Cabby Roof Specialist

Post Sat Mar 07, 2015 4:34 am

Dear Zoners,

Does anyone know of a cabby roof specialist?

I know many Zoners hate to hear this, but my electric cabby roof seems to out of sync. I know how many of you would like it to converted to a manual roof, but, I'd really like to keep the original electric roof going.. a˜„

What I mean, is that the rear roof window section doesn't lift in order for the horseshoe lid to close, or vice versa - roof going up or down... I Hope I've explained that right..?

Any help or guidance would be much appreciated?

Thanks, Tripper

Post Sat Mar 07, 2015 11:07 am

What actually happens with the roof lifting and lowering sequence.

Can you list it step by step. I might be able to offer you some advice.

Post Sat Mar 07, 2015 7:30 pm

Hi Gert,

I'll try my best to explain what happens. PUTTING THE ROOF DOWN.

1. Lower all windows, open both front roof latches and push roof up.
2. Push the button to lower roof and the rear windscreen section does not lift in order for the horseshoe section to open. So here, I have to manually lift the rear windscreen section AND HOLD WHILE REACHING FOR THE BUTTON TO CONTINUE THE ROOF RETRACTION CYCLE.
3. The horseshoe lid opens, here I can now slowly lower and release the rear screen section, so the roof can be folded away into roof compartment.
4. I usually start and stop the roof retraction cycle so I can ensure the roof is correctly folded in sections and that the screen doesn't have any creases.
5. Once roof has fully folded into compartment the horseshoe closes accordingly.

PUTTING ROOF UP
1. Windows are down. Push button and the horseshoe opens and out comes the roof.
2. But once the roof is out, the rear windscreen section doesn't lift to clear the way for the horseshoe lid to close.
3. Here, I have to stop the sequence and manually lift the rear screen section and hold, at the same time active the sequence again to lower the horseshoe lid and lock.
4. Slowly lower the rear section and pull front roof down and lock latches in place. Then close windows starting with the rears and then the front windows.

I'm not sure if that sound any good - I hope it makes some sense...?

Post Sat Mar 07, 2015 7:45 pm

Hi Tripper, I'm reading your post on my phone, so do not have access the the images I want to show you - I'll have to do this on Monday. However, what you have described suggests that the rear screen raising and lowering bar is bent. This seems to be the only part of the sequence that doesn't work correctly.

As I said, I'll post the drawing of the part I am talking about on Monday.

In the mean time, perhaps you can check by doing the following in post up some images?

Right, start by opening the roof, but this time, stop the sequence when the horseshoe section is fully up, and before the roof starts to fold away into the storage compartment. Switch the engine off at this point.

With the horseshoe up and the rear screen also held up, you should be able to see inside the storage compartment.

You should see a cover over the mech that controls the opening/closing rods. I'd like to see a pic of this and the rods it attaches to. I'd also like to see a pick of the two levers that sit under this cover.

It sounds like the motors are working (2 separate ones) but either one of the rods is bent, or need adjustment or there's a problem at the levers.

Continue with keeping the electro roof!!

Post Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:18 pm

Wow! Thanks Gert!!

I'll do as you say tomorrow and get those pictures.

In the meantime I'd like to thank you for expert information

Thank, Tripper

Post Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:25 pm

Hahaha. You can thank me when we get your roof working properly. It's a pleasure to be able to try and help!

Post Sun Mar 08, 2015 7:39 pm

Hi Gert,

As requested I've managed to take a few pictures of the cabby mechanism. To my shock, as I removed the mechanism cover I noticed something not quite right.

There is an arm which doesn't seem to look right - its lose and out of position... Please see the pictures below - I do hope their of good quality and clear.

Its got me a little worried.. hope its not broken and just snapped out of position.?

Any help will be most appreciated.

Thanks, Tripper

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 11:43 am

Hi,

Which arm are you referring to that is loose and out of position?

The first thing I would do is tighten the silver disc - this should not sit proud (they are known to work loose). See the image below regarding the part I mean. A pair of long nose pliers will work well to tighthen this by inserting the tips into the two holes.

If you allow this piece to work loose, it will eventually start catching underneath the "chicken leg" shaped lever (top one) causing the mechanism to jam resulting in breaking the motor or/and bending the rods.

If I recall correctly (it's been a while since I fixed my roof) the rod connected to the "chicken leg" lever is the main one that is pushed (when the levers rotate) to lift the rear screen hoop.

Is your hoop not lifting at all, or does it require assistance from you?

The rod I mention is connected to the frame with a swivel ball joint, which you can see in your pic below. You will note, the ball joint section can be adjusted in/out. It may be a simple case that this is the part that needs your attention...?

Before we go any further, I'd like to know which rod is loose and not fixed properly please, as the pics look fine to me.

Can you post a pic with the cover out of the way, so that we can see the complete rods, please.

Thanks.

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 1:23 pm

Thta looks like the classic broken bearing.

Repair plates are available: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E30-Cabri ... 7675.l2557

Ben

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:31 pm

And here it is for a lot less on German ebay:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/BMW-E30-Cabrio-R ... 1213766172

Ben

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:34 pm

And even cheaper here:
http://www.snuparts.de/BMW-E30-Cabrio-R ... rdeckmotor

Ben

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 8:51 pm

Hi Gert,

I'll get some more pics up for you. In the meantime the loose arm/rod is the one with a round silver disc on.

Thanks BenHar / Gert for your comments and options offered.

You all seem to know a heck of a lot more information on these electric cabby roofs then simple me..

No offence to you guys but I'm having a bit of a information overload moment...

Not quite sure what to do here..?

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 8:54 pm

If it's the bottom lever than see what happens if you tighten the disc I mentioned.

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:06 pm

BenHar wrote:

Gert, in that picture you can clearly see the damaged hole where the bearing has ripped off.

