Electric roof failure
Electric roof failure
Hi Guys,
When I bought my Z3, 3 months back, the electric roof failed when the seller tried to put it down, so he did it manually using the override and then after that it worked, we tried it 50 times before buying and it worked every single time after. To be honest I knew it would probably fail at some point in the future as it was obviously on its way out when it didn't work the first time we tried it but i was after a little project car so wasn't put off.
That failure then happened again today for the first time since and tons of use in between! Now it wont go up or down on electrics, only using the manual override. So my question, before I buy a replacement electric pump off flebay, is there anything else worth trying first? Anything simple that might not be pump related? Im just presuming the pump has failed, is this then most common fault though?
Thanks guys
Ken
When I bought my Z3, 3 months back, the electric roof failed when the seller tried to put it down, so he did it manually using the override and then after that it worked, we tried it 50 times before buying and it worked every single time after. To be honest I knew it would probably fail at some point in the future as it was obviously on its way out when it didn't work the first time we tried it but i was after a little project car so wasn't put off.
That failure then happened again today for the first time since and tons of use in between! Now it wont go up or down on electrics, only using the manual override. So my question, before I buy a replacement electric pump off flebay, is there anything else worth trying first? Anything simple that might not be pump related? Im just presuming the pump has failed, is this then most common fault though?
Thanks guys
Ken
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- Joined: Tue 19 Nov, 2013 20:30
- Posts: 56
- Location: Taverham Norfolk
Re: Electric roof failure
I had the same thing happen and the problem was a micro switch on one of the joints of the roof frame, cleaned and spray cured it. hope yours is as easy.
Re: Electric roof failure
Never heard of a roof motor failing, there is a micro switch in the roof on the passenger side and a wire that runs down the frame, check this wire as they can become brittle and break, another thing to look at is your brake switch, do your brake lights work?
Re: Electric roof failure
Hi guys, thanks for quick responses. Yes brake lights all work.
Is there anywhere id find a diagram of where the micro-switch is or photos do you know, or is it obvious when you look?
Is there anywhere id find a diagram of where the micro-switch is or photos do you know, or is it obvious when you look?
Re: Electric roof failure
Actually, dont worry, just googled it. Will perhaps try and fix the switch or buy a replacement switch first then, thanks
Re: Electric roof failure
More likely to be the wire than the micro switch, just trace the loom down the roof frame.
Re: Electric roof failure
Sorry, bit of a car novice. When you say its more likely to be the wire, how do you test that out?
Also, anyone know where you can buy the microswitch or the part number?
Also, anyone know where you can buy the microswitch or the part number?
Re: Electric roof failure
Since found that too, part number; 54348407250
Only UK price I can find is £70!!!
Only UK price I can find is £70!!!
Re: Electric roof failure
In the knowledge base, all you need to know to repair a microswitch.
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=34454
Hope this helps
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=34454
Hope this helps
Re: Electric roof failure
Thanks, just trying to work out how to ensure it is the switch before I start taking it all apart, worried about doing all that work and it being something different!!
Re: Electric roof failure
You can test by bypassing the switch and cable completely at the connector by the lefthand (UK passenger) seatbelt turret. If that works, then you can start to narrow it down to either the microswitch or the cable.
Another possibility is the roof up-down switch itself on the dash. I have heard at least one occurrence of this over the years I've been on here.
Cheers R.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Another possibility is the roof up-down switch itself on the dash. I have heard at least one occurrence of this over the years I've been on here.
Cheers R.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Re: Electric roof failure
Ah ok, didnt know there was another terminal as such, will take a look. Appreciate the help, good man!
Re: Electric roof failure
Robert T wrote:You can test by bypassing the switch and cable completely at the connector by the lefthand (UK passenger) seatbelt turret. If that works, then you can start to narrow it down to either the microswitch or the cable.
Another possibility is the roof up-down switch itself on the dash. I have heard at least one occurrence of this over the years I've been on here.
Cheers R.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Have looked and couldnt find the connector by the seatbelt turret as described above, can anyone poinpoint this for me, is it under carpet, under seat, behind trim etc? any pics? thank you - Need to find why my roof isnt working!
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: Electric roof failure
Trace where the wire from the microswitch goes into the side trim, and it's just in there.
Re: Electric roof failure
OK, followed it into the trim so its a 'trim off' jobbie?
Re: Electric roof failure
Just found these pictures that show the braided lead and the white switch/connector.
Apologies if im being dumb, but how does that help me know what is or isnt working, isnt it just a connector? Rather than a switch as such???
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt ... cro-Switch
Apologies if im being dumb, but how does that help me know what is or isnt working, isnt it just a connector? Rather than a switch as such???
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt ... cro-Switch
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: Electric roof failure
You need to unplug the switch and then bridge the terminals to emulate the switch being in the closed (allowing the roof mechanism to operate) position. If the roof then works, you have a dud switch. If not, then the trouble-shooting moves on. Do bear in mind that with the terminals bridged you have to make sure you have lifted the front of the roof up properly because if you don't, and the mechanism runs, you can damage the roof frame.
Re: Electric roof failure
In total agreement with Blade runner , his suggestions is how I traced my faulty roof to a failed micro switch,
I just disconnected the two wires from micro switch taped them together tested roof and hey presto worked fine . Used the fix on the link to replace switch
I just disconnected the two wires from micro switch taped them together tested roof and hey presto worked fine . Used the fix on the link to replace switch
Re: Electric roof failure
If you go into the knowledge base , click on z3 , stroll down to soft top and hard top there is an excellent thread on micro switch fix