Martin Robinson

I'm starting to address a few issues with my recently acquired (second) E61. Maybe some of what I know will be helpful to others, and I'd appreciate any experienced commentary and suggestions.

Situation: The panoramic roof generates high wind noise. The seal appears to be perished, with a rough surface.

Background: This is a well documented problem but it's taken some searching to find the right approach. I've seen removal of both panels and other parts advocated, or not removing them at all. Here, however, is the BMW service instruction, which specifies only removing the rear panel and looks mainly straightforward (but see below)

http://www.slideshare.net/Slegt70/25...ltsunroofframe

The replacement seal is slightly bulkier than the original and has a reinforced surface. The packaging states that recoding is necessary with fitment. Since this isn't mentioned in the service instruction, I suspect that a newer instruction must exist. Also, there is a strip of seal on the leading edge of the rear panel which looks an equally valid candidate for replacement with the same part, but there is insufficient length to do both. This must be a separate item. The instruction makes reference to applying an adhesive in addition to the self adhesive backing of the seal.

Is this really a DIY job, or a step too far - coding, contact adhesive, alignment? Has anyone successfully done this, or knows how much a dealer charges?

Solution: TBC!

MiniNL

Recoding the sunroof basically consists of the sunroof finding the new points at where it's closed. Otherwise it may not close, because it thinks something is being pinched. I think it's pretty easy. From what I understood you have to press the sunroof button (for venting) for about 15 secs or so.

Martin Robinson

Thanks for the tip, which may well be needed.

The following video seems to describe that process and echoes the procedure I've used before on E46s.


However, I think things have moved on and new models, including E6X, have a much greater degree of vehicle management:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/att...roof-noise.pdf

It could be that I get the seal fitted, but need a dealer to code it to close properly.

MiniNL

I'd give the button a try first . Can even do it without installing a new seal. If it doesn't work, no harm, right.

Mrmandmman

I recently replaced mine:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=878012&highlight=colorado+wagon

BostonJon

another good thread...there seem to be quite a few people that install the new seal with the sunroof CLOSED to get everything aligned and then slowly remove the tape to expose the adhesive

https://5series.net/forums/e61-touri...-fixed-115159/

Lotus99

Thanks for posting the link to that thread.

I was going to tell the OP to do a on the forums, as I remembered there was already a comprehensive thread on it, along with a service bulletin that I had uploaded in it.

With these cars being the age they are, almost everything has pretty much already been well documented here in our forum.

BostonJon

well said. and that is exactly what gave me the confidence to buy my 9-year-old E61 a few months ago. it's been a tremendous resource for all the little quirky things that go wrong with these cars.

RCB

I ordered a new seal earlier this week. I had a hard time finding one in stock, most places were back ordered with no ETA.
I'm really looking forward to eliminating the wind noise!