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Thread: Sunroof: 1mm gasket gap

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
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    2007 Z4 M Coupe

    Sunroof: 1mm gasket gap

    Hi all,

    After removing my sunroof to recover the headliner, I now have a 1mm gap between the gasket and front of the sunroof. As a result, there is an excess wind noise. I have messed with the alignment of the sunroof, following Timm's write up, and still can't get rid of that gap. I even loosened all bolts and lowered the the sunroof, and pushed it all the way upfront before tightening front bolts... no luck.

    Am I missing something? Or should I just buy a new gasket with hope that it will cover that gap?

    Thanks!
    Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
    Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Try reseting the sunroof module, by holding down "close" bottom for 5 seconds, with the ignition ON position.

    Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    750iL; 330Ci cab; 5GT
    If your gasket has never been changed, go for a replacement. The improved version was also fitted to later 7s, and has a wider cross section that eliminates the wind noise.

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    The moonroof is adjustable as well. There’s a procedure for that over o. Meeknet

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisn7 View Post
    If your gasket has never been changed, go for a replacement. The improved version was also fitted to later 7s, and has a wider cross section that eliminates the wind noise.
    +1 the new one is way better

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    Does it stop the god awful squeaking also? lol

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Coslin View Post
    Does it stop the god awful squeaking also? lol
    I dont have that one, cant tell

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisn7 View Post
    If your gasket has never been changed, go for a replacement. The improved version was also fitted to later 7s, and has a wider cross section that eliminates the wind noise.
    how easy/difficult is it to install the new one?
    WTB the following Highline/Individual parts for my 2001 750iL in Black (updated Apr 2016):
    -front sport seat-back cushion
    -rear U.S. entertainment armrest with radio/MID/seat/phone/shade/etc controls
    -rear digital climate control with rear blower and black leather housing/console
    -glovebox and rear right 2001 LHD 750iL wood trim with flag inlay; maybe the dash pieces too
    ~
    Ryan


  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Coslin View Post
    Does it stop the god awful squeaking also? lol
    This. Someone please say something on this. Driving me crazy. Mine is a 06/2001 built so it must be the newer version gasket as it is only a month before the last production month.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    England
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    Quote Originally Posted by serious7series View Post
    how easy/difficult is it to install the new one?
    Ha - the installation is the (relatively) easy part, its the removal of the old one that's harder.

    If you do this, don't whatever you do, be tempted to enjoy ripping off the old one in one go, as you will leave behind loads of adhesive, which will take forever to remove. Note how the old one sits before removal, for the replacement.

    Instead you need a heat gun aimed at the point where the seal is coming away, and apply a slow and steady pull on the seal. This way nearly all the glue will come off with the seal. Its a careful balance of melting the glue without melting the paint...Clean up with white spirit, then something alcohol based. Your thumbs will be sore for days afterwards.

    Be sure to let the new one acclimatise before fitting. The adhesive on the new one does take a while to bond fully, so there is opportunity to lift and re-set as required.

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    1991 325i, 1993 740iL
    Quote Originally Posted by asianvenom View Post
    Try reseting the sunroof module, by holding down "close" bottom for 5 seconds, with the ignition ON position.

    Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
    gonna try this, love these tips btw

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by asianvenom View Post
    Try reseting the sunroof module, by holding down "close" bottom for 5 seconds, with the ignition ON position.

    Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
    Tried it with no difference in the gap.
    Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
    Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisn7 View Post
    Instead you need a heat gun aimed at the point where the seal is coming away, and apply a slow and steady pull on the seal.
    +1 makes a huge difference, I've used a hair dryer tho

  14. #14
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    changed the gasket

    Changed the gasket and no more water leaks and wind noise! Removing the old glue residue was horrible, and i did use the heat gun trick -- it helped a little bit. Applying the new one was a piece of cake though.

    Here is a cross-cut shot of old vs. new gasket. Looks like they have improved it by making it "thicker."

    IMG_1378.jpg
    Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
    Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)

  15. #15
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    00 750iL 01 S8 96 Vette
    Which part# did you guys replace it with? There are several options. See photo of available parts...y
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by serious7series; 05-07-2019 at 06:08 PM.

  16. #16
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    Also, the gasket you guys mention: is it the gasket that attaches to the body/roof opening? Or the perimeter of the glass?

  17. #17
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    98 740il, 00 540i,04 ZHP
    Want to know this as well. I have replaced mine, but there is still wind noise! Ruskii which PN did you use?
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
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    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
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  18. #18
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    It's #54107245551. The gasket is for body/roof opening.

    racer -- make sure your sunroof is aligned properly, otherwise you can get wind noise.
    Last edited by Ruskii; 05-09-2019 at 02:07 PM.
    Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
    Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)

  19. #19
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    Yes, alignment is key. The e39 is silent, but the e38 is noisy. He has to be adjusted

  20. #20
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    When you guys say “aligned” do you mean manually aligned using the bolts? Or aligning/syncing electronically using the sunroof switch?

  21. #21
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    Bolts - I tried the reset, did not solve my issues. Timm has a wonderful site. http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Index.htm

    Sunroof adjustment is in there.

  22. #22
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