power top problem

I have a 99 m roadster and when you press the button to raise or lower the top, you have to hold the button down for a while before it starts working.
This started about a week ago and now it has completely quit working.
Any ideas as to the problem?

I have a 99 m roadster and when you press the button to raise or lower the top, you have to hold the button down for a while before it starts working.
This started about a week ago and now it has completely quit working.
Any ideas as to the problem?

I think you might have a loose connection at the motor. Open your trunk & inspect the motor that drives the power top. You might have to change the connections ($2 @ autozone) & be done with.

I have the same problem with my 98 z3. I've had switches and micro switches replaced and it still is'nt working. My mechanic is talking about a new wiring harness??? Help!!:banghead:

sounds like both of you have hydraulic units that are low on fluid

Thanks, I will have him check that out as well on monday.

Checked the fluid and its ok. So far switch on the dash and the micro switch on the left side above your shoulder have been replaced and I am still forced to use the top in manual mode :disappoin Thinking about replacing the arm with one that goes into a regular manual top so it wont be as heavy when trying to close it

I have a 2000 Z3 with the same problem, the power top works on and off. I turned the valve in the trunk at the power top motor so I can manually operate the top. If anyone has found a solution I would appreciate your advice. I was told it could be a corroded sensor that is preventing the top operation, but other than the brake sensor I am unaware of any sensors.

I had also the problem with power top. Changed relays, checked fluid, nothing worked.

Then service guys found problem with microswitch, which is near left side of drivers head. Ordering new one from BMW dealer would cost me a fortune (about 80$ for microswitch which costs about 1$! No thanks!)

Unscrewed two torx screws (could be size 8) to remove plastic cover and found that microswitch isn't fixed well in place on two plastic pins because one of the pins was broken. So I used glue and also corected a bit that metal thing which pushes and releases microswich button - it made a click, but there wasn't connection at some point. After that everything works fine (hope not for short time).

I have a 2000 Z3 with the same problem, the power top works on and off. I turned the valve in the trunk at the power top motor so I can manually operate the top. If anyone has found a solution I would appreciate your advice. I was told it could be a corroded sensor that is preventing the top operation, but other than the brake sensor I am unaware of any sensors.

If brake lights works then there is no problem with brake sensor. Check if there isn't problem with that microswitch over left shoulder (maybe mechanical problem). And also you can try to replace both relays in trunk.