Hi everyone, since most e30’s came with sunroofs and I couldn’t find a really detailed sunroof write up to help everyone I decided to write my own.
Since I’ve really only dealt with crank sunroofs that’s what I’ll be referring too. The information is mainly universal however it may require a little creativity on your part.
For any problems use these diagrams as a reference:
Here are some answers to common questions concerning the e30 sunroof…
Question: My sunroof only tilts forward but doesn’t slide back into the roof, what’s the problem?
There’s a very simple solution to this problem but it isn’t a fix, only a means of getting it open. With one hand put pressure on the back of the sunroof panel and with the other crank it back into the roof. It may require a little bit of banging with your hand to get it to seat down at the right angle so it’ll go back into the roof. The fix to this problem is either adjustment or panel replacement as it’s very likely that the bottom of the panel is rusted out.
Question: How do I adjust my sunroof panel?
In order to align your panel you’re going to have to get to the 6 torx bolts that attach the panel to the plastic guide mechanisms. First begin by cranking the sunroof back into the roof halfway. Then carefully pry the sunroof headliner piece from the panel as it is secured by clips. Crank the sunroof forward into the tilted upward position and slide the headliner piece back into the roof and out of the way. You will now be able to see the six torx bolts securing the panel to mechanism. Simply loosen the bolts and raise or lower the panel to the desired position, then retighten them. Immediately after adjustment make sure you crank the sunroof down to see how flush it sits with the roofline as this is what keeps the majority of the water out of the car. When finished, crank the sunroof into the halfway position and reattach the headliner piece to the panel.
Question: My panel is badly rusted and needs to be replaced how do I remove it?
Removing the panel is the same process as adjustment. Instead of loosening the torx bolts simply unbolt the torx bolts and remove the panel. Often times the torx bolts will be stripped or stuck in which be cautious not to break the plastic guide mechanisms. The panel is reinforced on the bottom but because moisture gets trapped it will often times begin to rust from the hinges and into the rest of the panel. Used Panels can run anywhere from $25-$75 and are fairly easy to get a hold of at your local junkyard. Look for rust on the bottom of the panel when looking for a replacement. Buying a new seal is also strongly recommended.
Question: My sunroof is leaking how do I fix it?
Most of the leakage can be prevented by proper sunroof adjustment and a new seal, however this only accounts for about 90% of the water that comes through the sunroof. What most people don’t realize is that the sunroof seal is not primarily intended to repel all water. It’s mainly used to deaden outside noise and is designed to allow some water past the seal. On e30s and most other BMWs there are gutters that drain the water that comes past the seal, down the c-piller and out of the car. Due to improper maintenance (and the fact that most people didn’t know that this is how the sunroof worked) the drains are often times clogged and the drain tubes are either knocked out place or removed, especially if the headliner piece isn’t present. This is what causes the roof to rust.
To clean the gutters simply use a welding rod or something similar to get the gunk out. To test whether or not yours are clean pour water into them and see how long it takes it to exit the car. It shouldn’t take too long – if nothing comes out you have clogging.
Question: My sunroof guide mechanisms are cracked and need to be replaced how do I remove them?
For ease think of the plastic guide mechanisms and all of the plastic pieces + the cables as being one piece, this will help in removing them because the entire assembly can be taken out as such. Begin by removing the panel and the headliner piece out of the way. Next remove the linkage that holds the wind deflector in place and allow the deflector to spring forward. Then begin by unscrewing the metal plates that hold the plastic guide pieces into place – there’s two per side. (Note: There’s some puddy on each of the screws that repel water) Once you’ve removed the plates the mechanisms should be “free” to hold but still attached to the cables. Have a friend begin to crank the sunroof back as if it were going into the roof, while you hold each of the mechanisms. Once you reach the end of the cranking process put some tension on the cables and they should pull right out.
Question: I got some new cables and mechanisms how do I reattach them?
This is what people generally complain about when it comes to the sunroof as it’s a bit difficult, though not impossible. First begin by greasing the cables. Then you’ll want to push the cables all the way into their slots until they can be pushed no further. (Note: it’s nice to have the correct mechanism on the correct side) Then have a friend crank the sunroof while you guide the cable. Here’s where the trial and error part comes in. One side has to be cranked before the other so you will have difficulty aligning them to be in the same position and it might take several attempts before you get it right. They need to be aligned in exactly the same position otherwise the sunroof will not function properly. Once you get them aligned screw the plates back (might want to add some more puddy) and reattach the linkage to the wind deflector. Give it a few test runs to make sure the mechanisms flow properly into the roof and then reattach the panel.
