Hi: My Z4 roof (soft top) won't go down, I am sure that it is the hydraulic pump, maybe all it needs is some oil added. But the issue is, getting the roof off, does any of the "experts" have any detail on how to remove the roof without distroying it. Thanks Bill

There is 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 trunk knobs and they almost look 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.
When you press the open button does your windows lower half way and the top release from the windshield? If so, 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.

Hi,

This could a problem with micro switch.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.

You could try to assist it as you hold the button and apply mild pressure to see if it will help the hydraulics to move. If you wait 10 minutes after opening the cowl the pressure should bleed off(with key out). Then with the aid of another person carefully move the top in the down position.
Just as a heads up. The normal failure of these tops is the hydraulic motor due to water seeping into the motor casing. In order to access the hydaulic motor the entire top must be removed completely.

Here are the instructions that might help.

Opening/closing convertible top in event of a technical fault
GRRA0000-HINWEIS
View Full Image
Opening convertible top: Depending on the nature of the technical fault, perform one of the following tasks before opening the convertible top. All the tasks may be necessary in a few cases.

• Open side windows

Automatic convertible top catch:
• Press in cover (1) at top slightly and lever out towards bottom.
• Turn screw with double offset hexagon socket key (on-board tool kit).

Convertible top hydraulics:
• Open rear lid.
• On left side, pull ring (1) to center and turn through 90°.
• Place ring on holder (2).

Opening convertible top:
• If necessary, open convertible top by hand. When opening the convertible top by hand, only grip in the middle of the front edge of the front bow.

Closing convertible top: Depending on the nature of the technical fault, perform one of the following tasks before closing the convertible top. All the tasks may be necessary in a few cases.
• Open side windows

Stowage lock:
• Open rear lid.
• Pull knob (1) towards rear on luggage compartment panel.

Convertible top hydraulics:
• Open rear lid.
• On left side, pull ring (1) to center and turn through 90°.
• Place ring on holder (2).

Automatic convertible top catch:
• Press in cover (1) at top slightly and lever out towards bottom.
• Turn screw with double offset hexagon socket key (on-board tool kit).

Closing convertible top:
• If necessary, close convertible top by hand. When closing the convertible top by hand, only grip in the middle of the front edge of the front bow.

Let me know,if needed further assistance.

Hope i helped you.

Thanks for using ' Fixya ' and have a nice day!!

First check the luggage area to see if it is in the correct position and then check the microswitch. Click on the link below to read more:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=745265