Fixing Convertible Top - BMW Z4 Vlog #5
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- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2015
- It's been months since I have had a functioning soft top. This was definitely a design flaw on BMW's part, allowing water to be anywhere near the motor that powers the hydraulic soft top. All in all, it only costed me $160 for parts, instead of $1600-2000 estimate from the BMW dealership.
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Beautiful car.
Well I just learned how to put the top up from the key! I only new how to put it down from the key
Out top was working perfectly, then after arriving home we pressed up and top went up 1/3 of the way then stopped. Further inspection, appears pump and cylinder are fine as we are able to feed power directly to motor and make top go and and down with no biding issues etc. So we tested holofex sensors and they seem to work well. Took top module apart and there are no smells or burnt circuits. Trunk tray sensor bi passed and switch tested all works well. We can press the down top button and it goes down, then windows roll up as always, but when we press up it goes up smooth then stops 1/3rd of the way up and blinks red on switch. Press down and town goes down again, then up and it goes up again. LOL lubed all joints, car running while testing, etc. Again we are able to complete the top up with direct 12v power to motor and back down. We also direct 12v to lock motor and it does work fine, locks and unlocks. ANY IDEAS? HELP, I am about to trade this car in next weekend and this happened.... HELP. Thank you in advance. We did check all wiring in top going to sensors for pinching damage etc but all looks good even inisde headliner.
DSM Dallas never heard of this before. Can you manually open and close the top?
How did you program remote to open and close? Can you post a link on how to do this? Friken awesome job. I have a leaky cylinder hinge so might as well pimp the FOB. Thanks again 🤙🏾
Roof pops open but does not fold back, was working fine, left roof down several hours then stopped working. Roof locks again. But will not fold back.
Ok. I’m trying to convert my soft top into an automatic motor thru my key fob BUT I have no idea where to begin. Can anyone help? I have an 06 Z4 3.0i
Hello can you pls let me know how much it cost to fix this problem because I am facing the same problem.
thanks
I like the way you're working so much on your car... Shame about the roll bar. Mind you, another project ?
Have my top out and new motor on. Tried to operate it on the ground but get no action other than the motor running. Any suggestions?
Hey, I'm in the process replacing my motor. Reassembling the roof but I'm having trouble aligning the sliver bar to snap into the two U clips, it just doesn't seem to wana lock into those clips. Any tips on aligning and locking the bar into those clips?
I mounted the motor on mine in the trunk, to avoid water damage.
Install a new black top and I can get the top to close, still three inches away from the top edge. As if the new top isn’t long enough. Do I need to put this top in the sun for a few days to stretch it or something.
Where and how the top using the remote?
Do you have a guide that you used to take off the top?
How did you replace that hydraulic line? Im pretty sure i broke mine trying to move my pump to the trunk
Hello Zed4me , my top starting making noises a few months after installing a wind reflector just like yours. Did anything like that happen to you. Sounds like something is loose inside. makes the nose when I hit small bumps on the road
@zed4me I'm in the same dilemma you where in between and s2000 and z4. Have you had any major repairs with your z4. How expensive is maintenance. I'm an ase master tech so I will be doing all the work my self. Any idea why the z4 aren't keeping there value.
how did you take the top off
Where can i get the ncs expert
Do you have any information on removing the top
hey, what kind of amp you got here?
I have a huge question!!!
I removed and replaced my top on my 2004 BMW Z4 and need help setting the "top closed" and "top open" switches. Pump and latch motor both work but tries to open when I press "close" and vice versa. Please help.
Sounds like you switched the top motor wires.
Nice video! My car only can put the top down by the key but not put it up its there any problem with the control?
You need to code with NCS expert
Can you make a video step by step on how to use the key to bring the top down?
Sorry I have since sold the car
Where you brought motor from ?
HI
Is it possible to have some tips and trix in how to remove the Conv.top. I tried but got stuck when it come to loosening the top from the chassi, i.e the conv.top rubber strap that is attached to the chassi. I just didn't find a way in separating this without breaking something.
Regards
Gunnar
+Gunnar Andersson I don't really know which part you're talking about.. there's a good guide online though with pictures if you do a quick search.
Bro.. i need this on my car!!! Help me
Thinking about getting an older z4, one of my main concerns is the expensive roof braking.
Cornwall1888 It's definitely a matter of when rather than if.. so when you look at a potential car, and a good test is to hose down the top and see if water comes out of the drains underneath the car. They are located right in front of the rear wheel well, and if it isn't flowing well, chances are the drains are clogged and the motor, if not broken already, will go out soon from water ingress.
+zed4me could you make a video about how to check the roof?
daineserider it would be a very boring video. Just take a hose to the top and see if water drains out the bottom quickly
zed4me ok, thx!
My top quit working and when I push the button, the latches will open but the top won't go down. Looked for a leak but nothing there. how can I check the motor itself to see if it is working? do you know??
