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Body - Convertible Top Hydraulic Pump Failure

SI B54 03 03
Special Roofs

September 2008
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B54 03 03 dated August 2003.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Convertible Top Hydraulic Pump Damaged by Water

MODEL
E85 (Z4) produced up to 10/2003

SITUATION
Some vehicles may experience a failure of the convertible top hydraulic pump, and when the pump/motor assembly is removed from the plastic housing, it is found to be damaged by water.

CAUSE
The plastic housing is not adequately sealed, allowing water to enter and eventually build up to the point that it destroys the pump motor.

CORRECTION
The sealing system to prevent water entry into the housing has been improved since 10/2003 in production.

The improved sealing method may be used on earlier cars that experience this problem to prevent any repeat failures.

PROCEDURE
If a pump/motor assembly has been damaged by water, replace the assembly as described in Repair Instruction section 54 34 005, and seal the housing as described below prior to reinstalling the top assembly.

Note:
In order to clearly show the placement of the sealants, the illustrations below do not include the hydraulic lines and electrical wires. When performing this repair, use care when installing the pump assembly so that the seal around the wires is continuous.





As illustrated, run a single piece of butyl cord (2), Part Number 81 22 9 407 639, around the lower section of the housing (1) on the lip. Note that the butyl is not run in the area between the arrows where the hydraulic lines clip to the housing.





Install the top portion of the housing (2), and press the two halves together so that the retaining clips snap into place. Some of the butyl cord will squeeze out from the joint.Fasten a strip (3) of black cloth tape or black duct tape to the housing, starting at the retaining clip
on the mounting side and continuing around to the mounting flange. Press the tape firmly into place on the housing (1) and on top of the wires and hydraulic lines.





Fasten a second strip (4) of tape over the first (3), starting at the mounting flange and continuing all the way around to the other side of the mounting flange.

[NEW] While the hydraulic pump is removed from the car, the drain tube should be cleared out using compressed air. The tray that the pump sits in should also be cleaned with a damp towel.





PARTS INFORMATION





WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.





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