Roof leaking and electrics not working

[Andrew Turner]

Hi All
So the roof on my 2001 1.9 z3 has been leaking for some time but recently seems to be getting worse. Every time i get into the car now i end up with a wet bum because the rain leaks (from what looks to be around the driver side window) onto the seat

Even more recently, the electric roof stopped working so i have been running it as a manual roof, i've tried all sorts to get the roof running and tested all the relays and switches. I'm wondering if it is possible to
A) remove the hydraulics, and motors to make the roof easier to lift as a manual roof and
B) does anyone know how to fix the leaking roof

Please bear in mind on the island I live (St Helena island in the South Atlantic), I have the only Z3 and parts can take as long as 3 months to get to me so any fixes that can be done with limited resources would be appreciated

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Grumps]

The leak could possibility be on top of the A pillar. Open the roof, push the triangular grommet down into the pillar and fill with silicone sealant. Worked for me.

 

[Bampz]

Hi Andrew
As Grumps says check A pillar but could also be where the top of the window meets the rubbers on the roof frame , window may need adjusting to seal any gaps , as for the electric roof I had this issue on mine and it was a faulty micro switch which is situated in the roof frame above the passenger seat behind a little plate held to the frame by two screws , I just connected the two wires together to test and the roof worked so replace switch and all ok, there is a how to thread on the forum perhaps someone could set up the link for you as I'm not that clever

 

[Antm72]

The micro switch in the roof is one issue but the wore that runs to it may be damaged too, worth checking.

 

[Althulas]

Brake light switch has a circuit to the brake lights and the roof as well. Best check your carpets as well as the insulation can hold a lot of water.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hi Andrew, you can disconnect the hydraulic ram that lifts your roof. It's only one nut, where it bolts to the roof frame bracket

 

[Ianmc]

I have the manual roof, little to go wrong and quick to lower. Good upgrade for you methinks!

 

[Mint]

Don't know what you are like with electrics but here's the soft top wiring diagram. May help you, best of luck.

 

[Andrew Turner]

I have the manual roof, little to go wrong and quick to lower. Good upgrade for you methinks!

I agree, plus a little less weight can go a long way

 

[Andrew Turner]

The leak could possibility be on top of the A pillar. Open the roof, push the triangular grommet down into the pillar and fill with silicone sealant. Worked for me.

Thank you so much Did this yesterday and its the first day in weeks I've been able to drive to work with a dry seat

 

[Andrew Turner]

Hi Andrew
As Grumps says check A pillar but could also be where the top of the window meets the rubbers on the roof frame , window may need adjusting to seal any gaps , as for the electric roof I had this issue on mine and it was a faulty micro switch which is situated in the roof frame above the passenger seat behind a little plate held to the frame by two screws , I just connected the two wires together to test and the roof worked so replace switch and all ok, there is a how to thread on the forum perhaps someone could set up the link for you as I'm not that clever

Do you or anyone have a photo of where the switch is located?

 

[Grumps]

Thank you so much Did this yesterday and its the first day in weeks I've been able to drive to work with a dry seat

Excellent, pleased it's worked for you.

 

[Bampz]

If you highlight Articles on the bar at the top of the page and click on articles list you will see a thread for roof micro switch replacement , hope this helps

 

[Mint]

Do you or anyone have a photo of where the switch is located?

Have a look at this article -

https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-hood-micro-switch-replacement.52/