BMW Z4 Convertible Top and Sunroof Completely Frozen

Hey there! I've got some experience with BMWs as I own a 2004 BMW Z3 (and previously had a 3-series). I'd say I have low experience with repairs, but I've dealt with a similar convertible top issue. Last month, my Z3's top got stuck halfway, and it was super annoying. Took it to my regular workshop, and they found it was actually a coding issue with the control module. They had to reinitialize the system and recode it. Cost me about 75 Euro and took about an hour to fix. The relief when it started working again was worth every penny! To help you better, could you share: Does your top make any noise when you try to operate it? Are there any warning lights on the dash? Have you checked the fuses? Let me know these details and I can share more specific info about what to look out for.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Mine's got 166647 KM on the clock and was last serviced about 3 months ago. Actually, there's no noise at all when I press the switch, it's just completely dead. No warning lights on the dash either. I already checked all the fuses and they seem fine. Really hoping it's just a simple initialization issue like yours was, but I'm a bit worried it could be the motor since there's zero response. Did your top make any sounds when it was stuck?

Hey again! Yeah, my Z3 actually did make a slight humming noise when I tried operating it, unlike yours. I've got about 170,000 KM on mine, so pretty similar mileage to yours. Since you're getting absolutely no response, I'm starting to think it might be more than just the initialization issue I had. In my case, even when it was stuck, the system was still trying to do something, you could hear it attempting to work. The complete silence in your case is a bit concerning. After dealing with my top issues, I learned that these BMW convertible systems can also have problems with the micro switches or the main control unit itself. Could be worth checking those. My mechanic mentioned that complete silence usually points to either an electrical connection problem or a failed control module. The sunblind being stuck at the same time is actually an interesting detail I forgot to mention earlier. When my control module was acting up, it affected both systems too, but again, mine still made some noise. Maybe try disconnecting your battery for about 15 minutes? This sometimes helps reset the system, it's worth a shot before heading to the shop. If that doesn't work, I'd definitely get it checked by a professional. The no-noise situation makes me think it might be more complex than my initialization problem was.

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! Really helpful to hear about your experience. I'll definitely try that battery disconnect trick before taking it in, hadn't thought of that! But yeah, the complete silence is making me nervous too. You're probably right that it's more serious than just an initialization issue. I'm gonna call my mechanic tomorrow and mention everything you've said about the micro switches and control module. Better to get it sorted properly rather than keep trying unusual fixes. Really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything and share your experience. I'll update the thread once I find out what's actually wrong with it!