(SUNROOF) How do you assemble these two parts together ?

[Marc850]

Hello,

I'm trying to have a fully functional sunroof and sunroof liner. Having taken everything appart, I've noticed that my lift gate arms were dead (as were a lot of other thing, really poor quality stuff). I have now bought the super expensive right and left gate arms, but I dont know how to install them. Old gate arm is still attached on one side and the other has broken in half

From what I've read I should simply insert the drive cable unit thing in the middle of the gate arm gutter. But should I use force ? Because, it's just not getting in and I dont want to break 300+€ worth of cheap plastic parts.

Here's a few pictures of what I'm on about.

IMG_6159.jpgIMG_6161.jpgIMG_6160.jpgIMG_616.jpg

Thanks

[henryc]

Hello, Marc850- I replaced all those plastic parts on my E31 several years ago and I too encountered how difficult it was to insert the drive cable unit. I recall using a lot of force to make it fit. Then it just popped into place and no damage!
Have you been using Frankie's sunroof repair guide? Here is the link- I found it to be very helpful. Good luck with the repairs- Henry
http://www.frankies-bmw.com/8series/...es_sunroof.php

[cartoonz]

Look closely at the curved slot that nub goes into... in the center of the inside curve, there is a small section where the diameter is enlarged. Small, but purposeful. Line up the nub with that opening and squeeze it in with channel locks.
Feels scary, but that's how it is done

[G8nightman]

Here is a video when I did mine


https://youtu.be/QHDoO9uVgxw


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rogbmw]

I just did 2 new ones on my rebuild. As stated above, look for the small enlargement in the groove just at the bend. Put a little Vaseline on the button, and use channel lock pliers opened up so that you can put the ends on both sides as low on the plastic pieces as possible, and squeeze. The button will pop in.

[Marc850]

I managed to do it by slightly heating up the gate arm with a heat gun + some lithium grease on the nub + a bit of force. Worked perfectly

Thanks to everyone for your help !