Sunroof doesn't open (but hear the motor working fine)

[audiquattrot]

Almost sounds like something is not catching (possible worn gears, although I have no idea what the mechanism itself looks like).

When I try to either tilt the sunroof or open it, you can see/hear it want to move....but doesn't.

Any idea what the issue could be? Is there a manual override on the power sunroof, if I need to get it open to remove it?

[akorcovelos]

it's cable driven, welcome to hell. There is a manual crank under the access panel next to the switch, but if you hear the motor running the manual mechanism probably won't work either. Sounds like you either broke a cable, or the plastic ends the cable attaches to. Probably the most frustrating thing I ever worked on in an e30.

[DesertBMW]

both cables are attached by plastic mechanism, it will eventually brake from age.

[audiquattrot]

ugh just what I wanted to hear. Question I guess I have is, how do I open (pull out the sunroof) to access this in order to fix it? Anyone know if these part(s) are still available?

[akorcovelos]

Here is the guide I used: http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/i...ve_the_Sunroof

Contact Blunt for parts, don't look for used or you'll be doing it again in short order. Also, replace all the plastic bits even if they aren't broken yet, they get really brittle after 20 years.

[audiquattrot]

ironically enough I tried the sunroof this wkend, and it works fine now. The one thing I did notice was the black 'flap' that swings up when you open the sunroof, interferes w/ the roof when closing it. I have to swing down the "flap" just a hair to get the sunroof to fully close. I'm guessing I have to adjust the sunroof panel a bit higher to clear?