help locating panoramic roof control module
 

Hi everyone, I was hoping someone knew the location of the panoramic roof control module in a 2005 X5 4.8is (10/04 build date)?

Tried advanced search (plus hour of google) and no luck tracking down the location.

I recently bought the 4.8is to replace my dearly missed 2006 X5 4.4i that was totaled by another car running a red. I bought the 4.8is with the pano roof not working. When I press the switch, there is zero movement or sound from any part of it (glass or shade). I checked the pano roof fuse (58 IIRC) and it's good. Carly diagnostic app/adapter shows a no communication with the pano controller error (don't have the error specifics at work with me but I'll update when I have a chance). All other systems are fine.

So I bought a pano controller from the local salvage yard but I can't seem to find where it's located in the car.

The controller label contains the following info:
MDS K-Bus
6 995 925
Siemens 5WK11491
04015300604

Would greatly appreciate any help, even if it's ideas on where in the car to look or links to recommended BMW service documentations sources that would have the answer.

Looks like the module (A33b) is located in the overhead console...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/CVDa4UDY

From here... https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...is-sav/UgGu1Vf

Yes, that's where it's located. The sunroof buttons connect there. Looks like some one probably disconnected the buttons and controller to disable the entire sunroof.

found and relplaced controller. moonroof movement chain/cable mechanism likely shot
 

Thanks wpoll and X5only! The controller is exactly as pictured in wpoll’s link. I just popped out the light module using a plastic trim tool from the rear facing side, same with the motion sensor module, which revealed two small torx screws behind each of those sections holding the panel in.

Once I replaced the controller I was able to operate the sunshade (the most essential part I needed to get working). Unfortunately after I held the button down to run the initializatuon process, there was loud grinding from the motor as it tried to move the actual moonroof.

I’ll post video tomorrow morning to see if anyone has had a similar experience and can identify the issue from the sound but I suspect the whole glass pane movement chain/cable mechanism is shot or seized since when I removed the motor the gear on the motor looked ok (though I don’t know for sure what a known good gear looks like).

I would stop right now. Close it and find a salvage working panel, or a used one. Replace entire pano cassette. Buy a pano rebuild kit, an pray you can rebuild your old one.

But seriously if it’s grinding. Shit is bad inside. Could be anything really. Even just dirt in the tracks. But still don’t use it till you have a backup plan. Someone disabled it for a reason.

Ditto the warning above...PROCEED WITH CAUTION! If the pano sunroof was disconnected by the previous owner...it was probably for a good reason...and there are plenty of old pano sunroof threads that will reveal that disconnecting the pano sunroof is the "chosen" fix for issues owners were having with it...and disconnecting its operations was the cheaper & less stressful way to go.


For example...here's an old thread about pano roof reconstruction: https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...construct.html


...and here's another: https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=524818

video of seized moonroof and motor grinding
 

I posted my video of the grinding to YouTube linked below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZa_8410t_o

I've since read up on the issue and agree with recommendations to leave the glass pane non-op for now. The sunshade was what I REALLY needed to get working and that problem is solved so I'm much happier with the current state of it.

I'll continue researching and reading threads detailing the work involved in taking the roof apart and fixing it.

If anyone knows of other good threads for repair or replacement of the cable drive components please chime in. Thanks everyone for the help so far.

That sounds awful! Search in this forum for panorama on titles only.

I don't have a pano roof and know nothing about them but listening to your "grinding" it sounds like the motor skipping teeth on a rack, trying to move a glass panel glass that is seized. I wouldn't try driving it too much more or you'll need to be replacing the gear and rack as well as fixing the the seized glass.