BMW SOFT TOP PROBLEMS - HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX

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  • Опубліковано 7 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 106

  • @rulebraking
    @rulebraking 9 місяців тому +2

    After much looking finally got a low mileage 07 M6 - an absolute beaut, 2 owner, great service history and only some cosmetics to deal with - the dash leather drying out! Anyhoo - my better half n daughter love the ride - they borrow it too often for my comfort so just acquired another beaut E64 to complete the His n Hers - a 2010 low mileage one owner - but does have the soft top issue of not closing fully a couple of inches from latching! I'm most grateful for this video - enjoy a coffee or beer on me. Tah much, till next update.

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  8 місяців тому

      Good man, the M6 is a real beast of a car!

    • @rulebraking
      @rulebraking 8 місяців тому

      @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation a new pointer on the soft top - solved my problem of not latching - came across a give away line lost among a thread talking about the hall sensors on the E46 - a marginally low battery causes it not to latch - given i was having a parasitic drain, I fully charged the battery and cycled it with engine running - and bingo, bob's your uncle - top opened and closed - mechanically, worked flawlessly but with one exception that it did not put up all windows at the end of the cycle! Went up fine with the "all" up button by the door. I've also learned that the windows not closing could be a programing issue - will have to look into that! Again - much appreciate all you videos. All the best.

  • @tomcashman4123
    @tomcashman4123 Рік тому +3

    One of the most thorough video's on you tube I have ever seen. Nice job Timm!

  • @andrewachholz7922
    @andrewachholz7922 2 роки тому +1

    Very very useful, professional and even enjoying. Now im on my way buying a INPA reader to get my E46 Convertible working again. Report about my success or failiure to come.

  • @stuartwilliams203
    @stuartwilliams203 Рік тому +1

    Tim, your videos are brilliant. Ive watched them all but sadly still unable to solve my issue which may be simple! 2004 E64 n62 4.4l Fuse F89 kept blowing in the boot. Eventually it didn’t blow so it’s probably fried something, no working soft top or Elec steering column. Can’t wind rear window as hex socket stripped. Inpa in the post. Tia your a legend 👍

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  Рік тому

      Thanks Stuart! F89 powers quite a few things, one of them being the Steptronic switch - does that still work?

  • @paull4418
    @paull4418 2 роки тому +1

    What a brilliant video thank you so much, currently diagnosing a fault causing all windows to be down and red flashing light and no roof operation

  • @rulebraking
    @rulebraking Рік тому +1

    This is truly encyclopedic- made very comfortable getting into a soft top now - got the option of an 08 champagne auto or an 04 marine blue manual - would love the manual but it would be an online purchase with no test drive! Making me very nervous.

  • @gizmo-neu1208
    @gizmo-neu1208 Рік тому

    Thanks a lot for the video! I have exactly the problem you mentioned towards the end - when the soft top comes up, it sometimes cannot make the last few centimeters in order to claw itself into the front windshield. The problem is intermittent but it of course always happens at the worst possible time.. I'll use what I learned from your video and try to fix it myself.

  • @mollythedog6742
    @mollythedog6742 3 роки тому +1

    Absolutely brill - slowly working through the vids and getting my E64 back to top speck - ( last time I did any work on a car was changing drum brakes on a Datsun Cherry!)

  • @poorboysrc
    @poorboysrc 3 місяці тому +1

    Excellent stuff, Timm. Your videos are top notch!

  • @skhosanamathiyane
    @skhosanamathiyane 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you brother about this video,,,my e64 soft top close knop flesh red meaning soft top not working now i close manually which is heartbreaking nonetheless now i know where to find the sensors,,thank you,,,,,,,,,South Africa

  • @brianjensen1351
    @brianjensen1351 3 роки тому +2

    GREAT video Tim !! My softtop is working perfect, but one never knows :-) and it's always nice to learn how things are working. You put a lot of effort into these videos and you should know that it is highly appriciated
    Best regards from Denmark

  • @martda1
    @martda1 3 роки тому +2

    Now we need a video showing the issue and fix of the rear window!

