Have you actually inspected the cowl panel drive unit rather than slapping a control module in it?
A new control unit will need programmed either by the dealer or someone with ESYS.
I have no idea if a used control module will be ok. I think it will probably operate but have no idea why it’s needed to be coded to your car specifically.

 

Have you actually inspected the cowl panel drive unit rather than slapping a control module in it?
A new control unit will need programmed either by the dealer or someone with ESYS.
I have no idea if a used control module will be ok. I think it will probably operate but have no idea why it’s needed to be coded to your car specifically.

No I haven't checked I'm not that proficient at electrical diagnosis but I am capable of plugging in a module which I thought I would try first only because my scan tool indicated that part is faulty, however I do realize that it could be other reasons why my scannner said it is the module, but I thought I'd take a chance because I unplugged the module and plugged back in and the roof worked but it crapped out again after 2 open and closes, so I'm hoping that's the issue

 

I believe you posted on this in one of the Z4 FB groups as well? As noted there, top controller failures are pretty rare absent some outside event such as flooding. The more common issue is wire breakage in the harness that runs from the top controller to the front latch assembly. This wire harness runs along the top frame on the right hand side and as such it gets flexed every time the top is opened and closed. This issue has started to show up more frequently in the forums now that our Z4s are accumulating some significant age.
I haven't replaced a top controller myself and since its rarely if ever come up as an issue in the forums or FB groups I don't know if it requires programming to the car. I do know that there is some car specific data stores such as number of top up/down cycles, but I don't believe there's any coordinated data (such as mileage) as there is between the ECU, IC, LCM, and GM5 modules.

 

Thank you for this reply...

My situation as it stands is that my top is down and as soon as I put the key in the ignition the top up button just flashes red without me even touching it

My scan tool tells me that it is the control module however I do understand that could be inaccurate but for now I am taking a chance and have bought as used one off ebay, just waiting for it to arrive and hopefully that is the problem

I'll also mention that I pulled the red release thingy in the trunk but that didn't work so I guess it's seized or something, so for now the top remains down

 

It won't be the roof module, it will be a broken cable in the roof loom, I've repaired thousands of Z4 roofs... Left hand side of the car, manually open the roof halfway and grab the wiring loom, slice open the sheath and tug at each wire individually - One of the thinner wires (hall sensor) will come loose - I just solder and sleeve with heatshrink..

Mike

 

Hey thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it and I am definitely gonna check that out as I have determined that it wasn't the roof module

Wondering if it makes a difference if the car is left or right hand drive as to what side of the car it will be on, I'm in Canada so we have left hand drive if that makes a difference

Also any chance of getting a picture of where you are able to grab the wiring loom and at what point of the sheath you are slicing open

Thanks again for your help, If you were in my area I'd give you my business

Hope to hear back, cheers!