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Thread: Never opened the sunroof

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Never opened the sunroof

    Bought the car in poor condition from a customer 2 years ago and have brought it back to life as we know it. Lowered, good wheels and tires, CAI, M50 intake swap, 3.46 LSD, Light weight flywheel and new clutch assembly,swapped out saggy door panels for nice, and M3 bumpers. It was a kid car for several years as I am still finding glitter and french fry debris in places I didn't think possible. My question is should I try the sunroof or leave it closed for eternity? My concern is that it may never seal again if it does even open. Comments please.

  2. #2
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    Open it. Yolo!

  3. #3
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    I need to do the headliner anyway. Could be the perfect time to repair it if it's Fkdup.

  4. #4
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    You should open it to make sure it drains properly. The e36 has an amazingly quiet sunroof too, excellent aero design


  5. #5
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    Should be fine. I've only had an issue from a clogged drain line, which could happen either way from the junk that gets through the gaps.

    Also +1 on the quiet. The wind deflector bump is great
    Caprica Junkie

  6. #6
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    I'm not worried about the drain line. I don't think the sunroof has opened in years. It's the electrics and mechanics I'm concerned with.

  7. #7
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    i think if you cast the ali baba cave opening spell before you open the sun roof opening, you should be fine
    "So we've come to the conclusion that BMW just has parts laying around they decide to throw on cars for no reason."

    Interest on a Very Budget Supercharger Build??



  8. #8
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    The weather forecast for tomorrow in Northern Virginia is severe thunderstorms so I may wait until Monday to say "open sesame"

  9. #9
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    Ahh, well I think everything should be fine, none of it should wear out while sitting. It may open a bit slow the first few times (I know my power locks are sluggish for a couple days after moving from my winter to summer E36)

    Good call on waiting though, just in case it gets stuck no point in having to deal with rain too.
    Caprica Junkie

  10. #10
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    The lube on the cables can get congealed and stick, but its more likely that the sunroof won't open at all than fail when you're trying to close it. I'd try the vent mode first since you can push on the sunroof to help the motor along if it has trouble.


  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by hotdish View Post
    The lube on the cables can get congealed and stick, but its more likely that the sunroof won't open at all than fail when you're trying to close it. I'd try the vent mode first since you can push on the sunroof to help the motor along if it has trouble.
    Mine actually only opens to vent mode now, the slide back jams when you use it... looks like I'm swapping the cassette again, ugh
    Caprica Junkie

  12. #12
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    Just tried it out. Smooth as silk and quiet too. What a great machine we drive. Who knows how long since it opened last. I know at least 2 years probably more with no sign of anything off. Gotta love it. Cheers

  13. #13
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    Ahh awesome to hear!
    Caprica Junkie

  14. #14
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    might be a good time to spray some WD40 on it.

    see, my ali baba cast away spell has worked for you.

    odin be praised.
    "So we've come to the conclusion that BMW just has parts laying around they decide to throw on cars for no reason."

    Interest on a Very Budget Supercharger Build??



  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by MisterM52 View Post
    might be a good time to spray some WD40 on it.

    see, my ali baba cast away spell has worked for you.

    odin be praised.
    Never ever WD 40 unless you want to kill it. WD tends to turn into glue over time by itself and wet lubricants in general attract dirt, turning into further glue. It's great at keeping things from rusting (hence water displacing 40th formula) and for a spray on wipe off cleaner, but there are better lubricants and penetrants for every situation. I'd recommend a dry lube only, molybdenum disulfide or graphite.
    Caprica Junkie

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by boarder2k7 View Post
    ... I'd recommend a dry lube only, molybdenum disulfide or graphite.
    +1 on those recommendations. Graphite is not strictly a dry lube as it hygroscopic and will not lubricate without water vapor. MoS2 is a happy lubricant even in a vacuum.

  17. #17
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    Thanks for the comments. I keep the moly spray on the shelf in the shop and will use it for this application.

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