This is an overview of how I fixed my convertible top. It was pretty straight forward and cost nothing. Check out my newest shirt here: www.amazon.com... FaceBook: / speedtechnikphoto Instagram: / speedtechnikphoto
Thanks for your vids. How can I test if the microswitch is working before cutting the wires? My power top motor makes a noise when attempting to raise the roof, but the noise stops soon after. No noise when I attempt to lower the roof. I want to be sure before I cut the wires!
Hi I have a question how I know the motor is bad. I did like you say. Directly to the battery bad no sound the only thing I hear was the click. From the relay. And I test both out side and they click normal. And I check the switch inside and I notice when I press the brake and the switch at the same time it blinks every time when I press which it means is working but the motor no sound no move how can I tell the motor is gone ?
Unplug the motor completely(you need to connect to the motor directly). The plug is located right above the relays. Then connect the power and ground directly to the contacts.
Did you ever make another video on checking pump and relays? My top was intermittent, now nothing. Tried switch first, nothing. Cruise control works fine Brake lights all work
I did not, but these are easy to diagnose, since you have a battery right there in the trunk. Remove the relays, grab some wires and run power directly to each one. You will hear them click if they are working. I don't recall which pins require power, but there are only 3 of them, so it's not hard to figure out. You can also disconnect the plug from the pump and run power to it directly. How did you check the switch? Your issue could be with the wiring that runs to it. You can disconnect it and jump the plug with a wire. The plug is located in the area where the hard top would mount on the driver's side. Just follow the wire from the switch and you will see it. The plug is somewhat hidden, it is accessible.
@@CarGuy1 thanks. I tested relays. Both fine. Pump made noise also but not loud (was in manual mode). The switch connection seems to be hidden in very awkward position. Was thinking it could be wiring. I’m lost if not that
@@CarGuy1 I found the connection. Unplugged and jumped at the connection. Works fine. Wish a new switch/wire wasn’t $100+ tempted to make my own but feel as if I should do it right for the m car
Great video! You really covered it all. Thank you for sharing. Once it is power can it be done manually? Debating on fixing my 14 yo sons. He is what he claims to be a 'Stock king'. Meaning it will work/return as when sold, new (007 model). Which I appreciate and support. This son 14 and has the power top option. His brother also received a Z3 at 14, now 16. He has rebuilt it entirely during his 2 years and it doesn't have the power top. I appreciate the convenance of the manual but haven't had the experience of power top. What do you prefer since you have driven and dealt with both as a daily.
Thanks! I prefer to have a power top because it's easier to use. When it's in a "manual mode", it is somewhat awkward to quickly raise it while sitting down. Plus you have a wind screen in the way.
You can pop it out of the center console and use a multimeter. Hold the test prongs to the terminals on the switch and test for continuity. For the microswitch - you can simply jump the contacts.
@@CarGuy1 so when not pressed no continuity, and when pressed it will have? Also do you happen to know where I can find the electrical diagram so I can know which pin is what? Thanks!
@@ivanvujadinovic9905 Yes. If you have FaceBook, I would join this group. Here is a direct link to electrical diagrams for our cars. facebook.com/groups/750058605122964/permalink/2837749566353847
You should have just left it manual, I think it's easier and faster to put up or down than the power option which you still have to catch before it slams and lock it. If mine ever goes bad I will probably just keep it manual.
You don't have to catch it. You just need to pull it up a few inches and latch it. I prefer to have everything functioning as intended. To each their own I suppose.
Thanks for your vids.
How can I test if the microswitch is working before cutting the wires?
My power top motor makes a noise when attempting to raise the roof, but the noise stops soon after. No noise when I attempt to lower the roof. I want to be sure before I cut the wires!
Informative video! Where is the microswitch located? (left drive)
Right here: th-cam.com/video/5YniNM_emr8/w-d-xo.html
I looked for the motor. Couldn’t find it. Ditto with the dash switch sensor and relays. Turns out mines a manual.
Hi I have a question how I know the motor is bad. I did like you say. Directly to the battery bad no sound the only thing I hear was the click. From the relay. And I test both out side and they click normal. And I check the switch inside and I notice when I press the brake and the switch at the same time it blinks every time when I press which it means is working but the motor no sound no move how can I tell the motor is gone ?
Unplug the motor completely(you need to connect to the motor directly). The plug is located right above the relays. Then connect the power and ground directly to the contacts.
Did you ever make another video on checking pump and relays?
My top was intermittent, now nothing. Tried switch first, nothing.
Cruise control works fine
Brake lights all work
I did not, but these are easy to diagnose, since you have a battery right there in the trunk. Remove the relays, grab some wires and run power directly to each one. You will hear them click if they are working. I don't recall which pins require power, but there are only 3 of them, so it's not hard to figure out. You can also disconnect the plug from the pump and run power to it directly.
How did you check the switch? Your issue could be with the wiring that runs to it. You can disconnect it and jump the plug with a wire. The plug is located in the area where the hard top would mount on the driver's side. Just follow the wire from the switch and you will see it. The plug is somewhat hidden, it is accessible.
@@CarGuy1 thanks. I tested relays. Both fine. Pump made noise also but not loud (was in manual mode).
The switch connection seems to be hidden in very awkward position. Was thinking it could be wiring.
I’m lost if not that
@@CarGuy1 I found the connection. Unplugged and jumped at the connection. Works fine.
Wish a new switch/wire wasn’t $100+ tempted to make my own but feel as if I should do it right for the m car
How did you change it from manual?
It was never manual. You can operate it manually if you rotate the the valve on the hydraulic fluid tank counter-clockwise.
Great video! You really covered it all. Thank you for sharing. Once it is power can it be done manually? Debating on fixing my 14 yo sons. He is what he claims to be a 'Stock king'. Meaning it will work/return as when sold, new (007 model). Which I appreciate and support. This son 14 and has the power top option. His brother also received a Z3 at 14, now 16. He has rebuilt it entirely during his 2 years and it doesn't have the power top. I appreciate the convenance of the manual but haven't had the experience of power top. What do you prefer since you have driven and dealt with both as a daily.
Thanks! I prefer to have a power top because it's easier to use. When it's in a "manual mode", it is somewhat awkward to quickly raise it while sitting down. Plus you have a wind screen in the way.
How do you test the switch itself?
You can pop it out of the center console and use a multimeter. Hold the test prongs to the terminals on the switch and test for continuity. For the microswitch - you can simply jump the contacts.
@@CarGuy1 so when not pressed no continuity, and when pressed it will have? Also do you happen to know where I can find the electrical diagram so I can know which pin is what? Thanks!
@@ivanvujadinovic9905 Yes. If you have FaceBook, I would join this group. Here is a direct link to electrical diagrams for our cars. facebook.com/groups/750058605122964/permalink/2837749566353847
You should have just left it manual, I think it's easier and faster to put up or down than the power option which you still have to catch before it slams and lock it. If mine ever goes bad I will probably just keep it manual.
You don't have to catch it. You just need to pull it up a few inches and latch it. I prefer to have everything functioning as intended. To each their own I suppose.
@@CarGuy1 are you a member of bimmerforums.com? You can find a lot of info and how to's there and your videos will certainly help a lot of people.
@@jcj68 yes! My username there is Andryuha. I do chime in when I can and my video links are in my sig.