Electric roof mechanism

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Z3andZ4
Joined: Fri 27 Apr, 2012 01:25
Posts: 215

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Electric roof mechanism

Post by Z3andZ4 »

Hi there

Can any helpful person share with me an idiot’s guide to trying to find the fault on my electric roof not working please?

Where do I start?

I know there’s a motor in the boot and an on/off switch incase it fails so it can be used manually, but that’s about all I know.

Any kind expert able to offer me any assistance please?

Thanks
Neil
2001 Z3 3 litre Sport Roadster - titanium and special
2006 Z4M coupe - Interlagos and red
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q62 ... huiwqu.jpg
LaRy
Joined: Mon 12 Nov, 2018 17:47
Posts: 149

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Post by LaRy »

Easier to give support if you mention what is not working. Motor totally silent and dead? Have you checked the fuse and so on.
One common problem is the microswitch in he softtop is broken, the one that checks if you have lifted the front end manually.
LaRy
Joined: Mon 12 Nov, 2018 17:47
Posts: 149

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Post by LaRy »

Easier to give support if you mention what is not working. Motor totally silent and dead? Have you checked the fuse and so on.
One common problem is the microswitch at the softtop frame is broken, the one that checks if you have lifted the front end manually.
Z3andZ4
Joined: Fri 27 Apr, 2012 01:25
Posts: 215

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Post by Z3andZ4 »

Thank you.

Where is the micro switch please?

Neil
2001 Z3 3 litre Sport Roadster - titanium and special
2006 Z4M coupe - Interlagos and red
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q62 ... huiwqu.jpg
Z3andZ4
Joined: Fri 27 Apr, 2012 01:25
Posts: 215

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Post by Z3andZ4 »

LaRy

Bit tricky for me to check everything at the mo as still got the hard top on!!!!!!

Wasn’t expecting such a rapid reply 😉

Am reluctant to take hard top off too soon as it always takes me a couple of weeks to secure it so it doesn’t leak. I put the hard top on and then a few weeks later tighten it and a few weeks later fully tighten it for tightness.

If you have a hard top you will know what I mean. I use the gummi pheldge stuff.

Neil
2001 Z3 3 litre Sport Roadster - titanium and special
2006 Z4M coupe - Interlagos and red
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q62 ... huiwqu.jpg
LaRy
Joined: Mon 12 Nov, 2018 17:47
Posts: 149

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Post by LaRy »

Actually, I have no problem to get the hardtop tight. Maybe leaking a little at the top front of the side windows. But it is plenty of adjusting possibilities.

The micro switch is placed in the soft top frame, left side just above the side window. In the spot where the front part is bended upwards when lifting it manually to make the motor start. But you need to close the softtop to reach the micro switch. But I assume you know that you can open a valve at the pump and do it manually.
Test micro switch by using a multi meter. Circuit should close when lifting the front part of the soft top.
You can also short that circuit. Important, start lifting the front before pressing the button. If it works, change the micro switch. If broken, go for an origin. It is expensive, but too much job to make some sort of copy to fit.
That switch has been changed twice in my Z3. If the switch is broken, please come back for some good advices how to make it simple.
Z3andZ4
Joined: Fri 27 Apr, 2012 01:25
Posts: 215

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Post by Z3andZ4 »

Thank you so much LaRy.

Will do.

Yes passenger side always drips on my passenger!!

Neil
2001 Z3 3 litre Sport Roadster - titanium and special
2006 Z4M coupe - Interlagos and red
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q62 ... huiwqu.jpg
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