Back glass of panoramic sunroof stuck open

[E83Gill]

I've had my X3 now for around 4 trouble free months. My BMW warrantee expired a couple of weeks ago and my X3 has manifested its first problem. Yesterday I noticed that the Panoramic sunroof was open (tilted). No big deal – its primarily my wifes car and she may have left it open, well I tried to close it however only the front glass returned to the shut position. The rear window seems to be stuck in the tilt position regardless of what position or combination of sunroof button is pressed. So far I have tried to:
(1) resync by holding the button pressed in for a long time- the sunroof moves around but the rear glass remains stuck in the tilt – thus not allowing the roof as a whole to slide back.
(2) The manual override tool has the same effect as above – stuck in tilt.
(3) I have had a root-around examining if anything has snapped. I cant see anything however there does appear to be some kind of physical block which isn’t allowing the roof down.

I am reluctant to physically force it shut. Has anyone experienced anything similar – warrantee repair or otherwise? If so what was replaced?

Maybe you X5 guys can chime in, Its my understanding that the same panoramic roof is available on the X5

2004 X3 3.0i Sport

[E83Gill]

I have just had confirmation from my wife that she heard something click when she tried to close it - so it could be that something has snapped in the rail or popped out of track.

I removed the rear glass. Its held in place by four t25 torx screws. Once the glass was out, I could see how the mechanism works. There are two triangular ramps either side of the tracks that put the glass into tilt. I was able to push both these back so the position is closed. Put the glass back in and tried again. All positions work however when the roof is tilted, the rear glass stays up and doesnt go down.

I now know that I am able to manually put it down using a screwdriver without removing the glass so no big deal - I put it back down and will tackle the roof again in a couple of weeks when the rain eases off.

I'm going to check out realoem for a diagram.

Any experience/ help appreciated.

[xx3]

What build date is your X3?

I had a 12/03 build date - very early one, and went through two sunroof cassettes'. Although I've never had problems shutting it, I did have a problem once with leaking and another time for a grungy kind of noise (like gunk was stuck in the sunroof rails). Apparently BMW recommends replacing cassettes rather than cleaning them.

I also know that my dealer has lots of cassette's on hand, as apparently they replace them frequently...

Off-topic, I know. But my point is, the early cassettes weren't great and maybe thats why your sunroof is having issues...

[E83Gill]

First registered for the road in May 2004. According to the sticker under the hood manufactered in March 2004.

I would be very interested to read the TSB if there is a known fault with early X3's. If you have the part number for the casette, can you post it please?

[luke.jenner]

I have an Aussie X5 with Panoramic Roof built in April 04. The roof was the one thing I didn't like about the car because of the rattles. One day after heavy rain water was leaking in through the place for the Garage Door opener. I asked my dealer to have a look at when I had the car serviced and they just replaced it without even having a look - known problem. It was covered under Warranty even though my car was out of factory warranty - the Americans call this Goodwill - Aussies call it Good Luck!

Luke

[E83Gill]

Goodwill doesnt extend that far in the UK. Here it is 3years/60k miles. I've never known main dealers to give anything for free here. I am quite apt with a wrench and screwdriver having reworked a lot of problem on my various german cruisers over the years (Audi A3, 850Ci, S class, 525i, 525tds Touring) so I am sure I will be able to tackle this head on myself.

[eman]

Hi E83Gill,
Have same problem of my 04 x3, the rear glass fail to tile down but noticed ust the left side triangle stay still (the right side move backward properly) so everytime the buttom pressed the glass close down at the beginning but fail to close completely then it cycle back to tile position. Read you can use a screw drive to manually put the glass down, can you describe how it works for me? I did remove the rear glass as you done and can't found anything broken, need to let the glass cover as soon as possible because the raining season is coming soon. Tks in advance!

[meubmw]

Originally Posted by eman

Hi E83Gill,
Have same problem of my 04 x3, the rear glass fail to tile down but noticed ust the left side triangle stay still (the right side move backward properly) so everytime the buttom pressed the glass close down at the beginning but fail to close completely then it cycle back to tile position. Read you can use a screw drive to manually put the glass down, can you describe how it works for me? I did remove the rear glass as you done and can't found anything broken, need to let the glass cover as soon as possible because the raining season is coming soon. Tks in advance!

I have the same problem but in my case is the right side that doesn't move. I'm also interested in knowing how to close without take off the rear glass.

Any help will be appreciated.

tks.

[relsah]

Originally Posted by meubmw

I have the same problem but in my case is the right side that doesn't move. I'm also interested in knowing how to close without take off the rear glass.

Any help will be appreciated.

tks.

i have the same problem too. did you ever find out how to manually close it without taking the rear glass off?

[Christiano]

I have the same problem on my X5. The car has the extended cover, so I went to the dealer and they took 2 days to make a analisys. They call me yesterday saying they ordered another new complete sunroof (-glasses) to fix the problem. No cost. This make me VERY HAPPY and with a feel of reability in BMW Cover!

I'll need to wait 20 days for parts, but the sunroof was closed while we wait all stuff. I'll let you know about everything and investigate the parts involved on this problem.
Chris