  • @ronniesarkisian
    @ronniesarkisian 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks Timm, superb video.
    - press and hold roof button and the light is green on the switch.
    - no display at all or warning on the dash that the roof is in motion
    - the windows drop and then silence, no unlocking or movement at all in the roof.
    - release the switch and press again, and the windows drop down again, and the roof still makes no attempt to open or unlock.
    - press the close roof button to put windows back, there is no light at all on the switch
    - again no symbol on the dash to show roof function is in operation
    - the windows which are now dropped will not go back up using this button. I have to manually put them up using the drivers side door controls .
    Inpa error code is same as the one you have in your video: A699 Heckcheibenmotor
    At the same time, the passenger rear window is now stuck down and won't come up and it is about to rain :-) I have inpa but not sure if the rear passenger window is covered by the convertible module as that only seems to mention the horizontal window right at the back of the car. When i press the buttons on the drivers door card, i can hear clicking but the rear passenger window does not come up. Have checked the fuses for the windows and the convertible roof. Any ideas how I can bring this window up please and then get the roof to work?

  • @btmasscom
    @btmasscom 3 роки тому +1

    Excellent video Tim - many thanks!

  • @MrDrRemi
    @MrDrRemi 3 роки тому +1

    Just curious if you’ve ran into any issues or repairs concerning the power steering/active steering for an e63. So glad I found your videos🙏🏼

  • @The6opuc
    @The6opuc Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing all this! Very informative! Can you please share instructions on INPA installation?

  • @eoinsmith422
    @eoinsmith422 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Tim. Thank you very much for your generous knowledge sharing. You have a great way with presentation.
    Question, the emergency deck release method (pulling the buttons with the cables attached in the boot compartment), I presume this will not permanently leave these locks released, and when the deck is closed again the deck will lock? I ask this because my deck wont lift (motors operating but keeps clicking as if the deck wont unlock). I want to test this theory but dont want to leave the deck in an unlocked state for obvious reasons..
    thanks again for this, you are the man

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  2 роки тому

      Hello Eoin, unfortunately I don't think they re-lock, and that is mentioned in the owner's manual - manual closing means that the rear deck doesn't lock....

    • @eoinsmith422
      @eoinsmith422 2 роки тому +1

      @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks Tim, I'll steer clear of that so

  • @garryfounds
    @garryfounds Рік тому +1

    Excellent video. We fellow owners appreciate it!
    You might not monitor these old videos, but I'll leave my question anyway, just in case. If I want just to move the front of the top up a bit to provide better access to the wire harness, do I have to pull the releases in the trunk and open the top compartment?
    I suspect a break in one of the wires to the cowl lock motor due to an ISTA code of "open circuit" with respect to the "cowl motor" (I tested the motor, and it's fine), and if I can't solve this electrical fault, I still want to be able to drive to the dealer, which is several miles away via highway.
    Thanks in advance!

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  Рік тому

      Thanks! You don't say if it is stuck up or down, but if it is completely in the open position then yes, you will have to use the emergency releases.

  • @povdrivekls8369
    @povdrivekls8369 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Tim and thanks a lot for responding me all the time . My 1997 e38 740i only has 2 oxigen sensors pre cat , post cat none of them , is that possible or the owner before me removed them ?

  • @markmcmullen5091
    @markmcmullen5091 5 місяців тому +1

    Hi Tim
    Is this approach the right one for my problem?:
    Soft top opened perfectly well.
    Soft top will not close. Windows operate but nothing from deck etc.
    I therefore did the manual closing. Red light now flashes and the rear window won’t raise (just ordered a tool to try and manually wind it).
    My concern is INCA will display several errors at the moment as I’ve done the manual closure but they could be red herrings??
    Appreciate your help Tim. I’d be lost without your videos.
    Thank you
    Mark

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  5 місяців тому +1

      Always my pleasure Mark! INPA will still show which sensor is at fault using this procedure. This might also help: ua-cam.com/video/Cy74ip-K2c0/v-deo.html

  • @unauthorisedgangsta
    @unauthorisedgangsta 3 роки тому +2

    Do you have any information or fix on the water coming in through the corners of the soft top where it meets the windscreen?

