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Subject: I removed the sunroof today. It was a lot easier than expected. Author: davidc (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 10244 posts Posted on: 2006-12-12 18:11:45

Open the sunroof halfway and stick your head in the opening (take the keys out of the ignition lest someone play tricks on you when you're vulnerable...). Looking toward the rear of the car, locate the two plastic retaining clips on the left and right sides. Spread them apart with your fingers to release the lower headliner trim piece from the sunroof. Push the trim piece back into the headliner.


Here's what the clip looks like after the sunroof has already been removed.


Here's the post to which the plastic clips were secured.


Now close the sunroof then tilt it to the fully vented position.


There are three Torx T25 screws on the left and right sides of the sunroof. Loosen the rearmost one and remove the other two. Repeat for the other side.


Removing the Torx screws.


From below, push up the rear end of the sunroof and, at the same time, push the front edge of the sunroof toward the rear of the car. There is a prong on the front side of the sunroof that fits into a clip on the car body. You can just see the edge of the white prong in the photo above.


Once the front prong is released from the clip, the entire sunroof can be lifted out of the opening. The sunroof is surprisingly heavy, so take care not to let it fall and scratch the paint on the roof.


Here's a shot of the prong in the previous step.



And, a couple of views of the companion clip into which the prong fits.

David Cecil

'97 740iL, 155k miles
'92 750iL, 88k miles
'86 735i, 101k miles

Visit e38.org for everything technical about your BMW

• I removed the sunroof today. It was a lot easier than expected. (pic) - davidc 2006-12-12 18:11:45 (5019 views)
  • Revealing photos, thanks! (nt) - Patrick C 88 750 154K 2006-12-13 13:48:10 (205 views)
  • Nice pix....Why did you remove it? (nt) - Paparon 2006-12-13 00:32:37 (294 views)
    • It needs to be painted. Previous owner had done a crappy job - davidc 2006-12-13 14:56:17 (216 views)
    • Re: Nice pix....Why did you remove it? - omarsr 2006-12-13 02:09:53 (258 views)
      • The sunroof is adjusted using the torx bolts in the pics. - Oaktown735 2006-12-13 11:31:50 (303 views)
        • Yes, just loosen those torx screws and push up. (nt) - davidc 2006-12-13 14:57:07 (317 views)