Sunroof will not close
 

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.

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

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?

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!

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

[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...

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.

I don't fully understand the current situation. Perhaps a photo would explain it better?

If what I think is the case, that your panoramic roof is stuck in the 'tilt' position and won't close, what is likely happening is the anti-trap mechanism is being activated.

First try the re-initialization procedure. Put key in position one, and push the sunroof button (like you would to get it to tilt) and hold it for a while (something like 2 minutes total I believe). The entire thing will cycle through all its possible movements. Once it is done, and only then, let go.

If the reinitialization procedure doesn't work because the sunroof is stuck, then start the car (you want to have the engine running because you don't want to drain your battery during this if ends up taking a while) and keep pressing the button in any direction to try to get the roof to close. It might take 50 tries but hopefully it will work. Just keep at it (ie. push the button in the next direction before the roof even stops moving from the last push). Once your roof is closed, turn off the car and do the reinitialization procedure describe before.

If none of this works you need to go to the dealer and get the thing realigned.

Thanks for the tips everyone. Sorry, I didn't post a pic, but it was actually just the back section that was stuck in the tilt position. I did manage to get it closed by hammering the hinges the roof sets on back down the track. So at least its closed, but the sunroof is completely non-functional. The main section will not open, it will only tilt. And when it does the back section gets stuck in the open position again. I'd be glad to post some pics if anyone has any ideas (I did try the re-initialization procedure), but its pretty obvious this thing needs to go in for service. But again, thanks for the input...

It's gonna cost you at least an hour of labor and who knows how much in parts. Go have it diagnosed and let us know.