BMW Convertible Salmon Relays Replacement - Stuck Hardtop Fix

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I have recently learned about the Salmon Red relays that are crucial to BMW's Convertible Hardtop to operate. If these relays fail while you are operating the roof, the hydraulic pump can fail and cost you $2-3000 to get fixed and replaced. Swapping out these Salmon Red relays is a great preventative task to do on any convertible BMW such as the BMW Z4 e89, BMW 328i and 335i e93 hardtops.
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[@z4dude131]

Thanks for your video. I have had my 2009 Z4 35i for 6-7 years now and only recently learned about these relays. My Z4 needed a new battery (mfg in 2013) so I replaced the battery today along with the relays. Your video is 3 years old but it’s still very relevant today. 😀

[@LouisODwyer]

I got my two salmon relays yesterday from the UK and changed them out - now I can sleep at night! Many thanks, Irish Louis living in France.

[@sybrenhenstra]

Thanks a lot for your clear video. My roof did not function anymore ( E89 from 2009) and the replacement of these salmon relais did the trick! I had some early warning signals, but did not investigate. Can advice you all to replace them in time as a preventative measure. You don't want to get stuck underway or even worse, burn your hydaulic pump. PS I also like your vid on the LED upgrade for the angel eyes, it works perfectly!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Very happy to hear you found the videos useful, makes it worth making them. Thanks for watching!

[@PutTheCookieDown]

I’m buying an e93 second hand 37k miles soon and your DIY for relays and top maintenance will be the first things I do upon receiving it. I intend to keep my BMW till 100k miles and would like to do as much preventative maintenance as possible.

[@maestroh2986]

I just replace my relays. Thanks so much for the advice and tutorial.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching

[@YOU7U3E]

Nice tuto, just to add simplicity, it's not mandatory to disconnect the battery at this level because there is no check on roof if not operational. Also the pump is not fixed, you can lift it to easily remove the relays, just need a flat screewdriver to help remove it. In my case i opened the relays and cleaned the contacts, that's the failing part because of the "burning dust" of the sparks when it contacts. Keep going dude !

[@YOU7U3E]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHy0h5mDbqh-bJY

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Great additional information and suggestions. You can lift the pump, but it seemed a lot easier to just remove that one screw to have full access to them. As far as the battery, I always like to take an extra step to be safe and not burn anything out in case a screw driver falls etc., but it makes sense that it’s not a live relay. Appreciate your feedback!

[@leomuzzitube]

Thank you, your channel is amazing for us e89 owners!

[@2011zhu]

This fixed my roof issue, thank you 👍

[@Mazel_Tov_888]

my relay went out on my e93, it cost $500 for repairs, this was about 8 years ago. the top was stuck down. it took the dealer all day to figure out the problem. they probably only replaced the bad one, I think I'll replace both of them before I operate the top again. thx!

[@n3307v]

Thanks, for making these. I just ordered a set.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching.

[@cuthbertchinji3676]

Great video. Where is the sensor and relay located on BMW 640i 2013 model?

[@qmacpit]

This year I'm going to replace them along with pre-season roof maintenance according to your other video. Great stuff mate, I really appreciate them. The paper docs and schema you are using: how to get them?

[@thelifeofcoby]

thanks for another great DIY...ordered 2 and will replace once arrived.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Super simple DIY and so worth doing. More to come!

[@williamemmett1256]

Thanks for the Salmon Relay Video, but when the relay is pulled in by the Convertible Top Module, the relays provide full battery power to the motor. Where is the fuse for this power input? How to change the fuse, and what type and value.

[@enriquejackson2843]

Can you please do a video on battery removal and installation please thank you!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It should be pretty straight forward, I'll see if I can make a video in the short future.

[@NicoGeeRk]

Thanks for mentioning me bro ! Greetings from France ;) Can you open the old relays to see if they are in good shape or not ? (Black marks...)

[@SimpleCarGuy]

You gave a great idea for a video, so you get a shout out haha. I will open one of them to see the condition, but from the looks I think they have been replaced by the previous owner at some point. I’ll keep one for emergencies.

[@fahid254]

Whenever I try to operate the roof , it tries to unlatch and lowers the windows , however it stops at that just unlatched, I can hear the roof mechanism operate. Would the issue be these relays ? 3 series 2009.

