Z4 E85 Roof motor issue

[MarkG]

Hi guys, after some help please!

I’m aware of numerous issues with E85 roofs but this has just happened and as I’m a fairly useless mechanic except for basics, I’m hoping there’s someone local to me (Chesterfield, Derbyshire) that might be able to sort it without ripping me off.

I’ve had my z4 3.0 (2004 / Auto / 72k) for around a year and the motor has worked fine until today. I heard the sound of fluid sloshing around to my right as I opened the hood, and could see some located in the recess below the mechanism. I managed to raise it again and then it pretty much stopped moving. It’s looking like it’s dumped all the hydraulic fluid out somehow. The motor has previously been relocated to avoid the water issues and is still working electrically. Fortunately I’ve been able to use the release tab and manually raise and lower with the electronics still locking it in either open or closed position, so I’m pretty sure it’s just something like a failed hose or fitting of some sort on the hydraulics, but in no way do I fancy trying to remove the hood to locate the offending part. Help & advice much appreciate!!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[t-tony]

Hi Mark, if the motor has been relocated into the boot you might be able to see where the fluid is leaking from. The motor is originally located on the passenger side behind the door in the side panel. Usually relocated in the boot, again at the front left corner of the boot space as you look into the boot. @Z Victor 1 , Ken how local to you was the guy who fixed your roof please?

Tony.

 

[billz]

Hi Mark, if the motor has been relocated into the boot you might be able to see where the fluid is leaking from. The motor is originally located on the passenger side behind the door in the side panel. Usually relocated in the boot, again at the front left corner of the boot space as you look into the boot. @Z Victor 1 , Ken how local to you was the guy who fixed your roof please?

Tony.

I think he went to the guy who did mine in County Durham

 

[MarkG]

Thanks for the reply Tony, the motor is as you say located to the left in the boot but the noise of fluid escaping was from the right hand side behind my head as the roof lowered and some fluid is visible in the side gap in the recess when the roof is down. I will have a proper look in the boot space tomorrow though and try and trace it.
The motor had already been relocated when I bought it, but It was from about 150 miles away South. Durham is a bit far in the other direction so Hoping to find a more local specialist!

 

[Jasn]

A couple of months ago, I had thought the motor in mine had drowned after the car was left out in heavy rain for a couple of days, but the motor was OK. My mechanic took the roof off and found the seals in the hydraulic ram on the left side had failed. He ended up importing two reconditioned hydraulic rams from the US to Australia (he had the car for a month, but it didn't matter since we weren't really allowed to drive anywhere anyway), fitting those, putting new fluid in etc. It works better now than it ever did. I will refrain from saying what this little exercise cost me. If you end up with the roof off make sure you/whoever fixes the problem bleeds all the air out of the system before you put the roof back on. My mechanic hooked it up while it was sitting on the floor of his workshop and put it up and down however many times to get all the air out and get the fluid level right. But your problem might be simpler — just a hose or something.

 

[MarkG]

Hi and thanks for that info, certainly sounds very similar to what might have happened with mine, sounded like fluid was being slowly squeezed from a hydraulic ram with air being then taken in when operated the other way. Worked a couple of times then failed completely I guess as the fluid completely emptied.
At least it gives me a bit of info to give to whoever I can get to tackle the job for me.
Anyone reading this willing and able to sort this within reasonable distance of Chesterfield or know someone?
Thanks for helpful replies

 

[Z Victor 1]

Hi there @MarkG, not the same thing for me. I just wanted my motor relocating to the boot and the guy near Durham was recommended as both good and cheap, and he was. @Domenico T Diiorio is near you in Chesterfield so he may know of a good BMW place nearby. Quarry Motors at Sheffield have done work for a friend of mine and he was happy with them.They break, so have lots of used parts.
Good luck, Ken.