Z4 E85 Roof Problem

[PKZ4]

Hi all I'm new to this site and in need of assistance.

Does anyone have any ideas as to why my roof won't unlock or lock ?

I have a flashing red light so I have to manually unlock the roof with the Allen key. Now when I press the down button nothing happens, so while holding the down button I apply a little pressure (pulling back) then the windows go down half way then the roof retracts under power all the way down but won't lock down into place ??

I then push the up button and the roof goes all the way up under power but when it hits the top it won't lock into place and I have to use the Allen key and manually lock the roof then do the windows up myself

I know the micro switch in the boot is fine as the roof won't come down if the shelf is up and I've lubricated the roof and it goes up and down is smoother as a result so just the unlocking/locking issues.

Any help would be much appreciated

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome PKZ4!

Not heard of this before. My Z4 roof would occasionally flash the red light, but would always go up and down eventually. Always used to get caught out with the little shelf in the wrong position.

Do the windows drop when you press the roof down button?

Gary

 

[PKZ4]

Hi Gary and Thxs for reply

Yes the windows work fine with no problems it's just the unlatching to lower, locking in the down position and then locking when the roofs up

 

[PKZ4]

So I've had the weekend to tinker with my roof and now seem to be getting results Roofs working fine now just won't lock in the down position but I'm hoping the micro switch I have on order from BMW will sort that and it's worth the £20 to try.

After some searching for info I finally managed to track down the 2 hidden side screws to get the 'Windshield Frame Cover' off to inspect the locking mechanism.

To take it off you need a T20 screwdriver or a T20 socket,

1- First you need to lower the roof just past half way, NOTE if the roofs not down enough you won't see the side screws, I had the engine running as the roof will creep down otherwise.
2- Then remove the cover that hides the part for manually releasing the roof, where the Allen Key goes. Then remove the screw at the back, it will be obvious which one it is.
3- Then remove the 4 little screws at the front of the panel.
4- Then remove the side screws (one on each side) it won't come off without breaking unless you Remove them as I very nearly found out.

So that's a total of 7 screws to remove and with a bit of wiggling she's off. I disconnected the blue wire connector and simply used WD40 to lubricate all the hinges and moving parts as well as the wire connectors and as if by magic my roof now goes up and locks into place and even the flashing red light goes out

If someone can tell me how to add photos I'll take some pictures if anyone needs them.
Happy days, for now

 

[GazHyde]

So I've had the weekend to tinker with my roof and now seem to be getting results Roofs working fine now just won't lock in the down position

That's good news. I did some searching last night and the Z4 roof is pretty complex!

If someone can tell me how to add photos I'll take some pictures if anyone needs them.

Uploading pictures is just a case of clicking "upload a file" which is next to the "post reply" button. You can upload multiple images at a go. They are then listed under the text editor box, and you can add them to the post either as a full sized image, or a thumbnail.

Once you've done that, then you can't post some pics of your car

 

[PKZ4]

Hi Gary

Think I just needed pointing in the right direction, I guess I should really do this from the PC as my iPad won't let me edit photos i.e draw arrow etc