ANy Idea on what type of grease I should use for the rails of my sunroof? I currently have red Valvoline multi-purpose grease (chasis, suspension, wheel bearing, disc brake etc. Hi-pressure, Hi-temp)

You think it'll be ok to use for the sunroof?

I've used it for the door hinge and seemed to work well. I think what concerns me is that the color of the grease is a clear reddish pink (think chery JELLO, just a bit lighter).

It'll be ok as long as I don't get it in the car right?




btw, this link doesn't work anymore http://mini.uglydoris.com/archives/000026.html

But this one does. http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache...ient=firefox-a

Still only say your Favorite waterproof grease

 

I have used everything from white lithium grease, greaseless lube and on and on and on. None had much durability. Then I used STP and applied it with a discarded toothbrush and eureka. Runs much smoother and lasts a long time. PS-it is clear in color.

 

Thanks.

 

Can be purchased at any BMW Dealership

Part number: 83 23 0 306 232

The remedy in the troubleshooting guide says to give the rails a good cleaning and then lubricate.

 

Where do you get this troubleshooting guide? My sunroof is rattling like crazy. The dealership more or less told me that because the car is over a year old, the problem is on me.

 

^If the car is under warranty it is on them! Some dealers are such b!t<h3s!

 

I like white lithium grease for this application.

 

Sounds like your dealing with a bad dealership. Your MINI may be over a year old but that does not disqualify it from warranty when there are other factors involved.

I took a chance on eBay and bought a CD that advertised it was what the BMW and MINI mechanics use for their in-shop troubleshooting. I don't know if that's true or not but I do know that it is loaded with pictures, troubleshooting tips, part numbers, and drawings for just about every BMW and MINI built between 2000 and 2005. It has been very helpful since I own an MC and an MCS.

Separately, I found on another forum a helpful tip for stopping the squeeling sunroof.
The forward rails (over the driver and passenger) are easy to lubricate but the rails behind it are not because they run alongside the rear sunroof panel which does not open.

The tip was to go into the MINI tool kit and take out an 'S' shaped tool which is perfect for this task.
With the sunroof open, hold the tool at the top of the 'S' and apply lubricant to the lower part of the 'S' (it will be a flat surface). Now insert the tool at the begining of the rear rails (which is the front of the rear sunroof panel) and work the tool from front to back along this rail. You will not see the rail as it is hidden so you will have to feel for it with the tool.

You will be running the tool along the seam between the rear panel and the roof.
Since the tool is small this will take quite a few applications and patience.
Do the same to the rail on the other side.

To help spread the lubricant, I would run the sunroof open and closed about every three applications of the grease.
It took a little time but the squeel is gone.
Hope this helps.

 

i had no idea you were supposed to lube the sunroof

 

I purchased 'TRI-FLOW, SUPERIOR LUBRICANT' at a bicycle shop. It stopped the squeak. It lasts for a few months. I think I will try cleaning the rails the next time before applying the stuff. Now if I could only fix the rattle in the roof when it is cold outside. The dealer installed 2 pads, but it still rattles. When temps are above 70F or so, the sunroof expands with the heat and the rattle stops. Or I open it just a little and quiet returns.

Ah, the Dragon. Is it May yet?

 

I took mine into the dealer because of a tiny hole in the seal (caused by the sliding portion of the sunroof which was improperly aligned) about midway down the aft sunroof stationary window. I thought the dealer only had to replace the seal, but they changed out the entire sunroof cassette! This was for a '06 MCS and the maintenance was done 14 months after purchase. Now I will make certain I keep it lubed so I won't have to have Cassie torn apart again.