Potential 2003 Z4 purchase

bo_loo · 06-12-2012, 08:19 PM

Hi all,

I'm looking at a 2003 Z4 2.5 5-speed with 99,000 miles. It's in very good condition, but the seller states that the top won't lower or raise due to an electronic control failure of some sort. (the top appears to be in very good overall condition) He states that the motor does work; it's the electronic control/switch that isn't working.

It's currently priced at $10,500 USD. How much should I be concerned about the top not functioning? If the problem is as described, how much could I expect to get it fixed?

How easy/difficult is it to lower and raise manually?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

former 325 and 633csi owner

steveie612 · 06-12-2012, 09:31 PM

I just bought a 2003 Z4 2.5i that had the top repaired with the same problem and it cost 3K. The whole top has to be removed to repair the motor, actuators and switches. Be careful and good luck!

bo_loo · 06-13-2012, 05:03 AM

So, is it an option to simply operate the top manually?

dreamingat30fps · 06-13-2012, 08:05 AM

I have the same issue on mine. The motor itself is about $300 labor is a bitch though. I was quoted $900 total from a local indy shop.

You can manually lower and raise the top (at least in my 2006). There is a release valve in the trunk that bypasses the motor so you can lift it up and down freely. That is what I have been doing. It's not that bad especially since I either have it up all day or down all day.

06-12-2012, 08:19 PM	#1
bo_loo New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 2.5 roadster Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Potential 2003 Z4 purchase - top won't function Hi all, I'm looking at a 2003 Z4 2.5 5-speed with 99,000 miles. It's in very good condition, but the seller states that the top won't lower or raise due to an electronic control failure of some sort. (the top appears to be in very good overall condition) He states that the motor does work; it's the electronic control/switch that isn't working. It's currently priced at $10,500 USD. How much should I be concerned about the top not functioning? If the problem is as described, how much could I expect to get it fixed? How easy/difficult is it to lower and raise manually? Many thanks in advance for your help. former 325 and 633csi owner
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06-12-2012, 09:31 PM	#2
steveie612 New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 2.5i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	I just bought a 2003 Z4 2.5i that had the top repaired with the same problem and it cost 3K. The whole top has to be removed to repair the motor, actuators and switches. Be careful and good luck!
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06-13-2012, 05:03 AM	#3
bo_loo New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 2.5 roadster Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Is lowering/raising manually an option? So, is it an option to simply operate the top manually?
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06-13-2012, 08:05 AM	#4
dreamingat30fps Lieutenant Colonel 5321 Rep 1,907 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	I have the same issue on mine. The motor itself is about $300 labor is a bitch though. I was quoted $900 total from a local indy shop. You can manually lower and raise the top (at least in my 2006). There is a release valve in the trunk that bypasses the motor so you can lift it up and down freely. That is what I have been doing. It's not that bad especially since I either have it up all day or down all day.
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