Extensive BMW Z4 Soft Top Repair Information

[@steveburdick5478]

Great direction and key point on the shelf tray position .….my wife had stopped at Costco and jammed the truck full. it lifted one side of the shelf up and it was stuck in place. I reset the shelf and she works like new! Thank you for the tip.

[@davem8165]

Great video! Finally figured out why my top wouldn’t go down. Thanks to you, I now know where the shelf switch is. Should work when I install my shelf.

[@moekadi5620]

Bro thank you......just got a Z4 M and the top wasn't working at all. No sound from either motor just a little blink when I would press the button....flipped the shelves down just like you suggest at 2:33 and instantly started working! Thank you.

[@studiowizard6286]

Is there a video that talks about the plastic trim on the front of the roof? Mine is kind of cracked in several places and one of the clips that holds it in so that it's flush has broken. Also, the interior lining is detached in a couple of spots... Is there a way to fix this? Thanks!

[@dsmdallas2466]

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.

[@TBrig64]

I realize this was several years ago but we are having the same issue with our 2006 Z4 top now. Did you ever resolve the issue? Thanks.

[@martyferguson4384]

Thanks a Tonne. this video just saved my top as i had accidentally flipped one of the trunk valves and one side would not close. Too bad i had had already broken the back glass trying to push it in. Lesson learned. Appreciate the sharing.

[@Brutaga]

Greetings from another Z4 driver and your latest subscriber. Many Thanks for curing my curiosity and thanks for the excellent explanations.

[@jmichaeltaylor2127]

The best video yet for instructive purposes. Great job! I relocated my hydraulic motor to the trunk. Got it out of that water well BMW had it in. Thanks for all of the info!

[@user-jv8yu7ld7b]

real nice video and that was really informative and really answered all my questions good job

[@zed4me]

Jeff [e-mail] glad I could help the community

[@Devil_Dog_Ultra]

zed4me VZ p

[@stuartclague3914]

Great video. I had the motor on my Z4M replaced and relocated to the trunk. Afterwards the exposed surface of the top sits about 1/4 inch lower than the level of the body and I get more wind noise around the windows. It’s as if the top is lowered a bit too much. I’m guessing the motor stop/start points need adjustment. Any idea how to do this?

[@zanewesterfield5407]

Hey, love the video. Very informative. I recently bought a new top, just canvas, how do I replace that?

[@Pray4UrLife12]

Great video. I believe the reason they recommend replacing both hinges rebuilt at the same time is to guarantee that the new side will not overpower the other side which may lead to faster wear on the new or sooner issues with the old. I replaced my motor and put up the replacement video on youtube but now I am having to rebuild the right hinge. I will attempt to rebuild it myself and if successful put out an instructional video on that.

[@zed4me]

Pray4UrLife12 since sold the car but if I remember correctly their not paired by sides, but rather the “up” or “down” motion

[@topdawgx99]

Were you able to rebuild it yourself? I think I have the same problem right now. What's the easiest way to diagnose?

[@lmac9364]

Now that I have the new hinges in place - do you have any video’s on re-installing the roof?

[@GarrettnDrewsDad]

Stellar job man. Answered all my questions.

[@nicholasgeorgiou5391]

I have to say this video was really helpful and I managed to figure out my problem thank you

[@FernandoEidPires]

My friend, excellent video! How about the weather rubber that attaches to the body of the car all the way around the base of the soft top? How difficult is it to pull out and put back making sure it seals properly after? I’m worried about doing this job and having water intrusion as a result. Thanks!

[@henrytohom740]

Great video! I would like to know what amplifier did you use in your z4? Did you change your rear speakers and subwoofers also?

[@leefarrell-du3my]

Hi there My z4 roof not working. iv put a motor to battery that's OK iv check fuses there fine and pump is not seized. It's like there is no power to the pump Thanks, Lee.

[@SlasherXGAMES]

Excellent work on this video. Thanks for the information.

