Sunroof alignment not working.

[E39 Sean 540ia]

I just put all new sliders also cleaned out and re-greased the tracks on my sunroof.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u201/Stephenhavel/09F8FF0F-61A0-47EC-8D99-9F7BB7C276B3-2020-0000012BE3170332.jpg

Now with it all back together and the sunroof button pressed to close position fully this is what it looks like:

Back (where it is off bad):

Car has been sitting in the garage since Wednesday it is dusty.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u201/Stephenhavel/EBF1219F-60C4-469E-A64E-21A8530717D9-2020-00000135D3132B8B.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u201/Stephenhavel/A8E295C4-5B10-472C-ADC1-DD6616B4DC17-2020-00000135D54ECE95.jpg

Front (almost there):

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u201/Stephenhavel/07B3CF01-758B-4A4C-8B69-D52AA22A366D-2020-00000135D74E0CFF.jpg

How do I get it back to closing properly. I tried holding down the tilt for 30 seconds and it just tilted fully and it did not do the re-alignment process I've read about. I did remove the motor and manually move the old sliders back and out of the track. I marked where they were but could be off a little bit(does it matter?). The sunroof works now but does not close completely. Appreciate all help, thanks.

Let me know if the pics don't show.

[E39 Sean 540ia]

Side note: does anyone know if e39 m5 leather sun-visors fit on an e39 540 (same connector)?

[E39 Sean 540ia]

I pressed the tilt button and lined the sunroof up pretty well. It should be closed completely when I press forward on the button though. I know something must be wrong anyone else had this problem?

[moots]

There are 3 fine adjustment nuts on the roof.try adjusting these.you will have to push the headliner all the way to the back to see these 3 nuts....

This would be for the steel sunroof...

[E39 Sean 540ia]

Thanks for responding, I have the glass sunroof so I don't know if that's the same. Can you see the pictures?

Sunroof still has a gap. It moves all the way back and then forward but stops right where I took pics. I lined it up with the tilt button but I want it working properly, someone help me please.

[rao]

The glass moonroof has the same three bolts per side - they are the ones that hold the panel in place. The panel holes that the bolts go through are all elongated. You just need to spend some time getting the alignment right. It is a PITA, but there is no other way.

[E39 Sean 540ia]

The glass moonroof has the same three bolts per side - they are the ones that hold the panel in place. The panel holes that the bolts go through are all elongated. You just need to spend some time getting the alignment right. It is a PITA, but there is no other way.

Ohh... Thanks for making it clear. I was about to take out the motor and try moving the sliders manually thinking that was the problem.

Now I have something to do for the rest of the day Haa.

[jamesdc4]

Sunroof Realignment (http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/546326)
Teaser:
http://imageshack.us/a/img585/2562/48637999.jpg

[E39 Sean 540ia]

Sunroof Realignment (http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/546326)

Perfect... Thanks for that.

[cwise12]

Hmm, I should probably lubricate the tracks... any special tips when lubricating? Can I do it without removing the mechanism? Is that white lithium grease what you used?

[RVAE34]

I need to loosen those nuts on mine when I get home. I may try gun lube/oil on my tracks while at it unless grease is better.

[jamesdc4]

I need to loosen those nuts on mine when I get home. I may try gun lube/oil on my tracks while at it unless grease is better.
You should adjust the height of the front first using the single screw, then do the rear two screws.

[RVAE34]

Excellent, thanks!

[E39 Sean 540ia]

Hmm, I should probably lubricate the tracks... any special tips when lubricating? Can I do it without removing the mechanism? Is that white lithium grease what you used?

I didn't even know what I was doing honestly. Just cleaned it with lint free towels and applied the grease while sliding everything back and fourth. You could do it without removing anything but you wouldn't be able to get the back of the tracks clean. I did use white lithium grease.

If your sunroof works fine though I wouldn't even touch it. It will break eventually then you can take it all apart, clean, grease and replace parts. That is what I did at least.

[jamesdc4]

If your sunroof works fine though I wouldn't even touch it. It will break eventually then you can take it all apart, clean, grease and replace parts. That is what I did at least.
Actually, if the cables bind from dirt or debris getting in there, it can cause one side to become out of synch and cause premature failure of the front lift pivot rail. The arms for the tilting rain gutter have a plastic piece that also breaks off from misalignment. I think it's a good idea to inspect, clean and lubricate the track and cable especially if it's never been done or prior maintenance is unknown.

[jp5Touring]

I have the parts for six months. Still gotta due it.

[lesguy]

Actually, if the cables bind from dirt or debris getting in there, it can cause one side to become out of synch and cause premature failure of the front lift pivot rail. The arms for the tilting rain gutter have a plastic piece that also breaks off from misalignment. I think it's a good idea to inspect, clean and lubricate the track and cable especially if it's never been done or prior maintenance is unknown.

I probably should have replied to this thread vs the other. Question: Is there a procedure to get both sides in synch?