[@hiltondc3]

What are the symptoms if the part is failing? My top goes up fine but to go down it hesitates on the way down ( like a chameleon moves back and forth but still going the right direction)

[@SimpleCarGuy]

There are no symptoms, that’s the scary part. When it fairs your pump will be in the state it was at the time. If it happens while it’s running it’ll continue to run until something happens.. as far as your issue, it sounds like it may be the hydraulic pump. Firstly, check to make sure the fluid level is not low.

[@hiltondc3]

@@SimpleCarGuy yes, the dealer said is the pump. But the part I am confused is that one direction works fine and the other doesn’t. I will check the fluid. The dealer wanted $5800 to replace it, but I told them I will try to o it myself since it is an easy job. Thanks for your videos.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Very easy access, so it should be that difficult, but I haven’t looked into it. Good luck!

[@pachiguillen4285]

Hola. Mi capota se queda parada. Se solucionaria con los relees?

[@newbeginnings8566]

Thanks again.. I had ordered the 2 relays and am just waiting for them to arrive... I'll mark my relays with a fine Sharpie (like I do with many pieces that I change) so someone can trace the maintenance... Next it's got to be - SUPERPRO LAUNCHES SUSPENSION UPGRADES FOR THE E89 BMW Z4 (2009 AND LATER).... Plus a spring and shock package...?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Marking the parts for the future is an awesome idea! I’m stealing it. I gotta be a little conservative with upgrades at the moment, been doing some house work and no side hustles with current situation. Eventually she will be sitting pretty!

[@GR1337]

Great Z4 DIY. Keep'em coming!

[@kennethwise7108]

Hi, we have a 2018 440i convertible, is this applicable to our car as well? Thanks!

[@markt9438]

Good deal ,why did you not check you hydraulic fluid while you are there ! ?

[@SeychellesBoi]

Maybe I have been lucky as mine is a 2012 and never had to replace or had a failure of the roof. Thanks for the video and will keep it in mind

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Neither had mine so far, but I’d rather spend $30-40 than take a risk of it getting stuck. At the very least, pull them out and check the contacts to make sure there is no corrosion!

[@przemyslawmakowski1138]

Thanks a lot ! I ve ordered some relay but blocked by corona crisis... No risk of reprograming with the battery disconnection ?

[@YOU7U3E]

IDK , but you can keep the battery connected

[@trackdayjunkie7777]

Yeah its a good idea keeping the car on power unless absolutely necessary even when replacing the battery for exampel

[@SimpleCarGuy]

That’s a good question and is up for debate a little bit. I’ve always heard/read that it’s safer to disconnect the battery to protect you and your vehicle from power surges and damage.

[@przemyslawmakowski1138]

Thanks for yours returns i m a bit confused previously i enjoyed some Problems with battery, CAS, roof sensor, oil leak,... Pff each time vehicle blocked... I try To improve my skills...

[@trackdayjunkie7777]

Well the reason behind the argument for keeping the battery connected during all times is that the car can develop some rather strange electronic issues and/or error codes. This does apply to basically all newer cars. Obviously it does work to disconnect it but be aware that there is risk involved thats all Im saying.

[@MichaelStavropulos]

I may get a z4, just curious how many times have your roof failed?

[@sharkfinn8091]

Great video! I don’t have this issue yet on my e93 but wanna prevent it. Are the 2 relay the same part number?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, they are. Thanks for watching!

[@grantbuckmanfedorafilmwork1421]

Hello! I ordered the BMW 12-63-1-742-690 - Relay Changer Salmon Red 613020 from Amazon. While the new relays have ++2152 and 41A printed on the top, the existing ones I plan to replace have ++0905 and 22A printed on them. Is there any issue with the new relays? Are the existing relays incorrect?

[@platinumlook]

Thanks for the vid. Just wanted to check, does this relay issue go for all model years or just the earlier ones. I've got a 2014 E89 European model, would BMW have resolved this issue by 2014? Thank you in advance for any correct answers.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It's not like there is an issues with any of the systems, this is a preventative item that a lot of owners suggest doing. The relay fails like any other relay that can fail, the problem here is that if it fails as the roof is in operation, the motor will not stop running and burn out, costing you thousand to repair. As far as I know this is on all e89 models as all are using the same relay (3 series convertible are the same as well). Thanks for watching!

[@platinumlook]

SimpleCarGuy - Thank you for your explanation.

