BMW Z3 Convertible top motor location

[loyola73]

I bought a used, manual transmission, 2001 Z3 convertible with what appears to be a manual convertible top (no button on console, anywhere)

This car seems to be a bare bone model because I can not find even the button to eject the trunk or the cruise control. Any ways, I refuse to believe that this car has a manual convertible top. Additionally, the convertible top is light weight due to the minimal force needed to push it back after it has been released from the lock. However it takes a bit of force to lift it from the fully resting (on rear) folded position.

Does anyone know where the motor location is for the convertible top?

Any input will be appreciated.

[MIKYZZ4]

MANUAL TOP!-I know,i owned one!

[BimmerBreaker]

None of these models have a button to pop the trunk.

The convertible motor if so equipped will be found in the trunk on the left hand side (if looking towards the rear of the car) behind the carpet.

If you don't have a convertible top button, you don't have a power top. Most are power but a few are manual and no cruise control certainly indicates it is quite possibly a base model.

[ALEX 540i]

Manual convertible top just means that never have to worry about the pump failing or hydraulic lines leaking

[BimmerBreaker]

Z3 top hydraulic systems are probably the most reliable convertible top system out there, certainly the most reliable for BMWs. It consists of one hydraulic motor that actuates a single piston to open/close the top (they are latched or unlatched manually). I've owned by now over 10 Z3 roadsters with power tops and never seen one fail or have any problems, it simply isn't a problem on the Z3's like it is for so many other convertible BMWs. I think part of that is because the Z3 was designed to be a convertible so it was easy to do "right" whereas something like an E36 was designed as a coupe first so adding the top adds a lot of complication. In theory the Z4 top should be reliable too but because of where they put that top motor they've been plagued with problems since they were new.

In the rare event something does go wrong on a Z3 top, there is a knob on the top motor that can be rotated to bypass the hydraulic sysytem to turn it into a 100% manual top. On a Z3 I'd never seek a manual top due to the reliability of the system and the benefits it offers. The manual tops aren't bad but the power units are just a little easier to live with.

[jimwelch]

I just purchased a 2001 Z3 Roadster. The top will not work. How do I check the motor? My car has a button for the top but it doesn’t work

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I just purchased a 2001 Z3 Roadster. The top will not work. How do I check the motor? My car has a button for the top but it doesn’t work

[MauiM3Mania]

Moved to the model specific area.

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Moved to the model specific area.

[z3forlife]

After you unlatch the top and push the front section up you will need to press the brake while pushing the top down button. If it’s not working after following those instructions then check your brake lights and verify they work. If they don’t then the brake switch will need to be replaced. There is a safety switch on the driver side of the top frame that activates when you push up the front section. That wire can fatigue and break but I think that’s the rarer problem.

[coolguy147]

My '99 convertible top was problematic. The switch at the top was sticky and didn't work half the time. By the time I got the top to work, the piston would leak fluid everywhere causing a giant mess. Converted it to manual top. Ultimately solved the problem by getting a coupe

[delvec]

[QUOTE=jimwelch;30323701]I just purchased a 2001 Z3 Roadster. The top will not work. How do I check the motor? My car has a button for the top but it doesn’t work



First check fuse #1(30A)...It should be labeled "Electro-Hydraulic Convertible Top". However, it could be one of several things that may be wrong with your auto top to include: bad motor, Micro switch, or brake switch. You can rule out the motor by disconnecting the motor and applying direct 12v to it...If it works you problem is elsewhere.

[s8ilver]

I thought all Z3s came with cruise, but I guess not. My car was a manual swap and apparently the cruise was working per PO. It's never worked (there a clutch switch hooked up to...NOTHING). I can start the car in neutral without pedal depressed. Any clue how I could get my cruise working? I bought a clutch switch as I assumed the one (that wasn't really there haha) was bad. How does the cruise control in an automatic work. I'm sure that's what I have to try to replicate, but it probably has to sense that the car is at least in gear.

[eric jacobs]

My 99 convertable top is struggling when I am closing it. When opening, no problem but when I close it I have to assist it to get closed. The motor seems to be working...any ideas? Thanks.

