BMW M3 E93 ROOF ISSUES

[jay-12]

I have a BMW M3 E93 (hard top) which has an issue with the roof mechanism. There were no items in the boot at the time, the tray was in position for the roof to go down. The roof at the time folded down with ease. It was only after about an hour later, the roof would not go back into the upright position. All it says on the BMW I drive system is: 'Roof System not locked. Please ensure the car is stationary and roof movement is not obstructed. Then press the button again'. The roof remains firmly shut ...no motor noise or anything like that. I have already checked the two relays ( located where the roof pump and reservoir is) which are part of the operating system. There is battery voltage going to the relays and the relays themselves are fine as well as I have tested both components. Any ideas what to check next ie ways of testing to see if other components are working or not, without me having to take the vehicle to the main dealer?

[Agent XXX]

[LP670]

My old man's Z4 had a similar issue, i think it turned out to be the wiring to the position sensors at fault

[jay-12]

Agent XXX said:

Yeh wish I could laugh too! Shame it’s not hot and sunny during the day at the moment. I question why I put the roof down in the first place.. however it was going to happen anyhow

[jay-12]

LP670 said:

My old man's Z4 had a similar issue, i think it turned out to be the wiring to the position sensors at fault

Hmm ok

[Prinny]

Obvious question, but you’re not parked at an angle?

Whether it’s front-back or side-side (or a combination thereof), it will apply some measure of torsional force, and the sensors don’t like that - so won’t activate the closure.

[A4 cabrio]

As above, parked on slopes or uneven ground can affect the roof operation. I found this out when I had an e93, When I’d go to my parents house & park on the drive the roof wouldn’t work sometimes, eventually I worked out it was due to it being sloped downwards, hopefully it’s that simple for you.

[jay-12]

Prinny said:

Obvious question, but you’re not parked at an angle?

Whether it’s front-back or side-side (or a combination thereof), it will apply some measure of torsional force, and the sensors don’t like that - so won’t activate the closure.

Yeh I've parked it in a garage and the ground is as flat as possible.Still doesn't work. Thanks though.

[jay-12]

Was the motor and both relays in the end.

[tgr]

Jay thanks for updating the thread; how much did it cost you to repair?