how do you remove the sunroof

[nm1]

hi there im looking to remove the sunroof is it a simple task?

[Dezzy]

You need to be carefull but it is easy. You need to pull the trim pannel off whick has clips front side and rear. Then there is 4 screws 2 either side. Then a plastic clip on either side of the rails.

It then just lifts off.

[nm1]

thank you very much my cars gettin painted tomorrow

[d6dph]

The way I remember doing mine was:

Wind the sunroof half way open, along the front edge there are a number of trim clips (metal iirc, quite sharp too) release these and maybe a couple at the sides

When the trim is loose, slide it back into the roof cavity

Close the roof and put it to the full tilt position

You should then be able to see the four tx bolts in the sides

hth

[Dezzy]

Isn't it the water tray that goes back but the cover comes out the bottom. It was a while ago since i did it too.

[d6dph]

Good question, Been a long time since I done mine too

[Brianmoooore]

Water tray goes back with the lower fabric panel. D6dph's post is correct, except for there are 6 bolts.

[d6dph]

Dammit, I thought there maybe 6 but second guessed myself.

[Rich_W]

On a related note. How do you remove and refit the seals that run around the actual sunroof panel. I think my rear one is too far back and is stopping the roof from tilting.

[Brianmoooore]

Seals just clip on to the edge of the steel panel. The adjustment for the closed position of the sunroof is the six bolts mentioned above. The bolts have oversize heads and the holes they pass through are much larger than the bolts, allowing the panel to be positioned accurately before tightening the bolts.

[Rich_W]

Cheers. I'll have a proper look when I get a chance. I did try pulling the seal off, but it was a bit of a mare to get it to stay back on.

[xavi1980]

Put the sunroof in tilt and then remove the screws on the trim when it drops you need to follow the two plastic rails that run to the back on either side, pull those rods down and they will unclip then you can pull it the trim out the front, then there are three torque bolts on either side of the metal lid, then it's out! But remember to replace the seal gasket which is 2 parts and costs £90 from chandlers only

[Brianmoooore]

But remember to replace the seal gasket which is 2 parts and costs £90 from chandlers only

There is also a single piece version of the seal which is interchangeable, and costs considerably less than the sum of the two pieces.
Remember the seal is to reduce wind noise, not to keep every drop of water out, and, in my experience, rarely need replacing. If it does need replacing, like most E30 parts, there are plenty of good second hand ones out there.

[town325i]

Fairy liquid will clean the seal up a treat and soften it up i did this to one years ago that i was going to fit on my car there was no way i was going to pay £90 for a bit of rubber and felt