Sunroof will not close

[04X5-4.4]

Did a search, couldn't find much... 2004 E53 4.4. My wife opened the sunroof yesterday, now the small back section will not close. Because of this the main sunroof will not open. I've got to find a fix before we get rain again or I'm gonna go out there and hammer it shut... Im not sure if I got a lemon or what, but something breaks about every three weeks on this vehicle. It is an absolutely beautiful SUV, and we've only had it a few months, but I'm beginning to hate it.

[rlabair]

The roof on my e36 just did the same thing. Mine was an easy fix.. yours could be the same of something different but here is how I fixed mine.
The motor was still engaging but it would not open.
I dropped the panel and removed 3 hex head bolts.
With some push/pull the motor came out.
I cleaned the gear and other stuff with a brass brush and some lithium grease
Put it back together, adjusted it and it works just fine. Gears musta got bound up.
Good luck

[Repoman]

Originally Posted by 04X5-4.4

Did a search, couldn't find much... 2004 E53 4.4. My wife opened the sunroof yesterday, now the small back section will not close. Because of this the main sunroof will not open. I've got to find a fix before we get rain again or I'm gonna go out there and hammer it shut... Im not sure if I got a lemon or what, but something breaks about every three weeks on this vehicle. It is an absolutely beautiful SUV, and we've only had it a few months, but I'm beginning to hate it.

You are suffering from a condition called "X5 reliability shock." It happens when a person buys an X5 and expects to get a reliable vehicle . . . and then BAM . . . failure after failure after failure after failure. Don't worry, it's completely normal and no, you did not get a lemon . . . you got an X5, and that's what X5's do. They have several parts failures.

As I have learned from this forum, part of owning an X5 is having a high tolerance for parts failures as you will most likely have a high rate of parts failures. I have had a rediculous number of parts failures on mine too so you're not alone. Your only options are to cut your losses and get rid of it or cash out your 401K so you can keep it and keep it running.

The X reminds me of a high maintenance girlfriend I had before. Sure she's hot and knows how to give you that feeling but just how long can you put up with her crap?

[04X5-4.4]

Originally Posted by Repoman

You are suffering from a condition called "X5 reliability shock." It happens when a person buys an X5 and expects to get a reliable vehicle . . . and then BAM . . . failure after failure after failure after failure. Don't worry, it's completely normal and no, you did not get a lemon . . . you got an X5, and that's what X5's do. They have several parts failures.

As I have learned from this forum, part of owning an X5 is having a high tolerance for parts failures as you will most likely have a high rate of parts failures. I have had a rediculous number of parts failures on mine too so you're not alone. Your only options are to cut your losses and get rid of it or cash out your 401K so you can keep it and keep it running.

The X reminds me of a high maintenance girlfriend I had before. Sure she's hot and knows how to give you that feeling but just how long can you put up with her crap?

I don't believe it. This thing could not be that bad. I just have bad luck...

[Repoman]

Originally Posted by 04X5-4.4

I don't believe it. This thing could not be that bad. I just have bad luck...

Revisit your statement after another 3 months of ownership and decide for yourself. Let us know how your situation works out with the sunroof . . . actual issue, how it happened, parts needed, costs, etc.?

[x5pdx]

your sunroof cassette is damaged. Here's what happened to mine last year.

I got lucky. If they didn't help to fix mine, I was just going to have them close the rear sunroof and not use it. It's really stuck! I wouldn't hammer it down unless you really know it will work. It may just shatter the glass which would complicate your problem.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-position.html

Now I've got other problems with my CV boots, control arm bushings, and power steering line. Yay, it's the ultimate driving machine, and also a POS in terms of mechanical reliability, so it's also the "ultimate maintenance machine" too! It's no wonder so many people get rid of it before 4yrs/50k.

Good luck!

[04X5-4.4]

[QUOTE=x5pdx;728756]your sunroof cassette is damaged. Here's what happened to mine last year.

I got lucky. If they didn't help to fix mine, I was just going to have them close the rear sunroof and not use it. It's really stuck! I wouldn't hammer it down unless you really know it will work. It may just shatter the glass which would complicate your problem.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-position.html

Now I've got other problems with my CV boots, control arm bushings, and power steering line. Yay, it's the ultimate driving machine, and also a POS in terms of mechanical reliability, so it's also the "ultimate maintenance machine" too! It's no wonder so many people get rid of it before 4yrs/50k.

Who's They? I have no warrantee, And I was just kidding about hammering it shut, I guess it would be easier to climb on top of it and jump up and down until it's flush again. That way maybe I wont break the glass...

[x5pdx]

Originally Posted by 04X5-4.4

Who's They? I have no warrantee, And I was just kidding about hammering it shut, I guess it would be easier to climb on top of it and jump up and down until it's flush again. That way maybe I wont break the glass...

They would be the BMW dealership. they helped me fix mine b/c i was under 50k miles. if not, it would have cost me $2k + .

Unfortunately, your pano moonroof is toast! From what i remember, if you still want to use it, the whole sunroof cassette must be replaced.

[X5 Meister]

Not necessarily. They are replacing fewer cassettes now that there are multiple repair kits available to deal with different problems.

To the original poster, have a read through this thread. There are a lot of good SIB's that might be of help.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...eavy-rain.html

Originally Posted by x5pdx

They would be the BMW dealership. they helped me fix mine b/c i was under 50k miles. if not, it would have cost me $2k + .

Unfortunately, your pano moonroof is toast! From what i remember, if you still want to use it, the whole sunroof cassette must be replaced.

[Kunphuzi0n]

I believe there is a tool in your tool kit (where the spare is) for the sunroof and directions for closing it in the owners manual. Not positive. But I swear I have read about similar situations on these forums. Good luck and if I'm mistaken I am sorry!! Btw the tool's name is very obvious. Like sunroof wrench or something similar or I could be making it up lol.