Argh! Scraaatch in New Sunroof Panel.

Post Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:22 pm

I just replaced my old rusty sunroof panel with a like-new one from a scrapper. The installation went pretty smoothly and the panel is nice and flush with the roof. But the first time I slid it open, it left a bunch of light scratches in the new paint.

On close inspection, I found that the panel passes REALLY close to the edge of the opening as it retracts and I suspect that there's something in the roof cavity that it's making contact with. Is there some adjustment I'm missing?

Any help appreciated.

Post Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:56 pm

Only adjustment is the six oversize mounting holes for the panel.

Post Wed Sep 28, 2005 12:45 am

Hmm. Not sure why the scratching is happening, then, because the panel is nice and flush when closed. Is it possible that the panel is 'domed' in the middle?

Post Wed Sep 28, 2005 8:47 am

Anything is possible. It's all made of steel, and steel will bend.
Maybe someone's sat on the rear edge of the roof opening at some time in the past and bent it down slightly.
Incidently, IIRC, the panel is not supposed to be absolutely flush when closed.

Post Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:51 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Incidently, IIRC, the panel is not supposed to be absolutely flush when closed.

Yeah, I think you're right. It's supposed to be a wee bit low at the front edge and a wee bit high at the trailing edge. Unfortunately, that's only going to make the situation worse!

Thanks for your input.

Post Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:35 pm

just a quick question, how hard was it to change the panel? got another one coming for my car, just not sure if i should try myself??

Post Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:26 am

Changing the panel is easy in principle, but look what happened to me!

For what it's worth, here's a link that shows how it all goes together.
http://e30.bmwdiy.info/sunroof-adjust/index.html

Good luck!

Post Mon Oct 03, 2005 9:21 am

cool thanks. might ask my bodywork guru to do it! in a complete moron at these things