My 2007 R56 has developed a loud cracking noise whenever the sunroof is opened, just after it starts moving - also when it moves through the same point closing. The dealer lubricated it and it creaks and cracks through its full travel now.
The dealer says the whole sunroof needs replacing, for $4000.

Has anyone else had a similar issue, and is there a simpler fix (eg replacing just some of the mechanism or supports)?

 

Been there, done that on a 2009 Clubman. Was a major problem in hot weather (car has a black roof). Sometimes it wouldn't open at all unless I put the car in the shade. I have also noticed it in cold weather (not that I drive with the sunroof open, but just to test the mechanism).

I had it fixed by the dealer under warranty. The sunroof was *not* replaced. Apparently they made some adjustments to the mechanism (no lubricants) and it is better now, though not perfect.

If the motors are in okay shape, then the roof shouldn't need to be replaced.

 

Thanks - that's good info - appreciated.

Anyone else had the problem?

 

On my R53 the arms that would meet the sunroof glass became mis-aligned and would be a loud thunk against the glass. I just had to take an allen key and loosen a couple bolts toward the front of the sunroof frame to adjust it a little.

 

Thanks guys.

Looks to me like the R56 roof is quite a different design (obviously not a better one! ) I've lubricated and adjusted what little I could get to. The frame may well be a bit out of place, as there's some wind noise that usen't to be there. Perhaps as a result, it sounds to me like the cable/linkage from the motor to the moving supports is sticking, and that's all internal to the frame. Oh well, looks like I now have a non-opening glass roof.

 

Has anyone found any more fixes for this? my also makes a loud snap crackle and pop sound's (if only it was as easy as rice crispies)

the whole sunroof seems to twist when you try to open it. the arm that lifts on the front passenger side doesn't seem to lift all the way up like the driver's side. Going to try and work on it this coming week, if anyone has any advice it'll be appreciated. I will try my best to document my findings as I know there are a lot of people with these issues.

Oh I should mention that I have a 2005 R53. I couldn't find anywhere in the first gen section with any information.

 

I haven't found a fix - I just don't open the roof now. I'd love to hear what you find.

 

Oh, for my 2009 Cooper S to have a sunroof more like my old 1997 E36. Zero problems/windnoise @ 270k miles!

 

This sounds like the exact issue I am having. Can you give any pictures or similar to what you adjusted?