Your top motor has failed. Not much else will cause those symptoms
can you fix mines?
We had to buy a motor and BMW charged $3,000 on my 2003 Z4. Warranty was for 2 years. Just quit again. 3 months after the 2 years 🤦🏽♀️
We just bought a 2003 BMW Z4. The top only opens a bit, then nothing. What do you think might be wrong?
Hydraulic motor broken so it only unlatches cause that's a separate motor
I wonder if you can take out the soft top and put a hard top in permanently.
NSXTypeRGTRLM I believe you can. The hard top gets put on top of the soft, which doesn't make sense to me cause it would add weight. But if I could ever get my hands on a hard top I'd do exactly that for winter time
Quick question, what list of tools would I need to get access to the motor for the roof? I'm looking to complete a project just like this.
Can't remember exactly but check z4-forums.net
what would your buddy be doing for the process of snapping in the hoop into the clips? did you snap in the hoop from the trunk?
+Diamond Bling You work your way around. I started at one side and put it into place while my buddy held the top to keep it from scratching the paint. After I got my side in I loosely put in the bolt, and then proceeded to snap in the rest. Once I doubled checked everything was working properly and not snagging on any lines, I tightened down the bolts. Buddy mainly has the job of keeping the car from being scratched.
Hello, when changing all of this and putting new oil do you need to bleed the system or not?
instablaster...
how did you prevent the hydro cable from being squished again?
If it's routed properly it shouldn't get squished
Both key fobs no longer remotely open or close softtop or my door locks?
What part may need replaced?
Do you have any suggested troubleshooting techniques to attempt before purchase of part(s)?
Would try the basics like figuring out if it's the battery. Swapping them isn't easy because these keys were designed to be rechargable. If the keys work, then the top should automatically open and close if it's been programmed to do so. The door locks not working either makes me think it's the key and not the car that's not functioning
@@zed4me
Something is dead on my main key's keyfob circuitry. Attempted re-program procedure. After testing procecure it happened to fix the spare key unlocking issue. www.youcanic.com/bmw/key-programming-resync-procedure
Thanks
@model flyer i used ncsexpert to code it myself, might do a video on it later.
if you could do a video on that it would be AWSOME as there are none!
when putting roof down the back window seems to bang down. do you know why this is ? its like the window catches on something then the rest of the roof forces the window down
Mix Bag sorry don't have this problem
Mix Bag my z4 is making a bang what did you find with yours?
My zs roof top failed today. Won't go up won't go down 😔. I hear the sound of the motor but it doesn't move I have no clue what it can be. Still browsing about it.
+napalmaki if you hear the motor buzzing away, it isn't broken obviously. Maybe the hydraulic fluid leaked and the motor is unable to move the top as a result
+zed4me thanks a million for the reply and the possible cause. I will go at some point to check it out at the garage.
... left it at the garage today, they assume (haven't dismantled it yet) that it is missing the hydraulic fluids. At worse the hydraulic pump is damaged. Three days eta to be ready :( I miss her already...
Is there any reason when you press the button to lower the top and it doesn't go down besides a blown motor? Like is there a lock that makes the convertible light blink red?
Yeah but if you hold the down button and hear any motor whirring that's the latch undoing and then the hydraulic motor activates after that.
zed4me so there's no physical lock I have to check? The two buttons should open and close the top so if it doesn't then something is broken right?
@@dav1dizzle there's a switch in the trunk that doesn't allow the top to go down unless the tray is down, that's the only thing I would check. Otherwise yeah it's a one button operation.
I need to replace the front plastic trim. Do you have suggestions on this?
I'm not sure if that plastic trim can be bought separately, sorry.
zed4me thanks. I actually got that trim piece today. Doesn't look complicated.
soarby007 Got the part number? i think mine may have a crack in one part of it if I remember correctly
Bro, where did you get the guide to remove the top? Also, where did you get the guide to program through NCS-expert? My top died. I also have NCS-Expert, among others on my laptop.
+VisVires Found it: hartgens.nl/z4/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/How-to-Remove-your-Soft-Top-from-the-BMW-Z4.pdf
That description is made by SHIPKILLER-the BEST BMW man you will EVER find, I used it and mind came off , replaced pump and cylinders and had NO problems at all
So, I got a question. I have a beige top on my '08 Z4... Long story short, I hate it. I want to switch out the top for a black one. The motor works fine. Is it a difficult process and something I can do myself or would I need to hire (and likely overpay) a professional??
I removed and installed the top with my dad. Two people minimum but definitely diy if you have time and patience.
is there any thing I would need to purchase besides the top itself?
Not sure as I didn't buy any parts
My top opens like half an inch then is stuck there any ideas?
Jim Moua hydraulic motor failure. The most common failure from water ingression
Latch motor works properly is why it opens slightly. Top motor is bad is why it wont go up/down.
Did it come that way from factory w/ the remote up and down function?
