I'm trying to troubleshoot my sunroof, which has chewed up the original motor gear, then burned the motor and is now on a used E61 motor. Btw, late E61 sunroof motors are identical to the MINI's, apart from the software on them. You can flash the MINI version with WinKFP and code with NCSExpert. I also changed the gear on the used motor with a replacement part from ebay (Bross auto parts). You just need a "gear puller" and a hammer to get it done. Much cheaper than buying a brand new motor.

Now to the point: the sunroof sticks at around vent position. When I say sticks, it literally sticks, it is not just higher friction. If I apply light upwards pressure on the rear panel then it unsticks and moves fine. So the problem is the rear tilt mechanism. In analyzing how it works, I noticed that something black is sticking out of the "rod" track driving the rear glass.


Sunroof track

Could someone confirm whether this is as it is supposed to be or not? Do other functioning roofs have this piece sticking out of the rod track or has my rod buckled out of the track?