Author Topic: How should Manual Sunroof operate? (Read 3984 times)

lindol · « **on:** April 08, 2008, 01:09:03 PM »

Hi,
Bought my BMW in December, didn't try the sunroof as I didn't want to risk not being able to close it again in the middle of winter, the PO advised against it as well although he stated it worked. As the car was cheap, I didn't really worry too much about it. Now, spring has finally arrived and I thought I'd give the sunroof a try. This is a manually operated sunroof, so I just started rotating the crank and...whew the sunroof started lifting at the rear! Unfortunately, that's all it seems willing to do and my manual isn't giving me any clues on how this is supposed to work. I understand that the sunroof should not only lift up at the rear, but the entire panel should also slide back between the headliner and the roof exterior. Can anyone explain the sequence of events as the roof is opened, is it first lifting at the back and then dropping down again before sliding back for example? Or does the front edge start to lift slightly too, or does it just slide back? :confused:
Thanks for your help!

r0ckrat · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2008, 01:32:14 PM »

Crank it the other way, and after it drops closed, it will click, then drop into the roof and slide back.

lindol · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2008, 02:00:55 PM »

Ok, so it's simply rotating the crank the other direction. It felt like it was giving quite a bit of resistance in the other direction, but I'll give it a try again tomorrow, many thanks!!

r0ckrat · « **Reply #3 on:** April 08, 2008, 02:30:58 PM »

That may be why the PO suggested to "not"...

lindol · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2008, 02:53:32 PM »

Yep, I'll try "carefully"!

lindol · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2008, 12:35:30 AM »

Ok, tried it in the other direction and it doesn't want to open up. About all that happens is that the back edge starts to dip downwards, it seems the problem is likely at the front edge. Is there a way I can remove the fabric cover from the sunroof and then be able to see what the problem is? I have seen other links and forums discussing removing this sunroof fabric, but they all seem to be with sunroofs that actually function properly, so they start from a partially slid back roof- something mine currently can't do!

r0ckrat · « **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2008, 10:37:37 AM »

I would suggest seeing if you can find another E30 owner with Manual sunroof, and watch how it works. It may be that with two people you can apply pressure from outside while cranking from inside and get it to retract enough for removal and refurbishing.

Got any E30 friends close by?

Asserti · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2008, 03:10:49 PM »

take a look at the moving parts, one at each side, the things that rise up.. I had one broken and my sunroof didn't want to slide in too.

lindol · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2008, 12:45:56 AM »

Finally got the sunroof to open yesterday by pushing down at the back while rotating the crank! I didn't have time to pull the fabric cover off and inspect it, but at least now I know it can be done, even better that the mechanism works in both modes, lift up the back only, or slide the sunroof backwards!! This means I can also inspect the drain tubes for rust or obstructions - it's a bit wet in the footwells and in the trunk.

Frank Gallegos · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2008, 10:22:50 AM »

lindol,

Try this web page it may help with your sunroof questions.

http://e30.bmwdiy.info/sunroof-adjust/index.html

Frank