Roof motor

[Disky]

what's the most common fault for a roof motor to fail ?

Mine is u/s and I've got an auto spark due to check some stuff soon, but was wondering if it could be something as simple as a relay or switch ,,,,, or is it normally a new motor needed ?

Thanks
Ray

 

[hard top]

Have you checked your hydro oil level?

 

[Disky]

Have you checked your hydro oil level?

No mate, I've not, will have a better look tomorrow.

When pressing the switch inside the car nothing happens, no noises or clicks etc.

There is a large sort of key on the,pump which reduces the pressure required to move the roof (hyd ram) and it does change, would that mean there is enough hyd fluid in the system ?

 

[hard top]

There is a large sort of key on the,pump which reduces the pressure required to move the roof (hyd ram) and it does change, would that mean there is enough hyd fluid in the system ?

No, that key is just to shut it down, have a read of this.

https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-electric-hood-emergency-release-key.23/

And this.

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

 

[Grumps]

I'd say if there is nothing at the pump then it's power related. Broken wire or maybe the switch is u/s.

 

[Mint]

Sorry if you already know this but to raise the roof you have to have your foot on the brake pedal and raise the roof about 6 inches as well as pushing the button...

 

[Brian H]

Sorry if you already know this but to raise the roof you have to have your foot on the brake pedal and raise the roof about 6 inches as well as pushing the button...

My initial thoughts too. The wire to the microswitch can also fail.

 

[Antm72]

It may be the micro switch in the hood frame if the wire is snapped it will not allow the pump to run

 

[Disky]

Thanx for all the replies.

The pump looks newish, and the fluid level shows in the middle of the target shape on the pump so I take that's a level indicator ?

Yup tried with brake on, with just ignition and also when running, still no joy.

I'll ask sparky guy to check the microswitch and relays etc. I wouldn't have a clue where to start lol.

 

[Dino D]

Never heard of a failed Z3 roof in terms of motor/hydraulics. Usually the micro switch in the roof - you need to push the first section if roof up a bit so it closes the switch and then the motor takes over from there. That switch can get worn.
You have probably figured out that you can operate the roof manually by turning the T handle on the pump to disconnect it in the meantime

 

[Disky]

Had a look at the roof just now but can't see a switch in the roof, can anyone tell me where it could be or even a pic ?

Merci

 

[Brian H]

Microswitch is on the roof frame above the passanger head, are you lifting the front of the roof 5-6" before pushing the switch?

 

[Disky]

Microswitch is on the roof frame above the passanger head, are you lifting the front of the roof 5-6" before pushing the switch?

Yes mate I was.

 

[Redsheep]

Brian helped me last year at the Scottish run when mine gave up.

Released the pressure so I could use it manually, but then checked the wiring at passenger side.....a bit was frayed just behind passenger left shoulder........cut & reconnected....fine since.

 

[Brian H]

Check your brake lights @Disky, the brake switches are known to fail and the electric motor uses the switch to complete the roof circuit.

 

[Mint]

Check your brake lights @Disky, the brake switches are known to fail and the electric motor uses the switch to complete the roof circuit.

Second that Brian, I had exactly this problem. It was intermittent but it was the brake light switch...

 

[Disky]

Brake lights are ok @Brian H

But good to know