The disc you are talking about should be over that hole.
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ctric+roof

Ben

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:51 pm

Yes, you're are right Ben. Repair kit required tripper.
If that has sheared off those two levers will just lift up.

Post Mon Mar 09, 2015 11:17 pm

I don't know what to do?

Do I purchase those repair plate kit as described by Ben?

If so, how do I install this, and would this further mess my roof timing all out of sync?

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:30 am

hi there is a guy from germany on ebay that sells repair kit make sure you get a brass washer with the kit ,
i had the same happen to mine nut my flap is still catching on hood on the way up i think my bar is bent which caused the extra pressure on casing to snap it i am waiting for warmer weather as i do not want to crack plastic window to investigate further the kit is approx £120

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 8:52 am

The repair plate is very easy to fit, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Your roof isn't out of synch, it's just not working properly. What threw me was you saying it worked, but you had to fold the rear screen section yourself. I can't see any of it working if the motor has sheared off.

Bally is right, you will need a brass washer to be supplied with the kit - it's an essential part, so ask the supplier about this.

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:15 am

quick question when my flap (the lid for the compartment the roof folds into ) opens it catches the rear of the roof. as per following.

opening the roof.
rear part of roof lifts up .
rear lid lifts but before getting to fully open it catches the rear of the roof that has just lifted .
if i push the rear of the roof up another couple of centimeters the lid clears and everything works fine .

i have had the kit fitted as the roof was damaged by garage doing body work i suspect the bar maybe bent but before i attempt to do this is there any adjustment that will make the rear part of the roof lift a little further to allow lid to clear.
Thanks

Thanks

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:18 am

Yes, try extending the swivel joint that is on the end of the main lifting rod and see if that helps.

You can see the ball joint here.

The rod that it connects to does have a bend in it, but if this has been bent out of shape, ie further, then this may also contribute to the rear screen hoop not lifting high enough

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:43 am

http://s583.photobucket.com/user/Gert_8 ... p.mp4.html

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 2:06 pm

Gert, If only my rear section of my roof lifted and let the horseshoe down that would be perfect.

But taking a closer look I managed to unscrew the silver disc section on the lose arm and look what I found underneath to my shock!!!

Unscrewed the sliver disc:

Took out the sheared nut

Turned it over and saw this...

More damage...

I really don't know what to do... In its current state, I can still open and lower the roof
part electronically and part manually.

But I really what it to work how it should, even future proof it, if I could...

Any help please!!!

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 2:42 pm

Hi, Yes, that's not a pretty sight, but as Ben has pointed out the fix required is with the repair plate.

Make sure you keep hold of the brass ring, it will be needed.

Buy a repair plate and install it, and I think that alone will cure your roof problems.

It the roof worked prior to this happening, it certainly will work, once the repair plate has been used.

I'll post up a pic of what the repair will look like with the plate fitted.

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 2:47 pm

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 4:34 pm

Many thanks Gert!!! And to you too Ben!! Legends!!

Now, where do I purchase one from, the one on UK ebay is around £170inc delivery? Is that about right?

I thank Ben for putting up the other option links - but its all in German..? Any guidance on which one to purchase??

thanks again, Tripper

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 4:42 pm

BenHar wrote:And here it is for a lot less on German ebay:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/BMW-E30-Cabrio-R ... 1213766172

Ben

This is good enough. Any more than this and you're just getting shafted!

Let us know when you have it and we can talk you through fitting it etc. I would highly recommend you lubricate all your moving parts - it will help with the motion of the roof.

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:23 pm

Thanks Gert,

I'll get onto this right now and see how long it takes to arrive.

Your guidance would be greatly appreciated for me to install this, is it a day job?

I definitely agree with you on lubricating all the rook moving parts - is there any instructions on this on the wikki?? and what type of mechanical grease is recommended??

Once again many thanks, tripper

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:32 pm

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... #Cabriolet

Ben

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:33 pm

It's about a 30 minute job.

Yes, if you search the wiki there is an article regarding servicing the roof. Take a look, it's all good stuff.

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:46 pm

Any recommended lubricant grease oils for the electric roof?

Post Tue Mar 10, 2015 8:36 pm

I used copper grease.

Post Mon Mar 16, 2015 6:34 pm

Hi Gert,

The cabby repair plate arrived from Germany - and to top its all in German... argh!!

Please see the pictures below of what was sent out. Your installation guidance on this would be hugely appreciated??

Close-up of the instructions in German:

I'd like to thank you guys in advance,

tripper.

Post Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:41 pm

Hi, it's very easy, just follow the pics to see how it's positioned.

If you attempt to operate the roof, does anything move? I ask because if it does, then I was going to suggest stopping the operation at the point where the horseshoe is fully open and the rear screen hoop would be raised. This will allow access to the compartment.

If the roof isn't operating, you will have to drop the main motor from the boot and also release the horseshoe motor in the centre of the boot. The main motor is spline locked, so will only reengage in exactly the same position. Dropping it will allow you to raise the rear screen by hand along with the horseshoe piece.

After doing the above, All you do is unscrew the rods and lift off the two levers covering the main motor. The fixing screws go into existing holes. Make sure they are nice and tight, reassemble the levers and rods, reconnect the two motors and things should Start working again.

There is an article in the wiki about synchronising the roof motors. It's good for the reconnection sequence, and other adjustments you may require. However, I think your problem should be pretty straight forward to get running again

Good luck.

Post Mon Mar 16, 2015 9:37 pm

Hi Gert,

Yes the roof does work partially, I can get the lid open electronically and stop at that point and lift the rear screen section to get into the roof compartment (access motor from the top).

By the sounds of it, I should have the need to drop the motor from underneath?
I should be able to change this from the top?..