[@MrMarcos3030]

Would you please give me the information of who repairs the actuators? I have a 2003 BMW Z4, pulled the top to replace hydraulic motor and noticed both actuators leaking. Thanks

[@user-zx6nc6vi3e]

Nice video. I'm looking at buying a 2005 z4 3.0 with only 32K miles but two issues come up when looking at the car, maybe you can help: first one is that the top will not disengage from the windshield to go down. Motor makes sound, windows drop slightly, roof moves slightly,1/4 inch off windshield than stops. Checked trunk and shelf is in lower position. 2nd issue is passenger outside door handle goes up n down but doesn't open door. My research makes me believe it is the Bowden cable, thoughts? Thanks

[@zed4me]

The top is the classic roof motor failure. The door sounds like a Bowden cable.. these cars are pretty common to have both these problems. Also see if the door unlocks and locks with the key multiple times.. GM5 module failure happens quite often and the lock won't unlock without physical key in the door

[@user-zx6nc6vi3e]

@@zed4me the door lock button does go up and down with the key fob button and the door will open but only from the inside handle. The windows will also open when the unlock button is pressed and held down, the top doesn't move when this is done. As for the motor; if the motor has failed would it still be turning on when the button is pushed to lower the top? Any idea as to what a motor would cost? Thanks

[@user-zx6nc6vi3e]

@@zed4me found a new motor on line for $350, how hard is it to replace and can it be done with the top in the up position? Car is in good condition, has 32k miles and the negotiated price before finding these issues was 6500 but these issues may be deal breakers

[@Oroj1525]

If you still see this. Do you have a video on how you cleaned the motor and made it work again?

[@julianmartinez6825]

Just remove every single bolt, clean it with anything you have handy, it was a lot of dirty stuck to the magnet that makes the motor work, once you clean all the debris of the magnet you will have a new motor..

[@Borsac]

I know this video is really old, but what is the plastic piece around 2:43 called? It's the one near the actual latch. It looks like mine is messed up at the moment and I need to get a replacement piece or fix it

[@lisalandry9861]

Do you have a video on how to replace the Windshield Frame Trim that runs along the inside of the convertible top and covers up the locking mechanism? Mine has become brittle and every piece of plastic is breaking, so the it's sagging down.

[@ronluckenbach9492]

great video and what a great idea of placing the hydraulic motor in the 'Tupperware' type enclosure.I love my 2005 Z-4 2.50 but I feel BMW really dropped the ball with this dumb design.I replaced my hydraulic top motor last year, If my motor goes again I will just bypass it into manual mode by pulling the red release lever in the boot. Again, great informative and well spoken vid.

[@xyanide0101]

When the latches unlatch, is there a spring to separate the top from the windshield? I hear the latches noise, then the hydraulic motor but if I don't nudge the top it won't come off by itself, basically doing the work of a spring. What is the piece responsible for that? Thanks

[@terrencelawrence5007]

BTW the old hydraulic pump was working and in great condition with no rust.. but I took it out and replaced it thinking that's what might be the cause

[@mrpop4ever98]

better late than never your video is awesome and very informatory thanks

[@markpriester2944]

Excellent video / great job and thank you ,it really helped me troubleshoot mine .I was going to just order the pump but now I think I'll try to clean it up like you did .THANKS!!!

[@aliakkache]

Hi Mark, did you replaced the motor or a nice clean did the trick?

[@kevinwalker2556]

What is the name of the company the rebuilds the actuators?

[@terrencelawrence5007]

I know this is a little late.but my motor works from the top. But the rear motor is getting no power just replaced. Any idea could it be the microswitch that activates the rear hydraulic motor to the top?

[@zed4me]

If you're certain the rear pump works.. I don't believe there is a switch that activates that pump separate from the main switch which operates both the top motor and hydraulic pump together I think. It's been awhile since I've had it though so I can't remember exactly how it's put together.

