Z3 hydraulic fluid leak

[jimcwestie]

I have just topped up the hydraulic fluid on my z3 as the folding roof stopped functioning. I have checked the pump and the hoses in the boot and not found a leak. It is now operating properly once I refilled. Is there any areas I should check for leaks in particular? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[colb]

Pipe connections on the lifting ram, they corrode and develop leaks
Diagram here

Electro-hydraulic folding top parts Diagram for BMW Z3 E36 1.9 (1999) Catalog | RealOEM.com

BMW parts Z3 E36 1.9 Electro-hydraulic folding top parts

www.realoem.com

ooops just noticed you have an E89 will have a look for that model

 

[colb]

E89 Diagram here check all pipe joints and lines for leaks

Hydraulics Diagram for BMW Z4 E89 20i (2013) Catalog | RealOEM.com

BMW parts Z4 E89 20i Hydraulics

www.realoem.com

 

[jimcwestie]

Pipe connections on the lifting ram, they corrode and develop leaks
Diagram here

Electro-hydraulic folding top parts Diagram for BMW Z3 E36 1.9 (1999) Catalog | RealOEM.com

BMW parts Z3 E36 1.9 Electro-hydraulic folding top parts

www.realoem.com

ooops just noticed you have an E89 will have a look for that model

I used to own a Z4 but now have a Z3. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Pond]

Lucky you now have a Z3, as the roof mechanism is much, much, much simpler than on an E89.
Just two short hoses, a single ram and a small pump. Only four connections that could possibly leak (as well as the ram itself I suppose)

 

[jimcwestie]

Tonight I marked the oil level in the tank with masking tape. I then operated the roof a total of 24 times up and down. So far no change on the oil level.

 

[jimcwestie]

After leaving the car and marking the reservoir level found it was still leaking. My conclusion was it must be the pump as there was a stain on the kitchen roll I left under it. So today I fitted a replacement pump and bleed the roof. Everything is looking good so far. Fingers crossed.