54 37 000 Troubleshooting retractable hardtop (checking function)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 BMW Z4, 2015 BMW Z4, and 2014 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: You are exposed to the risk of pinching body parts when working on the installed or removed soft top.

Soft top is centered by journal (2) during insertion into guide and locked by rotary striker (1).

Carefully close soft top until rotary striker (1) has retracted by approx. 1/3 into striker.

Rotary striker (1) and journal (2) must close correctly and virtually silently.

Open and close soft top at least 3 times.

Check all line connections for fluid leaks.

If necessary, check OIL LEVEL .

Fig 1: Identifying Rotary Striker And Journal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The drive has an additional function.

With the hardtop opened, the drive locks the hardtop on the base plate in the rear module.

The purpose of this function is crash locking.

In the event of a crash, the stored hardtop cannot fold forwards.

Function actuation, soft top:

Fig 2: Overview Of Soft Top Function Actuation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Closing soft top is only possible under following conditions:

from ignition lock position "R" (radio setting)
ambient temperature is above -20°C
tailgate (rear module) closed
vehicle stationary (driving speed 0 kph)
luggage compartment partition is in lower position
lateral inclination of the vehicle less than 11°
power windows are initialized
battery voltage greater than 11.5 volts
fewer than 5 opening and closing actions in succession (pump protection inactive)
temperature of hydraulic fluid for opening max. 90°C and for closing max. 105°C
hydraulic pump motor is not overheated
control switch is pressed

up to 04/2012

Automatic opening runs as follows:

Side windows are lowered
Unlock hardtop at the cowl panel
Switch off heated rear window (via the junction box electronics)
Unlock and open rear module
Pack rear roof shell on front roof shell
Store roof panel package in the rear module and lock
Close and lock rear module
Close side windows

from 04/2012

Automatic opening runs as follows:

Side windows are lowered
Switch off heated rear window (via the junction box electronics)
Unlock and open rear module
Unlock hardtop at the cowl panel
Pack rear roof shell on front roof shell
Store roof panel package in the rear module and lock
Close and lock rear module
Close side windows

Check Control messages

It is not possible to open and close the soft top in certain situations.

Corresponding Check Control messages are displayed in the instrument panel for this purpose.

The Check Control messages serve to explain in closer detail the red or yellow LED on the button which lights up in the event of a fault.

Fig 3: Screen Display - Check Control Messages Of Screen Display

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

No.	Color:	ID	Check Control message	Supplementary note:
1	yellow	19	Luggage compartment open!
2	Red	401	Roof mechanism function failure!	Roof mechanism No roof movement possible. If the hardtop is not locked, contact the nearest BMW Service.
		447	Roof mechanism!	Roof mechanism Roof movement not completed. Please check whether roof movement is blocked. Then press button again.
		558	Roof control failure!	Roof control Roof position and interlock cannot be detected. If the roof locks safely, trip can be continued. For information on checking the interlock, see Owner's Handbook.
		562	Roof not locked!	Roof Roof not locked. First open or close the roof completely, then continue driving.
3	yellow	416	Luggage compartment partition!	Luggage compartment partition No roof movement possible. Move luggage compartment partition to the position required.
		432	Roof drive overheating!	Roof mechanism Roof operation overheated. Temporarily only closing function available.
		516	No roof operation possible!	Roof Roof operation only possible with vehicle at a standstill.
4	yellow	445	Vehicle not standing on level surface!	Roof mechanism Vehicle not standing on level surface! No roof movement possible.

Only when you have excluded the function conditions as fault sources can you start soft top diagnosis.