Hey All,

I just got my 2003 Z4 last week...

The tops been working fine but i washed it over the weekend and now the top wont go down. Its an automatic top and when i press the "go down" button, it just lights up solid orange. I searched a bunch of forums and i found two possible answers:

Microswitch

Luggage Compartment

its NOT the luggage compartment as im SURE its in the correct position. i have no idea what the microswitch is though....can anyone help????

The micro switch is located in the luggage compartment (trunk), what it does is prevent the convertible top from being opened if the shelf in the truck is in the raised position. If the shelf is in the raised position it allows more room in the trunk.
To start with look inside the truck towards the top on both sides of the shelf and you will notice trun knobs (almost like gas burner knobs on an outdoor gas grill), when you turn the knobs one direction the shelf will raise when you turn them the other direction the shelf will lower. Make sure the shelf is in the lowest position and try it again, if that doesn't correct it put the shelf in the raised position and look under the shelf towards the front of the car (where your seat backs would be if you could see them) and you should see the micro switch, how it works is that there is a little tab on the shelf and when you lower the shelf it is supposed to make contact with the switch which tells the system the shelf is lowered and the top can now be opened.
Let me know if that doesn't correct the problem, I have just went through all of this and in fact my 2003 Z4 just went to the dealer today to have the motor that raises and lowers the top replaced (they have to remove the complete top to replace the motor).
When you press the open button does your windows lower half way and the top release from the windshield? If it is you will be able to see it raise about a 1/4" from the windshield (un-seal from the windshield) and when you push up in the center of the top (at the winshield) it will move away from the windshield.
There is also the hyd. release valve that is located in the truck as well and if it was pulled and turned 90 degrees by mistake (little red handle in the upper left hand corner of the truck if you are facing into the truck) it will prevent the hyd. pump from working, however the windows will still lower and it will release from the windshield.
But lets take step one first and check the shelf and switch..

I'm sure someone on this site has a link to this or a photo of what I'm talking about??
Bill

Thanks Bill,

When I press the button, the windows do not go down at all. Nothing happens...

The luggage thing is in the correct position, and I will be sure to check the microswitch that you described asap. Also, when trying to find the microswitch a few days ago, I pulled that red hyd lever - but i put it back to its original position. Did I really screw things up now?

Thanks so much,

Andy

Also - this should be covered under warranty, right?

No, not at all....
I have heard of the micro switches breaking, hence they stop working (I believe it has something to do with the arm on the switch).
It does sound to me to be the switch.... I tested my switch by having the shelf in the up position and trying to open the top (should not open), then I held the switch closed while having a helper push the open button to see if it starts to open (should open).
If you purchased the car as a "certified pre owed" (CPO), then yes it should be coverd under warrenty and it will cost you $50.00.
If it isn't a CPO then I don't think it is still in warrenty..

Thanks for the description. I found the microswitch. I assume its the little metal hoop sticking out of the bottom left? Anyways, i pressed down on it (lightly) to see if it was stuck...and it popped off! Ive tried and tried and it seems like theres no way to get it back it on! Very frustrating indeed..

Yes, I have CPO, but why do you think it will cost $50 to repair? im very, very broke right now and i just bought this car about a week ago. The weathers been around 92 where i live and i really want the top to go down!

For anyone else who has the problem, i took a pic of the location of the microswitch...however it says i dont have permission to post links. If anyone needs it (or can post the pic to help others) please PM me and ill send it to you.

The microswitch repair isn't that difficult... Before you get charged money, try this:

http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix1a.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix2a.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix3a.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix4a.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix5a.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix6a.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix7a.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~d0cwh/t0pswfx/topswfix8a.JPG

:cool

Great Diy!!!

Thank you! :smiliecap

Thanks for the description. I found the microswitch. I assume its the little metal hoop sticking out of the bottom left? Anyways, i pressed down on it (lightly) to see if it was stuck...and it popped off! Ive tried and tried and it seems like theres no way to get it back it on! Very frustrating indeed..

Yes, I have CPO, but why do you think it will cost $50 to repair? im very, very broke right now and i just bought this car about a week ago. The weathers been around 92 where i live and i really want the top to go down!

For anyone else who has the problem, i took a pic of the location of the microswitch...however it says i dont have permission to post links. If anyone needs it (or can post the pic to help others) please PM me and ill send it to you.

$50.00 is what BMW charges for an item covered under CPO, I don't think the dealer could repplace the switch (if it were bad) for under $50.00, but I am just guessing and do not have any experiance with this......
However you can have several items (that are covered under CPO) corrected at the same visit for just one $50.00 charge.

Just as an FYI, you can manualy put the top down...I had to do that for three weeks until my car could get in the shop to have the motor replaced (its there today and they just called, they put the new motor in and it still isn't working correctly....).

Doctor Wha,
Thank you for the DIY, I knew I had seen one on Z4UM, but wasn't sure how to find it...

Doctor Wha,
Thank you for the DIY, I knew I had seen one on Z4UM, but wasn't sure how to find it...
You're quite welcome, and it was likely mine (as above). I also had the Door Handle LED how-to in there as well.

Z4um is still down, and that's an annoyance (no offense, Kev), as there was something I'd seen there I wanted to look up again as well. :ponder

Life on the interthingy... :az

THANK YOU!!

Your diy was so perfect! I fixed it and now it works great! The problem was that the little prong wasnt making contact with the button. (well obviously since the prong fell off!)

:worship:

First of all I am a new first time driver of a 2004 z4, picked it up at end of March. The car is Great, love driving it.Tatanium Silver,power roof,2.5 Steptronic, premium, heated seats, polished aluminum dash panel and trim, stereo controls on steering wheel etc.

Second of all, I have to thank Doctor Wha. His pics and step by step instructions.I was trying to fit my new wind deflector and rased the shelf in the trunk. then I noticed a pin in the trunk. I didn't know where it was from. I tried to lower the roof and it wouldn't work. I tried everything and to no avail. Once i seen the pics I knew what that pin was from.
because its still under warranty I called 2 bmw dealerships today , and it would be may 22 before i could get in. So i decided to try it myself . it took me less than 20 minutes and that included the wind deflector.It works perfect.Thanks again for the help.

DOCTOR WHA...........Is there any way you can post the DIY and photos of 'How to install lights on the interior of doors'.....please....I thought it was the coolest and very luxurious upgrade......Guys, you have to see this mod, its really classy when its done.

THANK YOU!!
Your diy was so perfect! I fixed it and now it works great! The problem was that the little prong wasnt making contact with the button. (well obviously since the prong fell off!)

Second of all, I have to thank Doctor Wha. His pics and step by step instructions.I was trying to fit my new wind deflector and rased the shelf in the trunk. then I noticed a pin in the trunk. I didn't know where it was from. I tried to lower the roof and it wouldn't work. I tried everything and to no avail. Once i seen the pics I knew what that pin was from.
because its still under warranty I called 2 bmw dealerships today , and it would be may 22 before i could get in. So i decided to try it myself . it took me less than 20 minutes and that included the wind deflector.It works perfect.Thanks again for the help.
You're quite welcome gents! I'm glad it worked out for you! Simple DIY's are great time & money savers, and what's more, you've gotten to know your cars a bit better! Congrats! :thumbup:


DOCTOR WHA...........Is there any way you can post the DIY and photos of 'How to install lights on the interior of doors'.....please....I thought it was the coolest and very luxurious upgrade......Guys, you have to see this mod, its really classy when its done.
Thanks very much for the kind words! :D

The new thread with the step-by-step photos is here (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=746898).


:cool