Why doesn't sunroof cycle correctly?

1. Place the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Push and hold the sunroof switch toward 2 . Once the sunroof has reached the full tilt position, release the switch. Push and hold the switch toward the 2 position again. After a delay of four seconds, the sunroof will make a small movement and backup.
3. Release the switch.
4. Within 5 seconds of releasing the switch, push and continuously hold the switch toward 2 . The sunroof will move from the tilt position to the open position and back to the close position.

bmw 328i If you want to solve your problem, click on the link I attached

Check the fuse. If that is good then try listening for the motor trying to operate. If you can hear the motor trying to operate then you must have a stuck sunroof.

Hi Thomas , First you should have it diagnosed by someone who has the tool to do so ! upscale scan tool , factory scan tool !
Diagnostic Starting Point - Roof
Begin the diagnosis with the Diagnostic System Check - Power Sunroof . The Diagnostic System Check will provide the following information:
?€¢
The identification of the control modules which command the system

?€¢
The ability of the control modules to communicate through the serial data circuit

?€¢
The identification of any stored DTCs and their status

The use of the Diagnostic System Check will identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.
Symptoms
When no DTCs ( diagnostic trouble codes ) are present, begin symptom diagnosis by reviewing the Sunroof Description and Operation . Reviewing the Description and Operation information will help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the Description and Operation information will also help you determine if the condition described by the customer is normal operation. Refer to Symptoms - Roof in order to identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.
Important: If the suspected cause of an inoperative sunroof is a power interruption to the sunroof module, the sunroof must be re-initialized. Refer to Sunroof Motor/Actuator Synchronization .
Important: The following must be completed before using the symptom tables.

1. Perform Diagnostic Starting Point - Roof in order to verify that all of the following are true:
?€¢
There are no DTCs set.



?€¢
The control module(s) can communicate via the serial data link.


2. Review the system operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Sunroof Description and Operation .

Visual/Physical Inspection
?€¢
Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the Power Sunroof system. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.

?€¢
Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.

Intermittent
Faulty electrical connections or wiring may be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:
?€¢
Power Sunroof Inoperative

?€¢
Power Sunroof Does Not Open to Express Position

?€¢
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) On After Timeout in Retained Accessory Power, if the power sunroof should operate longer than 20 minutes after the ignition has been turned OFF

This information is right out of GMC service repair manual !
Sunroof Motor/Actuator Synchronization
Synchronization will be necessary anytime the sunroof module battery positive voltage circuit is interrupted. The sunroof module will be synchronized when the controller learns the full vent position. The sunroof system will ignore any open request until the system has been synchronized.
To synchronize the sunroof:

1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Using the close/tilt up portion of the sunroof switch, operate the sunroof glass until it reaches the full vent position.
3. Verify that the system operates normally.

Once the sunroof glass reaches the full vent position, the actual position is stored in the memory of the sunroof module. The sunroof module will stop the motor one motor revolution before the defined actual positions.

Sometimes if you disconnect the battery, the sunroof will lose its automatic operation. In order to reset it, you will need to manually cycle the sunroof all the way open, all the way closed, and all the way vented and closed.

The fuse and relay box on the E30 and E36 models is located in the engine compartment. The E36 models also has relay boxes located under the left side of the dashboard.

Circuit Breakers
Resetting & Replacement
Circuit breakers are located inside the fuse panel. They are automatically reset when the problem corrects itself, is repaired, or the circuit cools down to allow operation again.

One of the less known about fuses that can cause all this to go out is the fuseable link. It is in a black plastic box near the battery. It is an appx 60A thin metal strip fuse. Check the website link to the right for more info.

Also, I suggest check your Fuse Diagram in the BMW 525i Owners Manual here.

Power Sunroof
Emergency Closure Operation
The sunroof is equipped with an emergency closure feature should the sunroof motor fail or the vehicle has lost electrical power. To close the sunroof under these conditions:

1. Remove the front headliner trim panel.
2. Using the 6mm hex key that is included with the tool kit, insert the key into the hex socket and turn the socket to close the sunroof.

Fig. Remove the trim panel to access the sunroof motor



Fig. Insert the 6mm hex tool from the tool kit and turn the hex socket to close the sunroof


Removal & Installation
E30 Models



Fig. Sunroof components-E30 3 Series shown, E36 similar




Fig. Sunroof lid retainer clip location-E30 3 Series shown, E36 similar

1. Open the sunroof lid 2-4 inches (5-10cm).
2. Unclip the roof liner frame and push back into the opening.
3. Close the sunroof lid and loosen the screws on each end of the gates.
4. Pull in the retainers, remove the center screws and lift off the lid.
5. Remove the cover over the motor and gearbox. Close the sunroof lid, if not already closed.
6. Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the 3 mounting screws. Remove the motor and gearbox.
7. Push the cables back evenly on both sides. Remove the rail covers and pull the cables out of the guides.
8. Place the cable in the center position of the gate and press off.

To install:

1. Install the cables to the gate. The cable are marked with the proper side of installation. Do not lubricate fabric covered cables.
2. Pull the cables through guides and align the cables. Insert a hex key through the gate and cable at the 0 position.
3. Install the motor and gearbox. The motor and gearbox must be synchronized with the hole in the drivegear aligned between the centers of the 2 gears. Torque the bolts to 2.0 ft. lbs. (2.8 Nm).
4. Install the sunroof lid. Use new screws and torque to 2.5 ft. lbs. (3.5 Nm).
5. Adjust the sunroof lid. Pull the roof liner frame into position and clip into place.

E36 Models

1. Close the sunroof fully. With a quick actuation of the sunroof opening button, open the sunroof so the back edge of the lid depresses 0.08-0.12 inches (2-3mm).
2. Slowly push the roof liner panel back into the roof. Do not force or use a quick motion or damage could occur.
3. Remove the mounting screws and pull the lid off at the rear side. Do not operate the sunroof with the panel removed.

To install:

1. Install the lid and check that the hooks and levers align. Install the screws with threadlocker or use new micro-encapsulated screws. Torque to 2.5 ft. lbs. (3.5 Nm).
2. Adjust the sunroof lid. Lower the rear of the lid by operating the motor. Pull the liner forward and clip into place.

Good luck.

there should be buttons up near the dome light above the rear viemw mirror, just keep pushing tham and something will happen, IF the sunroof is operational.

My sunroof has played up as well and it is all down to lack of use. The lubrication LR use for the guides and the drive mechanism appears to harden over time causing the mechanism not to work correctly. There is a light oil available from LR to lubricate things but in my case the lubrication already there was like a grease so after opening the roof and then protecting everything with cloths, I applied WD40 through its nozzle to the sliders and the spiral drive mechanism and then operated the sunroof a large number of times giving it a manual helping hand. Eventually it worked ok.

Sorry I cant offer any soloution but I do have the Same Problem :( I know its a long time ago but did you find the answer to fix the problem? Would love to Know :)

Kind regards
Ian

press and hold the sunroof button, the sunroof will open and close (full cycle) then stop, this resets the sunroof system, hope this helps. let me know