OK, my sunroof is also sticky.

[Drake57]

I've read other posts, my 1992 has the problem where it seems the sunroof motor clutch slips: The motor runs, but the roof will stop as it slides back, helping it will get it started again, when it reaches it's limits the motor will stop. It takes a fairly healthy tug, more than would seem right. It pops up/down in back ok, it's the sliding that gets stuck. It sticks after it has slid backward about 3" - it seems to be stuck at a hard point, once it is past, it slides to rearmost limit ok. It also seems to stick at the point where forward slide will flip down the spring loaded air dam that flips up in front.

Other posts reproach owners for lack of maintenance, and describe cleaning and lubing the rail. I just acquired the car and would like to do what I can to prevent damage, and to get it to really work.

I read the FSM, as far as I can see it is a terse description of how to remove/reinstall. No mention of maintenance, other than the grease gun symbols on the diagram.

I did clean and lube the parts of the rails that are accessible when the sunroof is open, but this did not seem to help greatly. There was some dirt mixed with grease in the rails.

I think I can increase the torque on the drive clutch, but I'm a little hesitant to do that in case something else is fouled.

So the maintenance is: cleaning and lubing the rail? Is there any other wear, maintenance, or adjustment issue that would cause binding? Do the cables themselves ever need lubrication? Thanks in advance for any real help. Yes I've read the FSM, and the "congradulations" thread, looked at the two sunroof stickies, am not the one who failed to maintain, just trying to get it working properly.

[maxnix]

Most clutches can be adusted when there is access to the motor.

Clean, lubricate, and that is it.

FSM only covers what must be done to get car past OEM warranty or fix it if it breaks in warranty. After that, no OEM cares unless you need service, then it is on your dime. Hence no mention of ATF exchanges, PS fluid exchanges, FI cleaner, under plenum maintenance, etc.

[Kiven422]

The rubber around the roof becomes old and causes extra friction... lubricating it may help.

[Drake57]

Thank you. What is good for weatherstrip lube? armorall?

Drake.

[qship96]

My 2 favorites, after trying almost every product in the last 30 years to hit the market, are Einszett Gummi Pfledge or 303 Aerospace Protectant- both are super premium excellent products that are worth searching out{ not stocked at most chain store outlets}

[maxnix]

What is good for weatherstrip lube? armorall?

Never Armorall! I like Wurth protectant.

[Infinitiguy19]

Einszett Gummi Pfledge is discontinued according to BMW of Peabody.

[qship96]

Einszett Gummi Pfledge is discontinued according to BMW of Peabody.

All the online retailers like autogeek/autopia/open road motoring,etc still have it- I think BMW dropped its privately labeled and bottled version of it though.

[Drake57]

from being baked in the sun, and will nearly close under it's own power when in same ware condition, except that it hangs when closing and reaches the point where the wind deflector would need to flip down. I suppose that the rubber may soften slightly as it warms.

So I'll try tightening clutch tension slightly, and double check for any hang points, clean and lube the contact areas that flip down the deflector.

Have a great weekend guys!

Drake

[maxnix]

If you need the Wurth, I can run some up.

Email me.

[lino]

Found something that might be helpful even though it's not for G50:

http://www.jatan.net/tsbs/056830.pdf

[shanemasters1]

Here are some things that might be helpful. I have an infinity mechanic helping get my car back in shape. He took the interior out and we exchanged the entire sunroof assembly, the cables have the same problems as the window regulators in the doors. After I helped him get the sunroof assembly back in the car he tested the motor and told me that it was bad and that I would need to purchase a new one. I took the sunroof motor and had it as good as new in about 3 hours. it took this long because I am very meticulous and like to do things well.

The sunroof motor contains a couple different metal gears as well as a couple of plastic ones. It contains the limit switch's and a small clutch assembly contained in a plastic gear. Even tough the plastic gear has a rubber gasket on it to prevent the lubrication from getting in to the clutch, I found that my clutch assembly had lube on the friction and pressure plate. After I took the entire assembly apart, removed and cleaned all the old lubrication, which was very dark, and muddy looking, and reassembled, it works just like new. My mechanic was amazed that I was able to "repair" it, but that is what I excel at, and he excels at replacing old parts with new one's. I can look at mine as we put it back together and get some insight on removing just the sunroof motor. My guess is that with a couple hours of work, some patience, a can of brake cleaner, a tooth brush, and a can of white lithium grease, you can have yours back in great shape as well. Email if you have any more questions.

shane

[lino]

If you ever do one again, please take some pics. I'm sure many of us here would love to see how you did it. I'm too scared to do it without pics. I'm not the best DIYer.

[companyman95]

sunroof clutch preload is also adjustable all you have to do is hold the back side with an allen wrench (you will see it) and tighten the nut with the lock washer squeezed around it. and like posted earlier clean out the lube they put o-rings on there for a reason but how old are they?