There's probably more that I can add this was just all I could think of at the moment. I hope this was helpful for you guys.
Since I’ve really only dealt with crank sunroofs that’s what I’ll be referring too. The information is mainly universal however it may require a little creativity on your part.
For any problems use these diagrams as a reference:
Here are some answers to common questions concerning the e30 sunroof…
Question: My sunroof only tilts forward but doesn’t slide back into the roof, what’s the problem?
There’s a very simple solution to this problem but it isn’t a fix, only a means of getting it open. With one hand put pressure on the back of the sunroof panel and with the other crank it back into the roof. It may require a little bit of banging with your hand to get it to seat down at the right angle so it’ll go back into the roof. The fix to this problem is either adjustment or panel replacement as it’s very likely that the bottom of the panel is rusted out.
Question: How do I adjust my sunroof panel?
In order to align your panel you’re going to have to get to the 6 torx bolts that attach the panel to the plastic guide mechanisms. First begin by cranking the sunroof back into the roof halfway. Then carefully pry the sunroof headliner piece from the panel as it is secured by clips. Crank the sunroof forward into the tilted upward position and slide the headliner piece back into the roof and out of the way. You will now be able to see the six torx bolts securing the panel to mechanism. Simply loosen the bolts and raise or lower the panel to the desired position, then retighten them. Immediately after adjustment make sure you crank the sunroof down to see how flush it sits with the roofline as this is what keeps the majority of the water out of the car. When finished, crank the sunroof into the halfway position and reattach the headliner piece to the panel.
Question: My panel is badly rusted and needs to be replaced how do I remove it?
Removing the panel is the same process as adjustment. Instead of loosening the torx bolts simply unbolt the torx bolts and remove the panel. Often times the torx bolts will be stripped or stuck in which be cautious not to break the plastic guide mechanisms. The panel is reinforced on the bottom but because moisture gets trapped it will often times begin to rust from the hinges and into the rest of the panel. Used Panels can run anywhere from $25-$75 and are fairly easy to get a hold of at your local junkyard. Look for rust on the bottom of the panel when looking for a replacement. Buying a new seal is also strongly recommended.
Question: My sunroof is leaking how do I fix it?
Most of the leakage can be prevented by proper sunroof adjustment and a new seal, however this only accounts for about 90% of the water that comes through the sunroof. What most people don’t realize is that the sunroof seal is not primarily intended to repel all water. It’s mainly used to deaden outside noise and is designed to allow some water past the seal. On e30s and most other BMWs there are gutters that drain the water that comes past the seal, down the c-piller and out of the car. Due to improper maintenance (and the fact that most people didn’t know that this is how the sunroof worked) the drains are often times clogged and the drain tubes are either knocked out place or removed, especially if the headliner piece isn’t present. This is what causes the roof to rust.
To clean the gutters simply use a welding rod or something similar to get the gunk out. To test whether or not yours are clean pour water into them and see how long it takes it to exit the car. It shouldn’t take too long – if nothing comes out you have clogging.
Question: My sunroof guide mechanisms are cracked and need to be replaced how do I remove them?
For ease think of the plastic guide mechanisms and all of the plastic pieces + the cables as being one piece, this will help in removing them because the entire assembly can be taken out as such. Begin by removing the panel and the headliner piece out of the way. Next remove the linkage that holds the wind deflector in place and allow the deflector to spring forward. Then begin by unscrewing the metal plates that hold the plastic guide pieces into place – there’s two per side. (Note: There’s some puddy on each of the screws that repel water) Once you’ve removed the plates the mechanisms should be “free” to hold but still attached to the cables. Have a friend begin to crank the sunroof back as if it were going into the roof, while you hold each of the mechanisms. Once you reach the end of the cranking process put some tension on the cables and they should pull right out.
Question: I got some new cables and mechanisms how do I reattach them?
This is what people generally complain about when it comes to the sunroof as it’s a bit difficult, though not impossible. First begin by greasing the cables. Then you’ll want to push the cables all the way into their slots until they can be pushed no further. (Note: it’s nice to have the correct mechanism on the correct side) Then have a friend crank the sunroof while you guide the cable. Here’s where the trial and error part comes in. One side has to be cranked before the other so you will have difficulty aligning them to be in the same position and it might take several attempts before you get it right. They need to be aligned in exactly the same position otherwise the sunroof will not function properly. Once you get them aligned screw the plates back (might want to add some more puddy) and reattach the linkage to the wind deflector. Give it a few test runs to make sure the mechanisms flow properly into the roof and then reattach the panel.
There's probably more that I can add this was just all I could think of at the moment. I hope this was helpful for you guys.
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