Soft top problems

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi all. I have been experiencing problems with my electric soft top. 60% of the time, it works straight away with no fuss, but the other 40% of the time it won't move. It doesn't make any weird noises. Some days it takes numerous attempts to get it going. Is it likely to be the micro switch? Anyone else had this?
Cheers Phil.

 

[hard top]

it likely to be the micro switch?

Probably, in the meantime, switch off the hydro pump in the boot and you can lower and raise the roof by hand.

 

[Antm72]

It may be the switch or the wire that feeds from it
I think its an earth that completes when the roof is lifted and switch activated.
Loss would result in no action.

 

[hard top]

Have a read of this @PHILIP BAXTER ....... https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-hood-micro-switch-replacement.52/

 

[hard top]

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

@PHILIP BAXTER

 

[Grumps]

Does the pump carry a fluid? If so low level would stop it working.

 

[Rudyrov]

Mine had a bad switch, in my car (USA Version Left hand Drive) there is a micro-switch switch just over your left ear in the top mechanism. Mine was bad and prevented the top from moving. You can look in the electrical section of your manual for the function of the switch, I would tell you but I don't remember off hand.

 

[gookah]

brake pedal switch is a regular issue. When the roof doesn't work see if you can see the brake lights come on? back up against a wall or anything that will light up. No brake lights means no power to roof.

Dead easy to prove / rule out

 

[t-tony]

Just beat me to that conclusion Pete. First basic check.

Tony.

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

brake pedal switch is a regular issue. When the roof doesn't work see if you can see the brake lights come on? back up against a wall or anything that will light up. No brake lights means no power to roof.

Dead easy to prove / rule out

Hi @gookah & @t-tony, just been out to the garage. The brake lights were working, and so was the hood.

 

[hard top]

so was the hood.

Strange, something intermittent.....

 

[Mint]

Hi all. I have been experiencing problems with my electric soft top. 60% of the time, it works straight away with no fuss, but the other 40% of the time it won't move

I had exactly this problem and it was the brake light switch. It also made the cruise control as intermittent as the roof... Not complicated to change just a bit awkward to do.

brake pedal switch is a regular issue. When the roof doesn't work see if you can see the brake lights come on? back up against a wall or anything that will light up. No brake lights means no power to roof.

Spot on Pete