  • @macmad6959
    @macmad6959 2 роки тому +1

    My BMW F33 is currently in with BMW, the tailgate lock assembly has failed, preventing the roof from being closed, the roof button stopped working, with no noise from the motor, and the luggage compartment tray wouldn't lift, also the light in the boot wasn't illuminated, I was thinking this had the potential to be wiring looms or micro switches/sensors, fault codes where reset by BMW and car was initialised, the roof then operated again, despite the boot latch still being broken, If the car has numerous faults on the switches and sensors, the electronics go into a state of sleep to protect damage.
    £711 later, but the roof will be back functional again.

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  2 роки тому

      Yes, that's very annoying, BMW charged you a fortune and didn't tackle the root cause!

    • @macmad6959
      @macmad6959 2 роки тому +1

      @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Hi Timm, The boot motor assembly latches had failed, £711 is inclusive of the cost of the replacement boot lock and fit with diagnosis, but its still scary how these cars shutdown the electronics, once so many faults are generated, which adds to more hysteria, and stress, if you have a fault on a F33 or similar car with hardtop, and the roof button n .lpnger functions, with no noise from.the motor, and luggage compartment tray wont illuminate or lift, a simple bmw reset should bring the car back to life, I did try to reset the fault codes using bimmerlink, but needs to be BMW's program, Tool32

  • @doncleland
    @doncleland 11 місяців тому +1

    Great video Tim. I have a 650i, just like yours, and followed your video hoping that it would solve my soft top problem. INPA did not however, solve the issue, as the INPA program (F65 button for the E64 model) would not select the convertible soft top but kept selecting the coupe giving me the only option of the sunroof (coupe) and not my convertible soft top. Any ideas why it won't select the convertible soft top?

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  11 місяців тому

      Not my area of expertise, but you can use the mouse pointer to select the model rather than the function keys

    • @doncleland
      @doncleland 11 місяців тому

      Thanks for your response Tim. I had a corrupted INPA download and after uninstalling all BMW downloaded software and turning off my firewall and starting again I have it working correctly. Thanks for your videos they are really helpful.
      @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

  • @sinamardani8771
    @sinamardani8771 3 роки тому +1

    Tim, I’m a new subscriber and have a request. Can u do a video on can-bus system of the e31. Im an aerospace engineer and would love to know more as I am having issues of that nature with my e31 M73

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  3 роки тому

      Good to hear from you Sina - There is a great video by Diagnose Dan on fault-finding the CanBUS system - he goes into the problems you can have and how to fix it on a BMW: ua-cam.com/channels/R73yN7vT7-P541g2qlfRrg.html

  • @simonesheeka6791
    @simonesheeka6791 Рік тому

    Hi Timm best video on E64 convertible top…..even though I did get a little lost but that’s just me….may I ask you please….it would seem I have the same problem as you….roof on closing does everything but falls at the last hurdle and the roof does not meet the windscreen frame by approx 1-2 cm for the claws to engage…..repeated opening and closing part way of the roof will eventually get it to close or strangely if it’s a hot day leaving the car until well into the evening when it’s cold and then it closes first attempt……is that just coincidence? Lol your thoughts would be much appreciated please as I love my bmw but cannot afford bmw dealership prices
    Thankyou again Simone

  • @paoalde1720
    @paoalde1720 Рік тому

    You are very good and very precise!
    What do you think about a problem I have on my BMW E46 CONVERTIBLE?
    The top is stuck and no longer moves. With INPA I read that I have a problem with the volts over the limit of the main pillar angol sensor.
    Broken cable or faulty sensor?

