Roof Failed to go down - advice?

[Fleetster]

Please help -
:cry:
I have an e36 320i convertible which i have had for about 3 weeks!

Roof has been fine until today - tried to lower it but nothing! - cant hear the motors and it didnt even try to lower the windows, i have open and shut the boot and looked at the fuses under the bonnet.
Is threre another fuse anywhere ?
Could it be the switch on the console?
If it was the motors, would it still try and put the windows down before the roof?
any help please?

Thanks,
Fleetster - Rank Novice

[Bimmer_Angel]

I've given up wondering why a roof works one minute then NOTHING:mad:

Look at past threads - there are quite a few! They should be of help to you Buddy.

Good Luck because the weekend looks amazing - just the weather to have the roof down:thumbup:

[willinot]

I have exactly the same problem. Roof has a mind of its own as when to work. Ive now resorted to keeping the allen key in the glove box so I can raise manually as and when needed until I get it sorted.

Ive been advised (by Bimmer Angel) that it may be the micro switch but BMW have not been any help here cos they say (believe it or not) that no micro switches exist or at least none are listed on their parts directory.

If I cant find them or the reason for failure, I may have to...............leave it into BMW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Ill keep you all informed if I get it sorted though.

Cheers.

[Pirate_copy]

hey guys

I am VERY surprised that BMW say their are no microswitches as i can see no other way to put safety features on the roof mechanism

Will have a look at mums at the weekend and report back

[willinot]

I agree. And I have seen them indicated in the Bentley Manual (I just cant understand what one does what) but Its either one of those parts that come with an entire fitting or the guy I was speaking to just didnt look very hard!!!!!!!

[dennisspeaks]

sorry to hear of your problem, I am having the same problem. I called the local bmw service department several times and even left a message on Tuesday, they haven't even bothered to call me back.

I am not getting any light indicator on the top switch, are you is it solid or flashing? I bought a new switch but it had no effect. Did you check fuse I believe it's #49 near the battery?

I've got a feeling I am not getting any power to the switch. If I find anything out, i will let you know.

This totally sucks. I've got a 65 olds jetstar convertible and the top is more dependable than the beemer.

Good luck, I feel your pain!!!

[Fleetster]

Thanks for you replies guys.

I am not getting any lights coming up and yes i checked the fuses under the bonnet, is there anymore fuses knocking about?:dunno:

[willinot]

when it does not work the light on the switch does not light up at all. At random though the roof will just work again and everything is back to normal withthe light working again.

Problem is I dont know when it will stop or start working again and just have to keep trying the switch (have tried to change the switch too). It sounds like some sort of sensor problem but I dont know how to test. May have to resort to the £90.00per hour BMW rate!!!!!!!! (although last year they quoted me a half to full days work to re-engage the roof motors which actually takes all of 20minutes including lowering the roof manually!)

[Fleetster]

Still no joy, i have changed the fuses.
taken it to a so called Specialist, but all he could think of was hooking it up to ecu reader as he has had nothing to do with roofs before.

it really is as if the switch has no power going to it, it has not worked once since it stopped.

please help - its too sunny to hide

[Fleetster]

Just spoke to another specialist who said it could be a microswitch in the boot...?

any ideas??!!?!?!?!?!?

[Fleetster]

Finally fixed!!!!! :thumbup: :) :thumbup: :) Finally fixed!!!!!!!:thumbup: :thumbup:

It took a while, not becuase of fault finding or lack of cash, but due to the fact that very few places are open at the weekend and i work in the week, a problem i'm sure you all face! - So a week off work was booked and the car booked in!

I was dreading the " its not good news mate"...... But

Took it to a place in Stoke On Trent today and within the day i had a call -All done Mate!!

It turned out to be the Microswitch in the boot :thumbdwn:

I can pose for the rest of the week now!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)