Answers to Common Sunroof Problems

[Robert]

does the entire panel not tilt up or just the headliner portion doesn't?

The entire panel including headliner.

[bmwstephen]

does the entire panel not tilt up or just the headliner portion doesn't?

[Robert]

my sun roof only slides back and closes properly .
but when i try to tilt it up , it makes a snap/crack sound and doesn't tilt.
anyone know what the problem is ?

[Ceeker]

push the liner back by un clipping the 5 or 6 fasteners at the front of the liner; then push the liner back so you can see what is going on. Also, this allows you to remove the 6 hex screws to remove the sun roof. Then you can get a clear view of the tracks and any problems.

[Ceeker]

My rear sunroof drains are clogged. I can't figure out how to clean them though. I tried sticking various objects down the roof from the side of the sunroof but can't see anything or feel if it's actually unclogging anything. It's draining into the trunk. How exactly do I access the rear drains? I also heard that the drains could become dislodged or something. How do I fix this? Thanks.

My buddy gave me some plastic tubing of a narrower diameter and I pushed these down the roof drain to the back all the way in. Pulled them up and no problems. Water in your trunk means your drains are either clogged and water is running down behind the "C" pillar; or your tubes are disconnected from the sun roof drain hole; or your tube which exists behind the rear side bumper isn't in place. As mentioned behind the side paneling in the trunk you'll see the tubes running into the trunk vent held in place by a metal washer/fastener. Make sure the tube is in that opening otherwise you can get water in there that way.

My personal experience, I haven't had any tubes dislodge from the sunroof, usually they were clogged or not in place at the bottom. one other thing to consider, your tail light seal and your trunk seal.

If the tail light seal is worn, water can get in through there as well; Also if you open the trunk, you have that plastic cover running the length of the opening behind the trunk seal. Remove that cover pushing those tabs in the removing the 5 plugs; lift it off and then pull the trunk seal up. on the corners near the light you will see buttle tape(spelling) there should be a thin strip about 1 inch on either side. If this is bad or missing all together will allow water into the trunk. This was an after fix on bmw or preventative measure after realizing water was getting in. You can put some black duct tape or black hockey tape. then replace everything and see.

[88SuperETABD]

Anything on broken guide on one side, Can't open it or fully close it. passenger side is a little raised, but closed.

Only pic i have.

Any Suggestions...?

[Gesucht]

Get a vinyl coated cable about 6 ft long from your local hardware store.
Its pretty stiff, so it won't easily curls or binds in the drain holes.
Feed that cable into the drain holes, under the sunroof all the way down and out.

[thebutcher37]

try?

My rear sunroof drains are clogged. I can't figure out how to clean them though. I tried sticking various objects down the roof from the side of the sunroof but can't see anything or feel if it's actually unclogging anything. It's draining into the trunk. How exactly do I access the rear drains? I also heard that the drains could become dislodged or something. How do I fix this? Thanks.

Try using an air compressor... if you look into your trunk, after removing the trunk lining panels you should see some black plastic tubings coming down from the C pillars. Blow air from the compressor into those tubes... just know that you'll be blowing dust around your sunroof/car

hope this helps, someone chime in if this aint right.

[VinniE30]

My rear sunroof drains are clogged. I can't figure out how to clean them though. I tried sticking various objects down the roof from the side of the sunroof but can't see anything or feel if it's actually unclogging anything. It's draining into the trunk. How exactly do I access the rear drains? I also heard that the drains could become dislodged or something. How do I fix this? Thanks.

[matias88e30]

nice write up man...

[ClassicSkril]

Leave it manual. Chicks dig the crank sunroof! :)

yes!!

[Dozyproductions]

Got mine on the first try.

[bmwstephen]

biggest pain in the ass is to align it properly.

[imprttuner88]

Leave it manual. Chicks dig the crank sunroof! :)

Funny, I think electric is one more thing to break :p

I would turn my car into manual windows and manual sunroof if I had the parts lol

[TrentW]

Has anyone converted a manual crank sunroof to power? I have all the parts needed. I just don't know how to do it.

Leave it manual. Chicks dig the crank sunroof! :)