Moonroof on 2001 530i

[briandizzy]

I have a 2001 530i...... basically the moonroof won't tilt up but it is able to open back and forth. I can hear the gear moving when i try to tilt it up but it seems like it if off track. How much should this kind of repair cost me? I took it to the dealer yesterday and they quoted me 150-200 dollars to repair it including labor, but they just called me back after a day and a half telling me it would cost 1000 dollars because it would take them 8 hours now. I don't understand how they messed up on the estimate so bad.. i smell something fishy.. any input would be appreciated thanks!

[billB]

You may want to consider reseting the sunrrof and to do so follow the following procedure: when sunroof is closed, push switch (as to move into upward position) and hold for several seconds (15-25) until roof makes additional move toward open position. SWITCH THE IGNISION OFF for several seconds, switch the ignition back ON (DO NOT START) and move switch to close the sunroof. If sunroof just do that (closes) it means that it has been reset.

GOOD LUCK let us know the outcome
bill

[brad530i]

My 530i Sport also suddenly has a moonroof that will not 'pop' up at rear, butr will open / close - for now!

I took my car to my BMW mechanic and he said the same thing, that the cost could be $200 - $1000 depending on whether gears need to be replaced etc.

I'd love to know if the re-set works befopre I attempt it.. my mechanic told me not to open my 'roof until I was ready to 'commit to the repair' :

cheers, Brad

ps OK - I tried the method: heard the extra move up after 20 secs, then switched off, and started power and pressed to close -still won't pop But worth trying ... up to $1k for a 'pop', yikes! They should make it easier to repair...

[Dirty_Tool]

Guys,
What is really common on these cars is for the plastic lifting blocks to break. They look kind of like feet (sorry wish I had some pictures) Also some other misc parts usually break as a result of these feet breaking. There is a kit with basically all of the parts to fix this including the actual drives that attach to the cables which drive the roof. If all of this needs to be replaced it is a labor intensive job which is why it can cost up to $1,000. Its hard to tell how much damage has been done without removing the glass lid and doing some inspection. Most dealers will charge a couple hours of labor (hence the $200) to get in there and check the damage. This also allows them enough time to put the roof back together in the event that the repairs are declined. Once in there they can diagnose exactly which parts need to be replaced or if a entire new cassette is necessary. Most of the time a new cassette is not necessary and just the plastic components can be replaced. Unfortunately I havent seen any write-ups online for how to do this repair. Maybe one of you can write a DIY for the forum.

DT

[jenburger]

Sunroof / Moonroof Repair, BMW e46

E46 3-Series BMW DIY Sunroof Repair

I haven't tried it, but last night my moonroof got stuck, and the most wonderful part is that it's stuck at an angle and won't shut completely, leaving a 2" gap open. Ahhh, yes, and I'm in Seattle.

Hope it helps someone!!


Also....where's the best Seattle place to take my 99 E46? (her name is Lola for those who wish to know)


Thanks!