[@kadiraymane2815]

Hi my friend I just purchased a e85 z4 and I have a problem with the soft top, it is always missaligned when I fold it down Do you have some advices to solve this problem ? Thanks

[@davehare8434]

Great video! One question though. Everyone talks about those two clips at the front of the hoop. I am to that point now, and I don't see how the metal hoop is released from them. Do I bend the clips open a bit, or just yank on the top and the metal hoop will lift out of the clips? They are really buried in there! Do I use a really long screwdriver to pry on them, or what did you use to release them from the hoop? No one ever actually shows what thy did, they just say it took two hours to figure out! I'm sure once top is off, it will be obvious, but with it buried almost out of reach, it is not so obvious. Other than that, I'm ready to pull it out! (failed motor) . thanks in advance

[@deluxevehicledetailingandp904]

I'd like to know this also, as I'm about to pull mine to inspect. A few months ago I started seeing just a few drops of fluid in the back axle area. Thinking it's leaking hydraulic fluid from a line or pump motor.

[@tim-hill]

What symptoms point to the acuator being the faulty part?

[@dukatista657]

how hard is it to remove completely the top?

[@brittanyyoung9251]

I love the video but need some help with my 03 Z4. I got in my car today hit the button for the top to go down no lights red/orange came on the windows didn’t go down and I heard nothing no motor attempts or unlocking just silence. Do you know what’s going on? My trunk flaps were down fuses were fine (when I pulled the 20 amp fuse both red lights flashed) so I’m at a loss, please help me if you can

[@roysoliz3610]

I have a question my top after the motor and hinges where replaced the indicator light blinks like the top is not locked in place when you hit a bump. If you try to close it again and reopen it the blinking light turns off. Also if you turn off the car while the top is open and then you re turn it on the light will be blinking dont know the problem and my mechanic can't figure out why its doing this

[@charlesross7252]

Can you please help me replace the windshield frame cover. The one that holds the linen underneath the soft top on z4 2006. Thx

[@darrelljester4591]

do you have any videos on changing the canvas on the top frame or any links thanks

[@ua751920]

I got my motor moved to the boot on the left side. This was done in about 40 minutes without removing the hard top. Don't bother putting it in casing just have it moved.

[@bobbielake5926]

How did you move it without removing the top? Can you send me an email [e-mail]

[@billhoang8357]

Hey! Do you understand remove steps by steps? People just open your clips and then see you done open!

[@margaritotevillo2077]

Hello do you no went the new motor is working before to install

[@mrmarcuscars2072]

Thanks. Very good video. I get right on to it with my Z4

[@no8do]

what wheels do you have on?

[@harobiker70]

great! When you changed the lines do you need to bleed them? thanks!

[@chuck7432]

Absolutely

[@khamtp42]

thank you so much very good video and explain good detail everything I love your video thank again. now I am going to fix car with no problem

[@davemcgrath9329]

Great video mate!had my motor replaced with bmw after it failed,cost me €1200😢they put a better casing around the new motor to stop the water getting at it so hopefully won't happen again

[@leonle1798]

Nice video, I just got my done, my issue is the same problem. If you need the parts you can go to Turnermotorsport they sale oem BM alot cheaper.

[@tim-hill]

Dude. These guys are almost twice as much as other places on the internet.

[@lmac9364]

You refer to a company that repairs the actuators - what is that company’s name?

[@lmac9364]

Found it - Top Hydraulics - Florence Or.

[@MrHEPBO3AH]

Is there a way to inspect the motor without taking the top out? I want to buy Z4 but being in a very rainy climate (NZ) makes me very worried about the state of the 10yo car I'm currently looking at.

[@julianmartinez6825]

If sof top is working, buy the car, removing the soft top is easy, on your 1st free weekend take the top down, move the motor to the trunk(small hole need to be made to insert the lines to the trunk) you wont see a drop of water on that motor ever again. I moved my to the trunk already but I think one of hinge is bad so I'm putting the top up and down manually for the last 2 years, no oil in the lines so I just press the unlatch button, bring down with my hand. Bring it up with my hand then just press to the button to latch it, I love that way too but i need to get my hands on it this xmas break for sure

[@CrazyOneToo]

Is there a way to adjust how the top sits in the car? In mine the top on the right side does not reach the windshield latch down. The centering bolt falls behind the hole its supposed to go into.

