BMW Roof Lock Motor Removal and Fix for Convertible or Roadster - Z4

[@jaylemmons3977]

5 years later,,, ur video is basically still the only good one out here,,, fixing to do mine this wk,,,

[@studiowizard6286]

Have you by chance found any good videos that show how to replace/add the rubber straps to the existing straps so that roof doesn't slam down hard? I have the new BMW rubber straps designed to fix that issue and the instructions are a little confusing.

[@BrassTeacher]

Folks, there are 7 screws that hold the trim in place over the motor. The four shown, one in the locking motor compartment, and one on each side that are easily visible with the top barely open. If the trim comes loose from only removing the four screws shown, the trim is broken, and eventually the stress on those four screw holes will cause the trim to continue breaking

[@portagepete1]

It broke because the worm gear those flex cables attach to lacked lube when they get old and dry that makes Huge resistance and the weakest part is that little white plastic gear that got striped, that was the noise and your new one will do the same thing the first day, and the dealer will sell you another one at full price because it was not put in properly. but you can buy just the gear you need on Ebay. This is a very common problem on all older BMW's people think there is something wrong with some electric part when it just needs grease on the worm gear.

[@eddiepavlenko8654]

You wouldn’t happen to know what that gear is called?

[@RudeDudeLegion]

I removed my motor and the gear turns freely without resistance from the cables. After i reattach the motor it wont spin because of the resistance. How can i lube the worm gear.

[@bm.3595]

There is also a fastener located very close to the motor which must be removed before the cowling will drop down. Better lighting could have shown this. The lighting is very poor. Lights are cheap, easily obtainable and serve multiple uses.

[@rohanberry7104]

Hi, thanks for the video. I’ve just had my roof replaced as the old canvas was worn. The old motors both worked perfectly. however the new roofs front lock motor does not work. I’ve asked my mechanic to take the old lock motor and fit to the new roof. Is this possible and how long would a procedure like this take? Thanks

[@ImpactSpace]

I have the issue, that my lock moter IS working and even moving the two latches. But these simply won't lock or unlock properly, because when the roof closes, about 10-15mm of gap remain and the procedure can't be completed. When I close it manually with a hex, same issue with opening, just makes a (normal) noise but doesn't open. A memory error maybe? Or broken cable? :/

[@dually81]

Same issue for me, top works fine...now. I had been manually retracting it for a few months. Then I came out and randomly tinkered the motor with a hex screw and all of a sudden the top now retracts with the motor, but the latch won't catch... same as you described. Any luck finding a solution?

[@dukatista657]

where did you get the parts, can i have the part number?

[@Kyliejenner556]

My 2005 z4 also has this problem but the gears seem to be broken and the roof will not unlatch preventing me from opening it. Any way to bypass this from the inside?

[@FarReachFR]

If using the allen wrench method on the center doesnt work. You could attempt to turn the cables themselves directly. Perhaps with needle nose pliers to reach in and grab them. Or remove the motor/gear box to get your hand in there better.

[@Kyliejenner556]

@@FarReachFR ahh thank you, the thing is the cable turns when with the allen key bolt. Is it possible that the cable isnt loosening all the way?

[@randomelvis3359]

Is it really turn to the right to unlock hooks? …I thought leftie loosie applies?

[@dukatista657]

Do I just pry the cover to expose the motor? Also is it possible to replace the gears without removing the motor?

[@FarReachFR]

I think there is a small tab near the aft driverside to depress and then the cover should come off. I dont think it is possible to replace without removal due to the small space in there.

[@emmanuelghartey7573]

Please help me to get a new latch cover to buy. The plastic cover attached to the inner liner.

[@theonemonsta]

Whats the plastic top were the motor goes call !

[@gloglo1275]

Hello, On my e46 m3 when you turn that Allen key the whole screw backs out and falls out. How can I go about opening the top then? Thanks

[@FarReachFR]

Hi Glo, Glo. Sounds like the gears are in bad shape on your M3. If it is backing out, the only other 2 ways I can think of opening the top are 1. replacing the whole central unit like I do in this video, or 2. on each side of the central unit are the two cable shafts that spin the locks. If you can get some pliers up there and turn them manually, much like the motor used to, then eventually with enough turns the top will unlock. Please note that I do not recommend you do #2 unless you never want your top up again until it is properly fixed. I say that because I expect it to be a pain to remove and even more struggle to wind back on. But thats just my thoughts.

[@gloglo1275]

Far Reach Engineering Thanks for the response. On my e46 m3 I don’t have access to the central motor like you do. On mine it is a small opening to access that Allen key. I have no way to have access to it. It would it been helpful if they made that opening like you have on your car. I could send you a picture of the way mine looks. Thanks

[@craigdonaldson7601]

I am having the same problem. I can unluck the top, but when I go to relock it, turning counter clock wise, my scree comes loose and won't turn anything. I had to have my daughter Kay on the roof so I could use a impact driver and lots of force up against the screw to keep it in. We're you able to find a fix for yours?

[@luisreyes9040]

If I unscrew the lock it should be able to go down as soon as I press the button?

[@semzo2]

What is the name of this motor thing, I have Z4 2007, can u help me find one from ebay? Thanks

[@touninhooo3329]

My z4 does the exact same noise when I press the button... how do I know tho that it isn’t the second motor that’s the problem as well tho?

[@FarReachFR]

The second motor is not in the same place, it is more behind the seats. So depending where the sound is coming from can help indicate which you have an issue with.

[@carolburn721]

Where did you buy your parts please?

[@FarReachFR]

Hi Caroline, I bought a used motor with intact gears off ebay.

[@carolburn721]

Thanks this is a great video....😊

[@johnfrazertv]

whats the name of the slip fit cables @ 4min 52 please , mine are needing replacing but cant find a name for them …. thanks

[@FarReachFR]

The name I have seen is Soft Top Lock Cables or Shafts. They normally run $70 - $80 used. That said, I have a pair laying around in my garage from my last repair. Here is a link to them. www.ebay.com/itm/123544445094 I posted them today at a discount just for you in case it is what you are looking for. If its still to much, just make an offer and I can send them your way. Merry Christmas. www.ebay.com/itm/123544445094

[@markleeming3767]

Did you have to re-set the roof motors afterwards??

[@FarReachFR]

Nope. Just replaced and then worked just fine. That was my experience and I would think the outcome for most. in a rare instance where you might be supplied a motor that was shut off in a mid cycle or opposite position, perhaps that would be needed. But it wasn't in my case. (hypothetically if that was needed, I would think plugging in the motor, cycling it to the position your top is in (locked or unlocked) and then installing the cables, would be all that was needed to reset in such a scenario)

[@jesusrodriguez652]

Once you fixed that motor, the convertible came all the way down?

[@FarReachFR]

Yes, Once I fixed this motor I could unlock it and put it up and down. But note that the motor that raises it and lowers it is a different 2nd motor. This motor only locks and unlocks. It does not raise or lower.

[@GarrettnDrewsDad]

Dude! Take the car out in the daylight? WTF holding flashlight and phone and tools.

[@FarReachFR]

So true. More often than not my work schedule doesn't allow me to work on my cars until after the sun has gone down. So inside or out its flashlight time. :)

[@513comeup]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@philp6754]

Amateur first try.