[@WanderingFriar]

Your car is criminally tall! It will drive better on lower springs or coilovers. Should you use a battery minder when you disconnect the battery so as to keep clock ets settings? Nice vid.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I've wanted to install lower springs or coilovers, but the roads around me are really trash and I've slightly scraped the bottom a few times already. Putting a battery tender while disconnecting the battery would defeat the purpose of disconnecting the battery. We are trying to prevent a short while working with electrical system. Thanks for watching!

[@WanderingFriar]

@@SimpleCarGuy Thanks. Got you! Subscribed.

[@jorgesolis7897]

Great video! You mentioned that you recommend changing these relays every five years?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Popular opinion says 4-5 years. Some people claim that if you clean the contacts and remove oxidation, you can go a little longer. In my opinion, if your car is older than 5 years, get it done soon and then again in 5 years.

[@jorgesolis7897]

@@SimpleCarGuy Great! Thanks for the reply! Your channel is growing quite rapidly! Keep up the good work! I'm happy to be here since the beginning.

[@nowski186]

Thanks for this very informative video along with your other videos, I'm now a subscriber. Here's a thought, when I receive my new relays I'm going to write the install date on the top with a sharpie so it will be known when they were last replaced. Question? Should the old working relays be saved as spares in case there is an unthinkable relay failure in the future?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Glad you found the video useful and welcome! I like the idea of writing the date when you replace it, I might go and do that on mine. You can absolutely keep the spares (I keep one in the car) and if the roof would ever get stuck or have any issues, it'd be the first thing I try. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyk6336]

@@SimpleCarGuy I just replaced the salmon relays and it went smooth as silk. Note: When tightening up the torx screw that secures the relays to the top of the pump housing do not over tighten, that housing is aluminum and over-tightening could crack the housing. I put the now spare relays (in case of an emergency while on the road) along with the torx 25 and a 1/4" box wrench in the little storage cubby on the left side of the trunk. I also included a note with the relays noting the date when they were changed out and also mentioned that they are both good working spares...

[@SimpleCarGuy]

@@jimmyk6336 Glad it worked out for you and good tips! Happy, sunny driving.

[@jamesdayton5320]

@Houston Korbin Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jamesdayton5320]

@Houston Korbin It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account!

[@ajmerkahlon8890]

If I disconnect battery, does it reset car settings? Will I have to enter stereo code? Love your videos about z4!!!!!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

These stereos do not have a code as far as I know. I had mine disconnected for a month while swapping the engine and had no issues after. You may get some random codes if it's disconnected for a longer amount of time, but those are easily erasable with a scanner. Thanks for watching!

[@edwardbuck1687]

Hi thanks for the video, what do the salmon coloured relays actually do? also do you need to re code the battery when you disconnect it? Thanks

[@SimpleCarGuy]

The battery only needs to be coded and replaced with a new one. The salmon relay controls the hydraulic pump and if it fails while the pump is running it will cause it to overheat and seize or something of that nature. Those pumps are thousands of dollars and very difficult to access if the roof is down, so it just makes sense to replace them once your car gets up there in age.

[@docdestin9487]

Tank you, i just order two. Perfect !

[@sbizz4049]

hi guys i have an e93 the roof wouldnt open so i switched the relays that was on the pump, then kaboom it opened but now it wont go back up ! we changed the relays back to howmthey was originally and still wont go up, you can hear them pump trying to close the roof but its currently roof down and wont go back up has anyone else have this happened ? would you recommend changing both relays now for new ones

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I would definitely start with a replacing both relays to start with. That's be your cheapest and easiest fix. Then if you haven't yet, get a BMW scanner (I just reviewed a really good one, check it out) and scan the roof module. It should give you a code and bring you closer to the issue. If it's not very clear, go to live data on that module and look at hall sensors and microswitches. You should see stuff like 'clam shelf top' left and right (and many more). Make sure they are all operational. For example, if your left side says 'open', but the right side says 'closed'? You found your problem, one of those switches/hall sensors are bad or the wiring to that part is bad. I hope you get the idea. (I also have a video on how I find and fix wiring roof issues).

[@benloso2025]

My convertible top button is flashing red can it possibly be just the relays?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It could be, or it could be almost anything else. You need to scan the smart convertible module and get the codes.

