automatic top not working

[z32000]

So I’m trying to fix my automatic top. It stopped working 3 months ago and members have been saying to go to the driver side door and look over your left ear (under the top felt). There is supposed to be some electronic device with two wires leading into it. I’m supposed to cut the wires and put them together. Problem is where are these two wires and the electronic device that members are talking about? (I took pictures below.) Please point it out.

[scottpettit]

hinge where the front section of the top folds and many times that is what fails HOWEVER, there are also some switches at the bottom of the top on the drivers side near the well that also fail (mine did and when replaced, no more problems).

Scott

[z32000]

is it under the top lining? I took pics of what was not only visible but realistically accessible. Or can I only see it when the top is partially folded?

[Scottymac]

Had to replace the switch under the brake pedal. Top stopped working periodically. The switch showed up on the error code when I went to the dealer. It may be worth getting a code dump to make sure you are looking at the correct switch.

[z32000]

I'm ruling out that brake switch since I'm not getting any errors on the dash. If anyone can give me more info on how to find the switches on the top. As you can see, I took pictures of what can be accessible and do not see any switches? Am I suppose to remove the top lining to find it or manual try to retract the top?

[Giznaz]

of the top, and isn't readily apparent. Lifting up the edge of the liner would expose it, but you still might not see it. Something to do with BMW not wanting it to stand out and be an eyesore.

If this picture shows up, it is part #31, and fits on the inside of the rail, right next to the number 37. In fact #37 looks like it might be the keeper for the hardware that mounts the switch

[z32000]

That's what I presumed. So I'm guessing that other members have done this before. How did you get to it without removing the top lining? I really don't know where to start.

[Giznaz]

a headliner.
Pop the top a little bit, lift up the headliner edge, and look for a black boxy looking thing with wires on one side and a silver toggle on the other

[Giznaz]

is what my finger is on in each pic.

[z32000]

Thanks a bunch!!! I've been starring at it the whole time LOL
I did not know that was the switch. That was actually what I took a picture of. All this time, I thought that was just part of the frame LOL

[s-retire]

Z Three thousand, two hundred, if the micro switch isn't the case of you issue, don't rule out the brake light switch just because you didn't find a code. That circuit also will be the source of other issues that might go unnoticed unless you are as good at pre-underway inspections as some.

[Giznaz]

that BMW would hide it !! :)

It would be one of those "lets not make it stand out" things that car makers try to do.

[keith]

easiest repair ever. Open the top just a bit, and remove that peice that was "pointed" out earlier with a Torx bit. use an exacto or straight razor blade to cut only through the rubber of the two wires until you are touching metal in the wires, and this will essentially close the circuit. If the top works, there is your problem. I bought a new one on EBAY, and when I re-installed, I did not re-wire the whole thing, just back a couple of inches, and it worked great

[z32000]

hey keith, I'm also looking for a cheaper version of this switch. They're $80 at the dealer. What was the keyword you searched for on ebay?

[keith]

I dont see one on there right now, only one for M3. Also try http://www.bmrparts.com/contact_us.htm, as I have bought used from them too, and they guarantee for one month I believe...

[z32000]

Okay, so I don’t quite understand what is going on.
So I went ahead and cut the top switch as suggested. I placed the two wires together and still did not hear the motor even after making sure there was good contact.
So I almost gave up and went to make sure the fuse was good (fuse #1). There was no problem with it, but I changed it out for the heck of it. Then tried to lower the top again. Still nothing. I even took out the connect of the button switch and put it back in. Still nothing!
So I got the millimeter and tried to get the voltage of the two cut wires. I was actually getting a low reading. I tried to get the reading a few times. All of a sudden, on the fourth reading the voltiage jumped up which was odd. So I put the wires together and then I could hear the top motor running. Of course, I didn’t fully retract it. I put it back and then spent some time trying work on soldering the top switch back on with a little bit of an extension (Since when I cut the wires, you lose length when you twist them back together). Once back together, it went back to not working again!!!
So I removed the top switch and twisted the wires together to see if it works. Now it’s not working! Does this mean it’s something else besides the top switch?

[Monolith]

[z32000]

i'd like to rule out that there is nothing wrong with the actual button (switch for the top). Could this still be the issue?..Anyone know if it is a common problem with Z3's?