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      03-22-2013, 07:07 PM   #1
E85fan
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Convertible roof problem

Hey guys,

I've run into a bit of a problem. Whenever I put the top down on my car the red light beside the open roof switch flashes. I have tried searching online and it seems to be a common problem but I haven't been able to fix it. I have tried holding down the switch until the windows roll back up after the light goes off but after about a few minutes of driving the light starts flashing again. When I stop the car and hold down the switch again I can hear the motor running and visibly see the top going down about 1 mm. After this the light will stay off until I hit a light bump on the road and then the light starts flashing again The switches are operating fine and I'm able to put the top up and down its just that the light is getting to be really annoying.
If anyone has any idea how to fix this or reset the roof or anything please do let me know.

Thanks guys
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      03-22-2013, 07:13 PM   #2
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Don't have a sensible solution for you, but a dot cut out of a bit of black electrical tape, might alleviate the annoyance factor with the light until you can figure out the actual issue. Sounds like a latch might not be engaging and the roof is getting pulled up as you drive around.
Still with the weather we're supposed to get this weekend, the black tape will allow you to enjoy the roof being down without the flashing getting to you too much.
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      03-22-2013, 08:26 PM   #3
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Might be the microswitch at the front of the trunk. When you look forward in the trunk you can see a black switch with a silver tab (the switch). It might be defective or just needs the tab bent out a little.

I have heard of folks disconnecting the switch altogether to see if it fixes the problem. Not sure of this though so do a search.
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      03-23-2013, 01:23 AM   #4
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Have that problem with my top as well. The flashing red light is indicating that its not fully retracted and latched down. My motor hydraulic unit isn't retracting the top down enough at times that the micro switch functions with the latch that engages to keep it down. Sometimes pushing the down button again seems to cure it, but I did find that pushing down manually "engaged" the latch with a definite click... Solving my problem. I'm going to replace my motor this fall either using Shipkillers DIY instructions or paying my Indy shop to do it....as I have retraction issues when first engaging the retraction button.... Sometimes have to "assist" by pushing back gently.

I'd read Shipkillers DIY on this as it fully describes how the repair is done and the Microswitches and latches. http://www.shipkiller.com/Softtop_Main.html
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      03-23-2013, 08:28 AM   #5
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I wonder if you might require more hydraulic fluid. If it was low, or had air in the lines, might allow frame to relax.

Just a thought. I do not know an easy way to check this.
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      03-23-2013, 08:52 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3point0 View Post
Don't have a sensible solution for you, but a dot cut out of a bit of black electrical tape, might alleviate the annoyance factor with the light until you can figure out the actual issue. Sounds like a latch might not be engaging and the roof is getting pulled up as you drive around.
Still with the weather we're supposed to get this weekend, the black tape will allow you to enjoy the roof being down without the flashing getting to you too much.
I agree that it could be a latch issue. You are probably quite fine to drive around town top down, but I would be careful at highway speeds where the wind is sufficiently strong that it could lift the roof from the down position and twist the frame.
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      03-23-2013, 09:34 AM   #7
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It's easy to tell if its the latch...just give it a tug upwards when down and see if it moves.
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      03-24-2013, 03:45 AM   #8
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Thanks everybody for all the suggestions I will try them tomorrow. Hopefully I'm able to resolve it!

If anyone else has any tips please let us know.
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      03-25-2013, 08:41 PM   #9
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Alright guys, so I got the light again and I pulled over and pushed the top down manually after it was already down until I heard it click. Afterwards, I put the top up turned the car off for a few hours. I then put the top down, took the car on the highway for an hour and didn't get the light!

Hopefully the problem is resolved for good. Thanks everybody for all your advice, if anyone is having a similar problem I suggest they trying pushing the top down manually until you hear a clicking sound after the red light starts flashing.
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      03-25-2013, 08:49 PM   #10
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glad it seems to be resolved.
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      03-25-2013, 09:02 PM   #11
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More info:

http://www.shipkiller.com/SI%20B%205...ril%202005.pdf

In 2008, BMW decided that lock is no longer necessary.

http://www.shipkiller.com/SI%20B%205...uly%202008.pdf

So don't worry that the top will float up at speed if it is not locked down.
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      03-28-2013, 12:19 AM   #12
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Agree that it's not going to float away. Had to laugh after reading the two bulletins as its is obvious BMW got tired of the complaints and "solved" the problem.
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      03-28-2013, 09:52 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shipkiller
More info:

http://www.shipkiller.com/SI%20B%205...ril%202005.pdf

In 2008, BMW decided that lock is no longer necessary.

http://www.shipkiller.com/SI%20B%205...uly%202008.pdf

So don't worry that the top will float up at speed if it is not locked down.
nice thanks
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