  • @hansleemans3451
    @hansleemans3451 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Timm, Thanks for the very good explanation. I have a E64 645ci and a E64 M6 and the last one has an error once in a while (Top locked) and I found that the car had a new sensor done by the previous owner but it was installed at the edge of working / not working. If I press on the left wing the error goes away. So I will need to adjust the hall sensor.
    The car has another problem and that is that the front and back window on the left side do not press strongly against each other. So, on bumpy roads the windows rattle a little and that is annoying. I reasoned that it might be so that the windows do not go up with enough pressure or can it be so that the top roof is not pressing down well enough? I think that the windows need to be squeezed together somehow.
    By the way, I tried to use Protool and the sensor positions can be shown there as well but not as nice as in INPA.

  • @rulebraking
    @rulebraking 9 місяців тому +1

    Thanks!

  • @LjWilkinson-uf9sx
    @LjWilkinson-uf9sx 4 місяці тому +1

    Hi could you tell me what’s the best code reader is to buy the one you plug in and where on the car do you plug it in and could you send me the link for impa please 😊

  • @mannymorales8094
    @mannymorales8094 6 місяців тому +1

    I had a situation where I had to pull the emergency cables in the trunk to close the soft top manually. How do I reset the cable to their original form? I’ve searched online and can’t find anything

  • @cruisecontrol4400
    @cruisecontrol4400 25 днів тому +1

    I got a soft top problem on a 1 series convertible- red light flashing above roof open button, when you press it windows drop and motor starts making noise however roof does not move. Upon releasing the button a red roof icon comes up on the instrument cluster. If i try pressing roof close button the windows do not go back up but the motor still makes noise. My autel doesnt show any error codes. Boot is stuck and can only be opened with physical key. Any ideas?

  • @jlcl7665
    @jlcl7665 2 роки тому +1

    Almost Spain! Isn´t it? Enjoy Timm.

  • @Tigger232
    @Tigger232 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for the great video Tim. My 2005 E64 630 roof was jamming and seemed better after generous WD40 treatment. The rear deck now though mostly refuses to rise after the covertible and fins have lifted up. I've tried the manul release but feels like the lock on the (UK) driver's side is refusing to unlock. After two weeks it suddenly all started one day but then by the end of the day had had enough and gone back to locked.
    I fugured I'd change the rear deck hallsensors from a car being scrapped.
    A. Is this the right move?
    B. Please can you advise how I disconnect/install them?
    C. At 14m40s on the video, the diagram has (1)&(2) but the key refers to 3&4. Is it possible to show the correct ones/post a link to the correct ones.
    D. Any other advice would be gratefully received!
    Thanks!

    • @mguy3143
      @mguy3143 День тому

      I'm having this problem now. Did you ever figure out what the problem was?

  • @jonathanevans9257
    @jonathanevans9257 3 роки тому

    I have the 'flashing red light syndrome' for a year, intermittent with no rhyme or reason why it does it, switches off boot, rear window and horn as well! I'd pay you good money to diagnose it Timm!

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  3 роки тому

      You need INPA - cheap as muck as long as you have a laptop!

    • @andrewtout
      @andrewtout 2 роки тому

      I had an intermittent issue. It is probably one of the sensors which may be failing on some occasions.
      Timm is right. It needs to be plugged in to determine which one. That sorted my issue.

  • @trevorelgram2108
    @trevorelgram2108 Рік тому +2

    If my bmw operates the windows when I press the roof to open the locking mechanizm operates but won't lift is there a fuse that may have blown my 120i 2010 model thanks Trev in cape town south africa

  • @richardmaton7247
    @richardmaton7247 3 роки тому +1

    Hi Timm, Great video and content.
    Just out of interest, I noticed your black deck lid has the marks from the soft top rubber. Has it been awhile since you last Teak Oiled it? I had heard of one US base gent who unbolted it from the painted metal, cleaned it with thinners and spray painted it with a plastic spray. Any thoughts? Ive been using a CRC product on mine and it too doesn't last long, it fades and the blue/white rubber mark comes back.

