Sun Roof Trouble ,,won't close

[phocus]

Do I have to remove the headliner to pull the sunroof all the way out? I need to work on the slide guides.

[pkbinplano]

(nt)

[phocus]

Ok, You mean just the sunroof liner?, not the entire headliner?

[pkbinplano]

(nt)

[phocus]

Well, I need to close it. I'm not sure what I need to do, thats why i'm posting.

[pkbinplano]

(nt)

[DukeRimmer]

I'll help with photos and parts if it helps. Beware of misinformation, especially on the subject of seal install if you go that far.

[John_in_VA]

Beware of misinformation, especially on the subject of seal install if you go that far.

Inquiring minds want to know!

[DukeRimmer]

I've seen main (front) seals cut short so the ends are exposed. This will begin to unravel in about ten minutes. It wants to have two sharp bends in the ends so that it terminates 20mm under the roof. The rear seal wants to curve down before ending. When closed you want to see no ends. It's a good idea also to end the rubber insert 4mm short of the felt and glue the ends to prevent unraveling. Both seals want to stand 1-2mm proud of the roof.

Someone on this forum has done a beautiful job creating a site showing in great detail how to overhaul sunroofs. Great photos, and well written detail, but it instructs to install the seal flush with the roof, and the rear seal is glued to the wrong part of the car.

Some guys refer to the rubber strip glued to the rear of the sliding roof as a seal, but it's a bumper to prevent knocking on rough roads. It does not need replacing until it's cracked. Others think the felt seals should be water tight. They are not, water intrusion is a result of plugged drains. Your sunroof is very easy to remove and replace, so why bother trying to install felt seals without removal? IMHO you can not get the ends done correctly without removal.

Sorry if I tread on anyone's feelings.

[whispering_bomb]

Duke, I assume you are referring to Keith's site at my2002tii.com on the sunroof.

I'm about to do the same to my car. But I'm confused. Where is what you're saying about the rear seal location documented, the shop manuals leave this out.

[DukeRimmer]

Yes that's the site. Don't know what to tell you about documentation. Guess you'll just have to decide what makes more sense or find an original car to inspect. I looked at the site again today but it looses it's pics on my computer at the point the cable tracks are going in so it's hard to comment on anything after that. A few things prior to that not included in my other post; Start at end, not center. Pictured is the best glue. Mask the roof at the edge of the radius to aid clean up. Use contact adhesive technique, meaning apply glue to both surfaces and allow it to tack before applying seal. It will instantly bond so there's no need to tape it in place. Glue the side of the seal that has the seam. It pains me to disagree with a fellow '02er, so I sincerely hope it helps someone.

[whispering_bomb]

Yes that's the site. Don't know what to tell you about documentation. Guess you'll just have to decide what makes more sense or find an original car to inspect.

Ok, but I'm confused. I guess what you say it's your opinion that it's done this way, but it's not documented. How can we all be sure this is the way BMW did it... I say this because my current car (a 75) has it's sunroof seal glued to the roofline and not the panel, and it's so old I swear it has to be the original installation. It's never leaked anything, it's just fraying now and the cord is coming out. Another 76 I've seen is also setup that way.

Do you think roundies are different than squaries in this respect?

[DukeRimmer]

Go to '02 fest and inspect lots of cars? Ask for affirmation from someone more beleivable than me (Mike, CD)? Do a poll of sunroof owners? Maybe in Macartney book?

If any one has an extra copy of this book, and needs parts, I'm ready to trade.