So, my roofs finally died

[Tommo]

About 2 months after my first problem with the roof (sorted by lubing up the catches) my roof has finally died. I can't for the life of me find my manuals around the house so they must be at work.

The only thing I did the other day was push in the handle behind me in the centre console because of the squeeking. Is this just a coincidence?

The roof unlatches but then just wont go any further and the motor doesn't even attempt to work to move the roof, the same when I go to raise the roof.

There is a local bmw specialist near to me would these be capable of doing this job or is BMW my only option?

[Shipkiller]

If you are handy with tools, you can do it and SAVE a ton of money.

How to remove the softtop from the car: http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic ... 12&t=10189

How to replace your softtop motor: http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic ... 12&t=10190

[Tommo]

Thank Shipkiller... I have had a look at your guides to check how complicated it all looks. The truth is, aside from topping up washer fluid & Oil, Im as clueless as they come.

Its not like I've got £1000 to burn its just I know for a fact Im not capable of doing it and will likely end up getting half way and getting stuck, messing it up even further.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh *and breathe...*

[Shipkiller]

In the two months in between my motor going out and me fixing it, I lowered and raised my roof manually.

I set the bypass (to be always bypassed) in the trunk and hit the button to unlock the locks then pushed the top down, then hit the button again to lock it in place.

I did the reverse to raise. I hit the button to unlock the top, then put both hands behind me (while sitting in the drivers seat) and pulled the top up, then hit the button again to lock it in place.... Works....

[Mr Whippy]

Sounds like a good temporary get around until you can fix it!

I'd probably save up and get it done if you can't bring yourself to do it Tommo, but in the mean time it won't break any more if you use it manually

Bit of a bugger of course, but at least it IS fixable, and when you get it done you know it'll not go again if you keep your drains clear, and it'll be a selling point too I'd think!

Dave

[Tommo]

I think I could live with that for a few weeks. Whats the bypass in the trunk? Ive seen the red cable and tried pulling it with a little force and it didn't want to budge ?

[Tommo]

Thanks Dave. I think Im going to get it looked at tomorrow at my local specialist. Ive got the back up money for stuff like this anyway, but Im due an Inspection II in about 2-3 weeks time aswell so its call come at once Oh and I bought 2 new rear tyres on Friday.

It doesn't just rain it pours

[Shipkiller]

Yep, it's the red cable.

You pull it (it does not move much) and hook the cable into the slit in the housing. This keeps the cable taught and allows the bypass valve to be initiated...

[Tommo]

Ok thanks Ive done that now.

Just one more question, the roof doesnt sit right down into the catch when I open it manually (even when I press the close button).
Is it ok to drive around like this?

[Shipkiller]

Can you push it down so it can lock in when you push the open button?

[2 Zero]

Seems like the whole top motor getting wet and stop working really is a design flaw!!

It's outside sitting in a sump that doesn't drain properly Of course it's gonna fail.

I just hope mine fails while still under warranty!!

[Mr Whippy]

I tested my drains the other day, by letting lots of water down them. Stood there for a minute or so with the hose pipe and it didn't come bubbling over the top

[Tommo]

I never did get around to clearing my drains out...Live and Learn as they say.

Yeah I got it to lock now shipkiller, thanks for all your help dude

[Tommo]

I'm being told there are 3 motors?? Is this correct? Will all 3 need replacing?

Confused...

[Shipkiller]

ONE, I repeat, ONE motor.....