retractable roof issues

[daveboy]

New owner here of a 2014 Z4 281s. So far, I am very happy with my new purchase.
However, I keep reading posts about expensive hydraulic leaks, wiring/sensor problems with the retractable roof. I also see people alluding to the problem only being on the first model years, but was solved prior to 2014. Am I correct on this?
Also, since I am a long drive from the closest BMW dealer, and can't imagine driving there very slow (to keep from blowing the top off!) if it ever gets stuck in an intermediate position, is there a way to manually lower/raise it in case of emergency?
Thanks for any input.

[RobbiZ4]

Rumours/myths about an improved hardtop as of 2012

There is no known improvement in the retractable hardtop!

There were only minor technical changes inside of the hydraulic pump, nothing else. The roof loom got 2 additional wires to the CTM and a new partnumber.

Unfortunately, there is no manual option to open or close the roof in case of an issue.

[daveboy]

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks.

[RobbiZ4]

Originally Posted by daveboy

Also, since I am a long drive from the closest BMW dealer, ...

Unfortunately, even the dealers in most cases don't have an option to get it completely locked. AFAIK a very special tool is required, that is hardly anywhere available, even not at the German BMW dealers.

[surfwooder]

Have you tried anything more on this top problem. Have you had the car scanned, and looked for codes for the top control module? You may want to do a full reset of your car. Just, disconnect the negitive terminal on the battery for 1/2 hour, reconnect and try the top. Or, connect a scanner and read all the codes, and clear all codes (it may be a code may stop your top of operating.) Try the top again. Report back to the thread, let us know so we can be of further help if needed.

[RobbiZ4]

Originally Posted by surfwooder

Have you tried anything more on this top problem.

Did you read the initial post? No word of any issue.

Originally Posted by surfwooder

...it may be a code may stop your top of operating...

To be honest, this is nonsense. Storing a code is a passive information in the cars central unit. It never stops any activity of a control unit.


Nevertheless, even stored fault codes by the CTM (cabrio top module) will lead into the wrong direction. It's a bit more difficult to diagnose than just reading codes.


Have a look at the development of my Y3 diagnostic tool for the complete set of BMW convertibles.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=129048