[Randy Forbes]

Fluid level? The 1st most likely failure is the strut__I've had to replace a few, last one was on a 2.8...

The seal goes on the strut, causing a loss of fluid. You might be able to look down into the cavity immediately behind the LH door, and see if it's wet.

Edit: if the T-handle on the bypass valve is not fully tight (clockwise) you could see a pressure loss without a fluid loss. That's an easy one to check/fix!

[Andryuha]

I just purchased a 2001 Z3 Roadster. The top will not work. How do I check the motor? My car has a button for the top but it doesn’t work

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I just purchased a 2001 Z3 Roadster. The top will not work. How do I check the motor? My car has a button for the top but it doesn’t work

Get 2 wires and run them from the battery to the pump. If the motor works, check the relays. Here's how I found my problem: https://youtu.be/KLYNqkCBh_M

[magnetchief]

If the piston is shot then there is a very good online repair service.
Had a couple rebuilt. About $110 a go.

https://www.tophydraulics.com/51-reb...3-top-cylinder



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[eric jacobs]

Thanks for the imfo.The fluid level is definitely low -no signs of leeks around pump ,underneath,or what i can see of strut.The strut looks like a pain to replace assuming removal of interior panels etc to access it.Also what type of hydraulic fluid? Thanks again including link for a rebuild.

[rasmuw]

The fluid is Pentosin CHF 11S. I suggest you don't add any until you find a leak. The fluid had to go somewhere. Here's a link to the DIY on the tophydraulics site:
https://www.tophydraulics.com/content/38-bmw-info
The pdf has good pictures. I'll bet your piston is leaking since you haven't found any leakage under the pump. Until you get a good look, operate your top manually. Cleaning the carpet under the left hand seat is difficult--I’ve done it.

[eric jacobs]

Looks like a no-brainer. Will attempt after hand operation this week . THANKS----ERIC

[billysbimmer]

Hello all, resurrecting this thread in hopes to be able to solve a power top issue on my '00 M Roadster. Problem is that (power) soft top goes up, but not down.

It previously was not working at all and so I just replaced the microswitch on the drivers side and again, it seems to have fixed it going up, but now I'm not sure how to isolate the problem of it not going down (opening up the top).

I believe I've got the procedure correct with closing both doors & trunk, gear in neutral, foot on brake (brake lights are on so don't think it's the brake swtich), e-brake up, windows down, lifting the top 6-10 inches - i know that's bit more than what's probably actually required, but I did them all just to cover my bases. After doing that all, the top still won't move. No noise except for the clicking I'm doing on the button.

Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance.

[Vintage42]

... soft top goes up, but not down... replaced the microswitch on the drivers side... it seems to have fixed it going up, but now I'm not sure how to isolate the problem of it not going down...

I thought the microswitch only allows the top to go down. Maybe your problem is still with the switch.

[MIKYZZ4]

Have you noticed the 2 knobs located on either side of the trunk?

[delvec]

You may have a a bad panel switch or contacts that may need cleaning. Additionally, you may have a bad top down relay. The relays (Up and Down) are located on the motor (purple square boxes). You should here them click when you press the up or down button.

[billysbimmer]

@MIKYZZ4 - which 2 knobs are you referring to?

@delvec - I thought that could have been the issue as well so what I did today was take the two relays out and switch them. Thinking that if the open relay is bad then the function would switch, but things were still the same. Now I do hear some sort of *click* when I push the top down button, no motor sound though. To your note on the panel switch, could it be that the down button be faulty even though the up button works since they're both on the same panel/board?

Any links on how to dismount the motor in the back? I have an idea but any DIYs would be helpful

[MIKYZZ4]

Sorry for the mix-up,
I mistakenly thought the Z3 was similar to the Z4 mechanism, bad memory-stupid me.

[delvec]

So if your relays are working then try one more test...With your top in the down position press your up button and let the top go up about a 1/4 way then press the down button. If the top goes down then your panel buttons are good. If not, you may want to check the micro switch you installed.