Removing/installing sunroof cables?

[E30Nova]

My sunroof hasn't worked in a while, so a few months ago I decided to figure out why. I removed the panel and the little plastic things that slide along the tracks are broken. Here's a pic:



I just picked up a moonroof and thought it would be a simple "remove old/install new" deal, but turns out, it isn't. :( I have no idea how to get the old cables out and the new ones in. It looks like I might have to remove the headliner and the yellow padding just to swap the parts. :x

Here's what the "new" plastic dealies look like":



Help plzkthx. :)

Matt

[E30Nova]

Anybody? I've searched on every E30 forum I can think of, as well as Google, and I can't find any info on how to remove the cables. There's a few threads where someone asks the same question as me, but it either goes unanswered or someone just says "buy a Bentley."

I have a Bentley and all it says is how to remove the sunroof casette.

Someone has to have done this before. :(

Matt

[dashboardmonkey]

I think you have to remove the whole assembly and take it apart

[E30Nova]

Well I took the sunroof panel out, if that's what you mean. I'm trying to take the front of the headliner out so I can see how the cables can be removed. I still don't see how the hell I'm supposed to get them out since the hole for the cable is barely big enough for the cable to fit through.

I'm about to just take my cutoff wheel and cut some slots for the cable to slide through. I seriously doubt that a couple 1/4"x1/2" slots on the sunroof rails would have a negative impact on structural integrity.

Matt

[E30Nova]

Bump. :(

Matt

[JeremyL]

I took out my headliner (the black piece, not the actual fabric). Be careful you don't tear anything. Remove all the screws that you can reach from the above where the sunroof panel was, and it will start to make sense.

Once you remove the motor or manual gearbox, you can pull those cables out through the top. They have teeth on them that the motor or gearbox turns against to move them.

When reinstalling the cables, it would be a good idea to grease them. Finally, follow the directions in the Bentley for how to adjust the fit.

I've left out some details, but you can probably figure it out.

[thebutcher37]

peep this...

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79342

Maybe you can ask him looks like he might know.. i gotta try this over the weekend cause i have the same problem... we'll see