Has anypne changed a sunroof tray or the wires

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:32 am

Just after a chat with someone who has changed a sunroof tray or who has changed the wires that control the roof back and forth.

The wires have nipples on the end like on you push bikecable ends that iI had to cut off the breaker I have. BMW still sell the cables as a complete part with the inners and outers but I don't know if they come with theends or if you can strip them apart sone how as It appeared you had to cut them off to get them out the hole in the tray.

Any help much appreciated.

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 1:49 pm

With the motor/handle out of the way, the cables pull straight out at the roof end.
If you haven't found out already, the stainless steel plates have a razor sharp edge. Beware!

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:02 pm

I have found that out too!

The plate I have were the motor goes has the two copper coloured pipes that go round eitherside of the tray and then through the small hole in either side of the tray so they run onto between the roof and the tray. At the end of these they have the black blocks with the cables held in by the nipples on the end. I couldn't seam to split it any were. Do you mean the cables come out of the motor end?

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:41 pm

This diagram isn't as clear as I hoped, but it might help a bit: http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/T ... ting_roof/
With the motor assembly off, and the parts from approx. 12 upwards removed, the cables (11) will just pull out of the tubes, from where they connect to the sliding bit.

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:28 am

Bloody hell, Iooks like I could have got away with it then. Do you know if there is a difference between the electric and the mannual roof wires as realoem would suggest there is with regard to part numbers but it would appear for the hole thing.

Thanks for your help

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 1:48 pm

Cables are the same, electric/manual AFAIK. They certainly work OK in conversions.
The gold coloured part of the motor/winder plate looks at first sight like it may be the same for both, but if you try to do a conversion using the original, you will find there are some slight but significant differences.

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 9:26 pm

No worries, I have the electric plate off the breaker and the wires of my keepfit sunroof so should be able to make one from two.

Thanks for your help....again