E34 Touring sunroof questions

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michael.poplawski@gmail.com - 11 May 2006 19:53 GMT

I recently bought a 1992 525i Touring and there appears to be some
things not quite right about the sunroof.

#1: when the front sunroof is open, I can see what looks to be an
insulating pad resting loosely between the exterior and interior parts
of the sunroof:

http://members.shaw.ca/michael.poplawski/bmw/sunroof-insulation.jpg

Is this something that has come loose, or is it something a previous
owner may have installed themselves?

#2: while the front sunroof panel opens fully, the rear sunroof panel
doesn't come forward as far as I would expect. Does this picture look
normal?

http://members.shaw.ca/michael.poplawski/bmw/rear-sunroof.jpg

#3: during the exercise of opening both roofs, I ended up with a long
mark on the cabin ceiling about 3 cm from the sunroof split. Is there
any advice to be given on how to keep this from happening again? (the
lower line in the photo is the seam between the panels; the upper line
is a dirty mark).

http://members.shaw.ca/michael.poplawski/bmw/roof-stain.jpg

Overall, the opening of the sunroof is sluggish--I don't know whether
it is because of the motors showing their age or possible the
resistance of the loose pad.

Any suggestions or advice before I go to have this repaired would be
appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Mike Poplawski
Victoria BC Canada

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JB - 11 May 2006 20:59 GMT

>I recently bought a 1992 525i Touring and there appears to be some
> things not quite right about the sunroof.
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> lower line in the photo is the seam between the panels; the upper line
> is a dirty mark).

> http://members.shaw.ca/michael.poplawski/bmw/roof-stain.jpg
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Any suggestions or advice before I go to have this repaired would be
> appreciated.

Based on past experience, I'd ensure both sunroofs are fully closed and
leave them closed for ever after. I have worked on many E34 Tourings and
*every* single one with the double sunroof option had problems at some time
or other. Either they wouldn't open at all (best case), open slightly and no
further but still close (not too bad), or open and not close at all (very
bad indeed). Even main dealers have to get specialists in to work on these
sunroof 'cassettes'. They without a doubt a complete and utter bastard to
even attempt a fix on. the first thing you have to do is remove the complete
roof liner. These never go back cleanly. They always look as if you've glued
your washing to the insdie of the roof.
Assuming you have also got aircon, my advice would be to leave *well* alone.

JB

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