Roof motor acting weird...

[sepota]

Hi,

Just started today, when I try to put the top up or down, the motor work then stop and so forth, I need to use my hand /arm to help the roof all the way up or down. I m afraid it will get stuck open...

Is it time for me to change the motor or is there a fix for it? 130,000 km on the car.

Thanks

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[sepota]

Fluid level with roof up

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[sepota]

https://youtu.be/UFH_7vmGJcY

Quick video of the issue

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[khammack]

Fluid level looks fine. If the motor keep stopping/starting I would suspect an electrical issue. Check the micro switch above the driver's head (it detects that the top has been pushed up). It is known to fail and the top won't work when it does. The brake switch is also a common failure point.

[sepota]

The motor work for about one second then stof

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Where would the top micro switch be located? Can t find any picture of it?

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Ok got it

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It work fine on the way up, all the way, but on the way back, it jam right in this position

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[Terry F.]

While others help you, I want to mention there is a thumb screw that you can twist to release the hydraulics. It is behind the driver in the trunk, inside the side panel. You can *always* get your roof up/down once you find this. No more worries! Manual override.

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[sepota]

Thanks got that part figure out about manual control good to know

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[sepota]

So it jammed on the way up in this position... random jam

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[Terry F.]

Thanks got that part figure out about manual control good to know

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OK, you seemed concerned.

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[sepota]

Could it be a synchronisation issue between the roof and the motork

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[BimmerBreaker]

There is no synchronization per se. The pump runs which moves the fluid to move a ram which moves the top. They are very simple systems. Your issue looks to be electrical as others have mentioned, locate the microswitches and maybe also check that the hydraulic ram (behind the driver's seat to the left, where the "B" pillar would be in a coupe, under the carpet) to ensure it is clean and it's movement is free of blockages. I've never diagnosed microswitches myself on these Z3's, but if it's anything like on a Z4, you can jump the microswitch (paperclip or a piece of wire) to test if it is the culprit or not. Find one, jump it, test the top...

[khammack]

Where would the top micro switch be located? Can t find any picture of it?

The micro switch is on the top cross brace just above the driver's head.

[fairchild]

you COULD try changing out the two relays with new ones,... they are only about 16$ each. That general area of the trunk could have
gotten some rainwater in there and made a steam environment and corroded the relay contacts. Or even the slip contacts where the relays
slide in ...... (the little copper fingers which contact the copper pins on the bottom of the relays.)
AND- jumper the top switch-----
and check to see if the brake light is steady when you hold it down with a stick....... have someone watch the brake lights as you
try to raise or lower the top. If they go out when the top stops---- you have it figured out.
T

[sepota]

Are they pictures out there with the relay position?

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[khammack]

They are the only relays in the area of the pump in the trunk, but the two switches mentioned earlier are the most common failure point. I would verify they are working before I move on to something else.

[Tim95M3]

Bypass the microswitch, problem solved. Just make sure you don't forget to flip the cowl up before you operate the top

I had the same issue with my car, bypassed the switch long ago, never had a problem since. But now my top is manual, so no more worries.

[sepota]

Ok it not relates to the brake i believe


https://youtu.be/CVU2IEqu1Bc

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https://youtu.be/Ktpqpt4h1fk

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It appear to only jam on the way up when the roof flip to the highest position..

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[gtwhimself]

My microswitch failed several years ago. I cut the wires, twisted them together, and have never had a problem with the top since. Frankly don't see a need for the switch... as long as your remember to help the top up for the first segment.

[sepota]

Is there any picture of that switch location??

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[BimmerBreaker]

Is there any picture of that switch location??

The micro switch is on the top cross brace just above the driver's head.

It is very easy to find without a picture, I advise taking a look and testing it or jumping it as this is most likely your problem...

[sepota]

The only switch i saw on the roof driver side is this one:

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[gtwhimself]

That's the switch

[sepota]

So I short it basically?

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[khammack]

If the switch is closed, then the system knows that you have lifted the top the required amount and it lets the pump do its job. Connecting the two wires from the switch is the same as a closed switch as far as the system is concerned. This is a safety switch to keep you from burning out your pump, so if you choose to short it out and not replace it you are on your own. Good luck.

[sepota]

Is it complex to change?

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