[@Santreda5]

Great tip. I’ll be replacing mine asap

[@paulturner9958]

Thank you for this Video, made something terrifying easy.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I’m glad it eased your mind! Super simple and very important!

[@stevendavidson7475]

I checked for the relay on a number of websites. Can you be more specific on the nomenclature of the relay in question? There seems to be a number of them that look the same.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

What you are looking for is this BMW part number: 12631742690 It's up to you if you want to get Genuine BMW or some other brand. I usually search on Amazon and buy the OEM BMW part: amzn.to/34veZc8 Thanks for watching!

[@saynomore5730]

Question : if my convertible top goes slow to open and close and makes noise does that mean it's the relay than the hydraulic pump or tubes ? Bc it still works just goes slow and it makes noise .

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I can't say for sure, I'm not an expect. If the hydraulic pump engages, the relays are working correctly. This is more of a preventative item. In your case it sounds more like the hydraulic pump is going bad or it could be low on fluid.

[@nowski186]

Gotta ask, where did you get your clean looking trunk spoiler?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I bought it on ebay, pre-painted and was surprised how nice it was. I have an old video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppPPomh5iJhkebM

[@DrLangleyblog]

@@SimpleCarGuy Hey bro., really enjoy your video’s! Question, I can’t find your painted spoiler on eBay. All I can find is carbon fiber ones... can you post a link to the style/type you have? Thanks!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

@@DrLangleyblog Thank you! The listing I bought it from doesn't exist anymore, but this looks about the same: ebay.us/JyBS5O

[@DrLangleyblog]

@@SimpleCarGuy Thanks so much! I've learned a LOT about my '09 Z4 watching your KZbin videos!! 👊🏼

[@jeremiahex]

Hey dude, I’m a subscriber. I been asking you about my e89 hardtop that doesn’t respond to me holding unlock button to open and close the top. I never heard from you

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Hi! I replied to you on IG.

[@grantbuckmanfedorafilmwork1421]

Doesn't the Z4 have to have the factory-installed 'comfort option' in order for the key fob to open and close the roof?

[@jeremiahex]

@@grantbuckmanfedorafilmwork1421 actually, I found out that my Z4 doesn’t have comfort access. Oh well.

[@gregh7457]

i don't understand the damage to the pump you are talking about. I've taken one apart and it looks pretty indestructible. Metal pins on a concentric shaft are pretty beefy

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I haven't experienced it myself, but have seem multiple complains about the pump killing itself when these relays die while it's on.

[@ticlide66]

Good video again ....... bravo and thank you!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It's great to see people coming back to watch them!

[@nasnas9336]

Every relay for sale on line has 5 prongs, but mine has 4, anyone has any suggestions to why?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

What's your car exactly?

[@nasnas9336]

@@SimpleCarGuy atlanta

[@kurchgaming9676]

I have a z4 e89 and the roof is all of the sudden stuck. The roof signal comes out and I press and hold the buttons but nothing moves can anyone give help with some information?

[@kurchgaming9676]

Also the windows stayed down and won’t go back up

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It could be a number of things. I’d recommend getting a BMW scanner and scanning the car before you do anything. It can be hall sensors, hydraulic pump etc. so better know what to look at first.

[@kurchgaming9676]

@@SimpleCarGuy appreciate the help, and love the content!!!

[@nowool1]

can you please supply the part number?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It's in the link in the description, but this is the part number: 12631742690

[@yordanbankov]

Isn't it "prohibited" to disconnect the battery just like this?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I don’t think so. Most repair instructions from BMW start with, ‘disconnect negative battery terminal’, especially if working with electrics or fuel. You can change the relay without disconnecting the battery.

[@joefoti123]

did exactly what you said fried my frm module, thanks alot!

[@joefoti123]

everything worked before the repair

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Did you unplug the battery? How did you conclude your FRM is fried?

[@nmorris539]

Did you ever have issues with hardtop not locked?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I have not, but usually it’s the hall sensor

[@blairmontaperto8958]

I'm unsure which one to grab from first website link, are they all the same?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Any one of those will work as long as it has the part number in the search bar. I suggest getting one that says ‘genuine bmw’ or ‘oem’.

[@ellisritch]

Do you have the code the bmw after changing the relays?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

No coding required after change.

[@ellisritch]

@@SimpleCarGuy just swapped mine out, back to working perfectly thank you!