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  3 роки тому

      Thanks Richard, the rear deck is a constant experiment - the teak oil has worked the best but even that doesn't last long. Probably painting is the best way forward!

  • @MrSalihsalih78
    @MrSalihsalih78 3 роки тому +1

    Hi tim. What was the stuff to put in the oil to keep the valve stem seals soft called?

  • @piotrkietyka1923
    @piotrkietyka1923 7 місяців тому +1

    hello, my BMW e64 reports the following roof errors A692,A693,A698, where to start looking?😊

  • @randytaylor31
    @randytaylor31 3 роки тому

    Great video!

  • @artallmon3773
    @artallmon3773 3 роки тому

    When the flashing light indicates top not locked my window controls will not function to raise or lower the side windows. I my case one of the sensors needed a gentle tap and corrected the issue.

  • @PerbejBoksh-zu6dl
    @PerbejBoksh-zu6dl Рік тому +1

    Hi is there anywhere I could contact you for my bmw 6 series soft top

  • @vedatmurseli9107
    @vedatmurseli9107 2 роки тому +1

    Hello Tim.. great video. My 645 currently flashes green when I first hold button, the windows go down, and then it starts showing red light and you can hear the latches try to open but it never does . Sounds like it is weak. Then I have to roll up all my windows back up manually. The rear window button works . Any recommendations please?

  • @jasoneyes01
    @jasoneyes01 3 роки тому

    Wonderful.

  • @povdrivekls8369
    @povdrivekls8369 3 роки тому

    Hi , can you give me an advise about a cheapper maf sensor for a 740i 1998 ? The oem cost too much for me .

  • @johnkirbymobileautoelectri4321
    @johnkirbymobileautoelectri4321 2 роки тому

    I hope you can help me. 645 I am working on the top will not go down. Tried winding the back window down but it is stuck fast....I need this window to go down so I can get to the modules. Have you any other way to get this back window down?

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  2 роки тому

      That window is hard to get down with the standard tool from the boot. Get yourself a decent set of long hex bits and it will go down. I couldn't really move mine with the BMW tool

  • @panaughton479
    @panaughton479 3 роки тому

    Hi tim have an issue with the hydrolic tappets, is it a big job in these cars 2006 630i

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  3 роки тому

      What problems do you have? Rattling, knocking?

    • @panaughton479
      @panaughton479 3 роки тому

      @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation tapping when cold once drove for 5 minutes and once the engine is warm the tapping is gone, i did put in top end additive and it helped but it has now came back

  • @alioral1358
    @alioral1358 3 роки тому

    Thx

  • @v8ivan
    @v8ivan 3 роки тому

    Do you still have the E32 730i V8?

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  3 роки тому

      If there is one car I wished I kept it would have been the 730i E32 Sport - a fantastic car and I was SO disappointed in my E38 735i that came after it, slower, used more fuel and drove like a jelly!

    • @v8ivan
      @v8ivan 3 роки тому

      @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation i'm looking for E32 V8, i also have E38 V8 730i & W140 S320.....greetings from Ireland

  • @John-re7ud
    @John-re7ud 2 роки тому +2

    Hi Tim Thanks very much not just for this great video but for all your other ones as well.. My E64 LCI has just started to play up with the heated rear window only operating both up & down in staged increments! Do you know if the hall sensor 61318378940 can be changed with out removing the whole window mechanism? TIA John

    • @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
      @TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation  2 роки тому

      Thanks John! I'm not sure - but I will find out as mine does exactly the same!

    • @John-re7ud
      @John-re7ud 2 роки тому +1

      @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks Tim, if I find any info my end I will let you know... I was wondering if the hall sensor has been blinded by debris etc...