So I bought my 06 Cooper S Checkmate with sunroof/pano roof last summer. One problem was the sunroof opened fine but when closing it would make a noise like metal on metal and was much slower than when opening and sometimes would stop in the closing process and open back up. I'd have to close it again (sometimes twice) and it would go back.

Went to my local dealer and they "lubricated and re-initialized" the sunroof. Left the dealer and the problem was worse! Sunroof wouldn't close at all! Went back to the dealer and the tech put some sort of grease or lube on the rails and all was good. Winter came, never opened my sunroof until recently and the same thing is happening again.

Now, when I open it it's perfect. No problems or noises. Dealer told me they guarantee their work for 2 years so went back to have this done again. Basically they refused. Told me they'd have to take the whole sunroof apart to diagnose and that was 5 hours at $160+/hr. I said no thanks. I just don't believe it's anything more than the sunroof needing grease.

So my questions are:

1) does anyone know what type of grease is used for the sunroof and where are the best places to put it? I know WD40 is not the answer...

2) has anyone else had this issue and can offer any advice, etc?

3) if my problem persists does anyone know of any independent shops in or near Long Island, NY that are knowledgable with regard to my issue that don't cost an arm and a leg?

Thanks everyone!

 

Looks like this stuff:



http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2006-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Exterior/Body/Sunroof/


Goes in the rails and the sliders. You might have to clean the old gunk out and reapply I found the old grease collects dirt and over time etches into the rails.

Clean out reapply and then inspect the double cables and pop the front motor out and inspect, if its stuck use PB blaster and the little red tube to reach all the rails.

 

I have used white grease, clear grease, silicone spray, WD40, and have setttled on a dry lube from NANO purchased at Lowes. After cleaning the guides and mechanisms well, I sprayed it on and no problems. I do however lube the sunroof and inspect it for grime monthly. Good luck.