Roof only going half way

[Momo87]

Hey,
So my roof only comes up half way the motor works fine just wondering is it an easy job to get it come up further?
Thanks

 

[t-tony]

The Z3 roof doesn't close fully with the motor Dean, it will only close to about 12" away from top of windscreen, you have to close the last bit manually, like you have to lift it back so far when you open it.. Sorry if you already knew that.

Tony.

 

[Momo87]

thanks yeah i'm aware of that the motor only brings it up a bit so I've to do a big reach back and pull the rest of the way.

 

[GazHyde]

Does the roof motor stop making a noise, or is it still trying to lift the roof as it's stopped? If the motor is still running then could be low hydraulic fluid.

If it stops and no sound could be either a faulty micro switch in the roof itself, or possibly a problem with the brake pedal switch causing similar.

This should give you an idea on the micro switch https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-hood-micro-switch-replacement.52/

As for fluid level, then it depends which pump you have in the left hand side of the boot behind the carpet. Later ones have a gauge on the side, see here. https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-electric-hood-emergency-release-key.23/

 

[Momo87]

The motor still runs, I'll get the Hydraulic fluid filled today, thanks so much for the help.

 

[Jack Ratt]

The motor still runs, I'll get the Hydraulic fluid filled today, thanks so much for the help.

Make sure you top it up while it's in the down position though

 

[pgunter]

The fluid should run through the middle of the target on the bottle. Do not overfill.

 

[Momo87]

so the fluid looks very low, going to go buy some now. I couldn't see any way of topping it up? is it a difficult job or is there a port to pour in the fluid?

 

[pgunter]

It should run level through the target dot. It may appear low but should be about half full max.

 

[Momo87]

It should run level through the target dot. It may appear low but should be about half full max.

Okay I'll keep an eye out for that, do you know how to top it up if it is running low?

 

[pgunter]

Looking at the realoem image it would appear that the oil goes in via one of the lines. See item 3 and what looks like a syringe nozzle. Hope that helps. I would say go to a chemist and get a cheap plastic one then make sure you have the correct fluid too.

 

[GazHyde]

It should run level through the target dot. It may appear low but should be about half full max.

It depends which pump he has Paul, earlier Zeds had a pump which didn't have a prominent marker on it like on your 3.0. Think Dean said his is a 98 2.8, and as usual no idea when BMW started switching them over to the later style.

I believe this is the earlier version from a quick google, so not sure how the level is shown. But it will be low when the roof is in the up position, and higher when the roof is down. Guessing somewhere in the middle, and there may be a marked on there somewhere!

 

[Momo87]

It looks very like the above diagram

 

[Momo87]

It's cool guys I found the answer thanks.

 

[Momo87]

So I've managed to get to this point, I have the fluid and syringe but I can't get to the refill point, that Allen bolt will not budge. I literally gave it everything I had at it wouldn't twist..... I was turning it counter clockwise. Is there something i'm doing wrong?

 

[gookah]

turn it harder, it will go all of a sudden. Get a small pipe on the allen key. Make sure it is seated properly so it doesn't round off

 

[Momo87]

That worked thanks, So I topped up the fluid and it made no difference. I think it must be the hydraulic cylinder itself. Anyone know of cheap place to get a replacement cylinder?

 

[Mint]

...Anyone know of cheap place to get a replacement cylinder?

@spurs fan in a coupe, @Synclare

 

[Antm72]

Have you tried releasing the bypass screw and manually lifting and dropping the roof a few times it may want air purging ?

 

[Momo87]

Hmmmm, Will try now thanks