bmw e36 m3 sunroof stuck open

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dave - 19 May 2006 18:46 GMT

Hello,

I have tried to follow the emergency closing procedure, however, as i
torque the hex key provided in the tool kit in the luggage compartment,
it appears that if i apply any more torque, i am going to break the hex
key. Should I just use a more heavy duty hex key? Or are there any
other procedures that I should look into first??

Thanks
~Dave

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Jeff Strickland - 20 May 2006 01:30 GMT

That only works when the motor, or the electircs, is(are) the problem. If
the mechanicals are the issue, then the hand crank is worhtless.

> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Thanks
> ~Dave

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dave - 20 May 2006 16:44 GMT

So basically i'm going to have to take it either to the dealer or a
decent import shop because i can't find a lot of information about
troubleshooting this repair. I have a feeling this will be expensive

:-(

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Jeff Strickland - 23 May 2006 00:24 GMT

I replaced much of the mechanism in my sunroof for something on the order of
$150 (USD). It wasn't all that tough to do, but I made ugly fingerprints on
the headliner that I wish I hadn't made.

There is a great resource from Robert Bentley Publishers that covers many of
the repair activities on your car, but the sunroof isn't among them.
Somebody posted a website for me that gave me lots of insight on the
internal workings of my roof. I don't have the site handy, but perhaps the
guy that posted it for me can post it again for you.

> So basically i'm going to have to take it either to the dealer or a
> decent import shop because i can't find a lot of information about
> troubleshooting this repair. I have a feeling this will be expensive
> :-(

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dave - 24 May 2006 23:16 GMT

Many thanks to all who replied...... :-)

Doug hit the issue 100% I bought some craftsman hex keys and really
cranked on it and i managed to get the sunroof to move a touch......
then tried to closed it via the switch and sure enough it worked!!!

I got very lucky, as it didn't rain for a whole week here in Michigan
while it was stuck open!

thanks again :)

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Doug Vetter - 21 May 2006 16:45 GMT

> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> key. Should I just use a more heavy duty hex key? Or are there any
> other procedures that I should look into first??

Dave,

I had the same problem when the limit switch got confused and the
sunroof stuck fully open.

I too, grew concerned I was going to break off the key, but I simply
grabbed it closer to where it connects to the motor and turned the key
as best I could.

In my case, all I had to do was move it about an inch forward and then
push the button to close it (in other words, the motor itself was fine).
It continues to work to this day (including one-touch open), but I
have to make sure I don't press the button just as it reaches full open
or I'll have to get the key.

FYI, if the roof is REALLY hard to close or makes a rattling noise as it
moves, it's likely because the tracks require cleaning and lube. Use
some WD-40 (sparingly), q-tips and towels to clean out the tracks, then
lube with some ZEP-45 (teflon based lube) and lithium grease.

-Doug

--------------------
Doug Vetter, ATP/CFI
dwvcfii@yahoo.com
http://www.dvatp.com
--------------------

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