Soft top not working

zedthreeplease

zedthreeplease

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2013
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22
Morning guys,

Got a problem with the soft top on my 1997 Z3. Any ideas what I can do to try and see what the problem is?

Thanks
 
What does or doesn't happen? There are several known weak points in the system...
  • Do you get any noise when you try and raise/lower the hood?
  • Check your brake lights work when you press the brake pedal, which checks for a faulty brake pedal switch
  • This article shows the location of the hood micro switch which can fail - http://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-hood-micro-switch-replacement.52/
  • Sometimes you need to make sure the front part of the hood is lifted enough for the micro switch to engage
 
  • No no noise at all.
  • OK will try that.
  • Will look that up
  • The handbook says 8 inches - I would be lifting it more than that
Just checking the circumstances in which the roof will open. Is it ignition on, neutral, foot on brake?
 
zedthreeplease said:
Is it ignition on, neutral, foot on brake?
Click to expand...
That's the process!

You could try lifting the hood a bit more, just in case the micro switch is faulty. There is a natural point at which it feels wrong to lift it higher ;)
 
Yes i figured that :) - I am lifting it until it hits the point where it won't go any further.

Just tested the brake lights and they're fine
 
On the microswitch - is that something that is turned on when I open the handles or is that something i need to switch manually?
 
The micro switch is 'automatic' if you look at it's design in this image. It's a simple contact switch.

upload_2014-5-18_11-26-20.webp


You could as a test bypass it by shorting the two wires together. Not advisable to leave it this way as you could cause other damage. Would at least prove it's not that causing the problem though!
 
OK so I've taken it apart but the only way I can short the wires is to cut them is that correct?

They seem to be fixed into the switch with a piece of molded plastic
 
I've just read through the article I linked to again, and it does look like you need to cut the wires :facepalm: . I had assumed they were push on connectors.

I haven't had this issue myself, so didn't realise they are fixed to the switch in that way. Sorry!
 
zedthreeplease said:
NP - so as long as the fuse in the fusebox is not blown then that's the only thing it can be?
Click to expand...
As far as I know that would seem the be the likely issue. Not sure if you have a Maplins (or the like) nearby, but might be worth seeing if you can get the bits before you proceed...
 
You could also check the rest of the wire running down from the micro switch.
 
BTW you don't need to be in neutral, I often roll up to a roundabout on the way home and drop the top in very slow (crawling) traffic as you only have to have the brake lights illuminated not necessarily applying the brakes. ;)
 
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