[@zed4me]

Probably broken latches at the side. There's no way to adjust as far as I know. Unless the side bolts shifted out of place then you might be able to adjust them forward or back.

[@CrazyOneToo]

@@zed4me Sorry I should have mentioned I'm pretty sure the previous owner has removed the top. Some of the rubber seals aren't sitting where they should unless BMW had a really really off day when they assemble this car. Do you mean the latches at the front of the windshield or somewhere else?

[@zed4me]

@@CrazyOneToo on the sides where the entire roof latches to the body of the car. I think there's three points on each side if I remember correctly

[@CrazyOneToo]

@@zed4me Cool. I'll check into that this weekend. Thanks a ton !!!!!

[@ajiiatputharajah9648]

Hey, I'm in the process of having motor replaced. Currently reassembling the roof but I'm having trouble aligning and locking the silver beam back into the two U clips. Do you have any tips on aligning / locking the beam back into the clips?

[@zed4me]

Ajii Atputharajah helps to have an extra hand but it's a matter of snaking it in. Try having the roof halfway open too

[@ajiiatputharajah9648]

Thank you for the reply! Appreciate it! I'll give it another try today.

[@senseiyco744]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@gillyamaral8455]

how to put Clips back on a soft top shelf

[@Aviationobsession]

Went to BMW. Asked for the motor to replace the unit. They gave me the latch (top) motor. Never even asked if it may be the main (lower) motor. Just realized by watching this that it actually has 2 motors.

[@zed4me]

Hope they will take it back.. that's a bad mistake on their part they should've clarified

[@wilmchiro]

Do you have a link to the HD repair you mentioned in the video?

[@julianmartinez6825]

Just Google BMW z4 hydraulic hinge repair or Google "top hydraulic " that's the name of the website

[@xorbe2]

Maybe this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWSUn4hme7ygqqc

[@mikusingh132]

hey mate id love to get in touch, I have the same problem with hydraulic lines. I wanted to know where u got em and possible shipping

[@fnq-8890]

Hey Mate if you haven't removed your Z4 roof yet there's a few videos (in German) where they take the roof motor out from the left hand back corner of the boot, appears you don't have to take the rag-top off to get to it.

[@mikusingh132]

link plz?

[@esollars1]

It's not my motor. My switch intermittently works. When I push it flashes then quits and my top won't work.

[@tomboytalk2108]

Great video! Thank you!

[@viperfan85]

what link for soft top remove on your channel ? i cant find it

[@mbanc443]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWSUn4hme7ygqqc

[@BaseballPRO16]

Sti and r update please!!

[@Dapeepn1gg4]

How much does the soft top and mechanism weigh

[@zed4me]

Not sure, I'd venture a guess around 70-100lbs

[@mr.crankdat9878]

What is the name of the website that rebuilds the regulator?

[@justice9577]

Thanks❤

[@hassandallal6314]

Very helpful thank u

[@karlefornia]

Hey, thabk you for a Very informative video. If the drainholes on the passenger side would be clogged can this resultat in water inside the passenger side? I have water underneath My rug. It is not the doorseal membrane..... Cheers J

[@chuck7432]

You must bleed the hydraulic lines after installation.

[@jeffk9658]

How do you bleed the lines?

[@GigiWright]

Anyway to clean the guck on the soft top

[@babycakez1717]

This comment is for anyone who may know the answer: how do I access the hydraulic pump reservoir to refill it?

[@pinalloy6505]

Support

[@kay19833]

$200 for each pair of hydraulic lines? I think you don't know how to do your aftermarket research hence you're getting ripped by the stealership.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Aftermarket does not always mean better price or better product.

[@TheSsberisha]

C