Pastry
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Post by Pastry » Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:43 am

srhutch wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:38 am
Number5 wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:14 am Stop it mid cycle and then start it again in either direction. That's a good test to indicate the strength of the motor.
Also check it latches right down on the rear bulkhead when it's open.

Ask the owner when heblast cleared the drains and ask him how he did it and to point to where they exit. (About 3-4 inches in front of the rear wheels)

If he starts waffling you'll smell a rat.
Not all Zeds have the latch. It was removed around facelift time, but some pre facelift owners have removed to stop it rubbing on the roof lining, which is what I have also done on my ///M.
Scrap my last question Number5 :D
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Post by firebobby » Sun Jun 18, 2017 1:31 pm

D4dawg wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:34 am Stop hood half way and pour water round edge
If none comes out in front of rear wheels
You have an issue
But nothing major, just a blocked drain :)
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Post by D4dawg » Sun Jun 18, 2017 5:27 pm

But motors been sat in that

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Post by firebobby » Sun Jun 18, 2017 5:59 pm

D4dawg wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2017 5:27 pm But motors been sat in that
Not if it's moved to the boot, it's a good bargaining tool if the roof isn't working though as there are plenty on here that can revive them :)
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Post by Ducklakeview » Sun Jun 18, 2017 6:41 pm

Tbh, I wouldn't worry about the roof operation if it is working. Relocating it however, is a wise move once you have bought one. As said, it's not a big job, takes me about 30 mins. Even if they fail, they CAN be brought back to life in about 15 mins and then go on to perform perfectly.

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Last edited by Ducklakeview on Sun Jun 25, 2017 12:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Tysonwills
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Roof motor

Post by Tysonwills » Sun Jun 18, 2017 6:44 pm

Thanks for all the advice guys.
The only problem if it needs sorted is I am in Northern Ireland does anyone know if there is someone here can sort it

Tysonwills
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Roof motor

Post by Tysonwills » Sun Jun 18, 2017 6:46 pm

Can the motor be replaced or moved without removing the top and if not is it a big job

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Post by D4dawg » Sun Jun 18, 2017 6:48 pm

If used all year id have mine done
But mines dry use only

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