Convertible top wont open where is the microswitch located so that i can test it

I would call the dealer on this, but I'd guess yes.

there is a microswitch on the right side under roof cover if roof cover not fully down boot is locked shut by microswitch you might be able to press on cover and you may here boot lock solinoid click off get some one to push boot lock if you can.t reach when you get in boot /trunk you should see small wire that travels across rear bulkhead disconnect this and trunk/boot lid will open but roof will not obviasly i,ve worked on one of these all day today and have had every thing wrong with roof you could imagine good luck

One of the microswitches at the latches is not engaging stopping the cycle for safety reasons in case something is stuck, open the roof again and inspect the latch down areas for foreign objects or a misaligned microswitch.

The rear windows are controlled by a timer in the top's ECU. If
the rear windows stop fully closing before your top is closed, the
problem MAY be with top's hydraulic system.

Check your top's hydraulic reserve tank for low fluid level. Lack
of fluid will greatly delay the top's closing sequence, leaving
those rear windows partially open.
Your top's hydraulic pump system is located beneath the right side
of the cubby/storage box behind the front seats. Raise the cover
and you'll see a removable trim panel on the right side. The pump
is behind that access panel.

You can use power steering fluid to top off the tank, but don't
fill it above level indicator line. You may have to add more fluid
after you cycle the top up and down to get the air bubbles out of
the lines.
It could also be a relay. On a 95 the relays that are in the trunk above the battery.
Perhaps, just switching the relays might prove which one is failing..

In general, without any testing or diagnosis, you could be dealing with any of the following:

* Open relay - Located at the pump unit
* Close relay - Located at the pump unit
* End position micro-switch
* The operating switch itself
* An issue with the pump unit, but I doubt this, due to the intermittent nature. However, do check the hydraulic fluid level.

The windows do not have to be down for the system to run.

The brake pedal must be pressed while operating the switch. There is a switch at the pedal that signals the convertible top system, but if your brake lights are functioning, the brake switch will not be at fault.

The system is pretty simple and some quick electrical tests should locate the faulty item.

The Bentley repair manual for the Z3 has all of the electrical wiring diagrams, for use in the diagnostics. You can purchase this at Bavarian Autosport 800-535-2002.

Possibly just a relay telling the window to lower slightly has gone bad. If it's only when the top is put up or down, you can either lower the windows yourself (most cost effective since it's not a major inconvenience), take it to a dealer if you are still under warranty, or check to see if there is a sensor or relay that has gone bad, causing this malfunction.

check the partition in the trunk to make sure it is fully in the down position. if the light on the switch is orange then the microswitch is not depressed. if the light is red and the top still wont open then you have a bad pump due to water ingress from clogged up body cavity drains. this is an expensive repair.

Sounds like the sensor has faulted or the pump has become disengaged. Usually when the light is flashing it's a sensor. You can check for a pinched line or low fluid also. There is a manual lock overide procedure to get the windows up, it's in you owners manual.
Good luck...i hope this helps,

has to be rest and tested by bmw dealship something has caused the roof to stop possible the control unit failed, a faulty microswitch in roof or the straps in the roof have failed and thrown it out of timing, cauing it to shout down system.