Rufus Bailey no it needs to be coded
@@zed4me how did you do it. I was considering buying a z4
I feel like my problem for my soft top isn't the motor, but the wiring. When I hold the button to make the top open, nothing lights up. Same thing for the other butting to close it. Any advice? I already checked the fuse box and all of them seem to be functioning properly.
Hi Adrian, my Z4 2003 shows exact the similar problem.
To the solution owner, please advice how to solve.
thanks for helping!
+Fons Eijsink I haven't found a solution yet, let me know if you find anything out.
no red flashing on the center console?
Nothing was flashing, the top was electrical dead. I'm one step further. The aftermarket X-Car Style top module had to be reset (unplug>plug) after battery dead winter stop, now everything is electrical functioning again.
But....no pump is activated, red led flashing. So, replacing the pump will be the thing to do
Fons Eijsink That's correct, if the red led is flashing that means it's not in the completely open or closed position. The latch is unhooked but no roof motor to pull the top down. Replace the pump is the next step, but before you buy a new one, it may be possible to refurbish the old one that is rusted and dead. I did so and did not have to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a new one. Maybe find someone handy who may be able to refurbish it for you.
how did you put the hoop back in the clips?...do you have to be a contortionist?
+Diamond Bling having a buddy help goes a long way
Does anyone know what the part covering the convertible motor is called?? Mines missing it and I want to buy a replacement piece
Mine doesn't have it either but just so you know it won't help keep water out. You'll have to seal it some other way if you wanna keep water from getting in
+zed4me thanks, I just don't like the way it looks with the motor sticking out like that
Ryan McNamara you can see the motor?
+zed4me the hydraulic motor in the top of the convertible interior it looks like there should be a plastic piece covering it
Ryan McNamara are you talking about the latch motor? Or the hydraulic one which is behind you .
If you pull the top out, put the motor in the trunk or you will be doing it again.
Question: Does every Z4's key fob operate the convertible top?
C Ross they need to be programmed to
So, would the dealer do that? Is it that simple?
C Ross dealers may say it's not possible but you can do it if you can use bmw diagnostics tools
Yeah ... I don't have any sort of BMW diagnostic tools.
C Ross doesn't hurt to ask dealer but I don't think they'll be of help.
how or where did you get the up and down working on your key fob
+Model Flyer Using the key fob to lower the top is part of individual driver setup in the programing of the car to each key... and works with pressing and holding the unlock button once setup.
Michael Ruffner how programming it? Did go to dealer? Ir by urself if yes how?
BFiT Iscool dealer or Indy shop has to do it
I was looking at the diagram on realoem.com, (www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU53-USA-07-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_30si&diagId=54_0313) and it looks like you had to replace only the set of lines for the left side. Were the longer ones on the right side ok? I may have a similar issue. After the roof unlatches, I can hear the motor running, but the roof doesn't move. I'm waiting for warmer weather to try removing the roof to check it.
I only had to replace one line cause I accidentally messed it up. I'm not sure it's a common issue as hydraulic lines are usually pretty tough. Perhaps you just need a fluid refill, but it's possible you have a similar issue. Good luck!
So was the hydraulic line the cause of the roof not working, or collateral damage during the removal of the roof? If the latter, was there some other issue preventing the roof from working? Did you replace the motor as well?
My motor had busted from water damage and while doing that work I accidentally nicked the hydraulic line so after replacing I couldn't get it to work but had to keep filling fluid so I realized it was leaking
In the video you say "it turned out not to be the motor that was dead", but I missed the part where you said you just had to refurb the motor. Considering that the motor is over $500, it is good you were able to do a refurb. What kind of refurb was needed? What did you have to buy?
I am hoping my motor is fine. I've had the car for less than 2 years, and I did clean out the convertible drain plugs from underneath 6 months ago. When I have the top out I'll make sure to again clean out any gunk. I'll be happy if I can fix this for under $200 since my mechanic quoted me $1500!
FYI, there is a repair kit listed (item 10) on www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU51-EUR---E85-BMW-Z4%203.0si&diagId=54_0313. With any luck that would be all I need, plus hydraulic fluid.
So in this video, I had already refurbed the motor. The motor was rusted out and didn't work, my dad cleaned the contacts and just tried overall to clean off the rust and then it started working again. I suspect there are many "dead" motors out there that can be refurbed but for most people, it's easier to just buy a new motor.
terrible video. shows nothing.
I know, right? It says "Fixing Convertible Top". All he did was say that he fixed it, no "fixing" was shown.
two wires for $160!!! fucking bmw. dont wanna buy that shit.
+max printscreen I just had to buy a clip today, you'll see why in an upcoming video. List price $40 for a plastic clip...
+max printscreen - They're not wires, they're high pressure hydraulic hoses.
I'm a tech and he called them wires, but they are hydraulic fluid lines, I am working on one of these B.M. Trouble you Z4's and would never recommend owning one, I am a diversified Mercedes tech, love Japanese and certain American cars. But pretty much all bimmers suck !