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Thread: How do I 'hot-wire' my sunroof?

  1. #1
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    How do I 'hot-wire' my sunroof?

    None of my windows go down, I have no AC, and my fan is stuck on high but sounds like it's about to die, so I take the fuse out.

    I stripped the hex drive on the sunroof motor. I swapped in the one from my parts car and JB-welded an allen-key socket into place. Last night it randomly started pouring rain and I stripped the second one in a rush to get it closed.

    I wear dress clothes to work and I'm going to be in for a nasty week if I can't figure out a way to hot-wire the sunroof.

    Has anyone attempted this?
    1983 4-spd Mercedes 240d w/403k - Sold!

    11/87 E32 735iA w/45k - Daily Driver (finally!)

    04/88 E32 735iL - Parts Car

  2. #2
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    So is your sunroof switch not working then? I'm assuming you are probably using the Allen key because you can't get the motor to turn on.

    Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

  3. #3
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    The sunroof switch gets power (lights up with headlights), but it doesn't communicate with the control module under the rear seat. I've tried swapping switches, but no luck.

    I basically need a diagram of hot/ground going into the sunroof motor

  4. #4
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    Wiring diagrams are here.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by kce1900 View Post
    Wiring diagrams are here.

    I appreciate the link, but honestly I can't make any sense of the diagrams without pictures. I am praying somebody might be able to tell me what wires to cross, and where they're located from their own experience. I know that's a big ask though.
    1983 4-spd Mercedes 240d w/403k - Sold!

    11/87 E32 735iA w/45k - Daily Driver (finally!)

    04/88 E32 735iL - Parts Car

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by CamE32 View Post
    I appreciate the link, but honestly I can't make any sense of the diagrams without pictures. I am praying somebody might be able to tell me what wires to cross, and where they're located from their own experience. I know that's a big ask though.
    I would try this first:
    Owner's Handbook: Insert key [in the driver's door lock from outside the car] and hold it in the central locking or unlock inhibit position. This will allow the windows (right side first, then left) and/or the sunroof to close in succession. Releasing the key will automatically interrupt this function.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by E32FAN View Post
    I would try this first:
    Owner's Handbook: Insert key [in the driver's door lock from outside the car] and hold it in the central locking or unlock inhibit position. This will allow the windows (right side first, then left) and/or the sunroof to close in succession. Releasing the key will automatically interrupt this function.

    No luck

    For some reason I cannot turn my key all the way to the unlocked position, and when I lock it and hold it all the way horizontally, nothing happens. Neither of the door locks work with the key or interior button
    1983 4-spd Mercedes 240d w/403k - Sold!

    11/87 E32 735iA w/45k - Daily Driver (finally!)

    04/88 E32 735iL - Parts Car

  8. #8
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    Then I would check for broken wires in driver door. Point to start is between A-pillar and door. There is a good DIY with pics on the German 7-forum, 1.05 MB to download http://www.7-forum.com/forum/showthr...t=118598&page=
    Hope you can download the pdf without registering there first

    rear door http://bmwe32.pagaduan.org/Kabelbruc...nks_hinten.htm
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

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