BMW Z3 Soft Top Frozen: Sunroof System Malfunction Help

Hey there! I had a pretty similar issue with my 2000 BMW Z4 last summer. I've got some experience working on cars, but nothing too advanced. The symptoms were exactly like yours, the top wouldn't budge at all. Took it to my regular workshop and turned out it needed a simple coding reset. The computer basically lost its reference points for the roof movement. Cost me about 75 Euro for the coding work, and it's been working perfectly since then. Before you head to the shop though, could you tell me if you're hearing any motor sounds when you try to operate the top? Also, when was the last time the top worked normally? This info would help figure out if you're dealing with the same issue I had.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Much simpler than I feared. No motor sounds at all when I press the button, just dead silence. The top worked fine until last week's regular service at 162815 KM. Haven't had any problems before that. I've been pretty diligent with maintenance and hoping it's just a reset issue like yours. Did your mechanic mention if there could be any connection between the sunblind and convertible top systems? I'm a bit worried both failing at once might point to something more serious.

Oh yeah, I can totally jump in here again about the sunblind and top connection! Actually, on these BMW models (I've got the 2000 Z4), they're definitely connected through the same control module. When mine acted up, both systems went down together just like yours, it's pretty typical for these cars. Here's what's interesting, since you mentioned it stopped working right after servicing, that's ringing some bells. In my case, when the mechanic did my coding reset, he explained that sometimes regular maintenance can trigger these quirks in the system. The computer's super sensitive to any power interruptions or battery disconnections, which often happen during service. The fact you're getting no motor sound is exactly what happened with mine too. The control module basically goes into a safety mode and shuts everything down. The good news is that it's probably not a mechanical failure since both systems stopped at once, that would be too much of a coincidence. I'd say take it back to where you had the service done. They might even sort it for free since it happened right after their work. Just make sure they know how to do the proper BMW coding reset, that's what fixed mine up perfectly.

Thanks so much for that detailed explanation! That's really reassuring to hear that both systems being down together is actually kind of normal for these cars. You've definitely put my mind at ease about the whole thing. I'll give the service center a call tomorrow and explain what's happening, I think you're right that they should take care of it since it started right after they worked on it. The coding reset sounds way better than having to replace parts or deal with mechanical issues. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's given me a much better idea of what I'm dealing with. I'll update once I get it sorted!