54 37 185 Removing and installing/replacing hydraulic unit (drive) for retractable hardtop

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW Z4, 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW Z4, and 2009 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary work

Remove LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR TRIM PANEL

IMPORTANT: Hydraulic fluid may emerge from the disconnected lines and the open connections on the hydraulic unit (drive).
Protect components and work area with suitable materials (e.g. cloths).
Follow REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS for hydraulic system.
Do not fit hydraulic lines in kinked, crushed or transposed condition.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 54 37 09AZ .

Remove battery rollover protection (2).

Remove insulating mat (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Insulating Mat And Battery Rollover Protection With Screws

G06912227

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections

G06912304

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press release and detach relay (1) from holder.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Relay From Holder

G06912229

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release plug connections (1) and disconnect.

Cut cable straps.

Installation note:

Plug connections are coded against incorrect assembly.

Replace defective cable strap.

Fig 4: Identifying Plug Connections

G06912230

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Protect joints (lines and hydraulic unit) against dripping fluid, e.g. with a cleaning cloth.

Disconnect hydraulic lines from hydraulic unit:

Release screws.
Detach hydraulic lines

Installation note:

Hydraulic lines and connections are marked with numbers to prevent mix-ups.

Fig 5: Locating Hydraulic Line Screws

G06912231

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect hydraulic lines from hydraulic unit:

Release screws.
Detach hydraulic lines
Remove hydraulic unit (drive).

Installation note:

Hydraulic lines and connections are marked with numbers to prevent mix-ups.

Check FLUID LEVEL or top up if necessary.

Fig 6: Locating Hydraulic Line Screws

G06912308

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

Use Allen key to close shutoff valve on hydraulic unit.

Fig 7: Closing Shutoff Valve On Hydraulic Unit Using Allen Key

G06912233

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.