2004 MCS, 160K. Car has sunroof. About to replace headliner. Several questions: (1) how difficult is it really to remove the headliner without disturbing the A, B, and C-pillar trim? (2) How does one remove the sunroof surrounds without breaking them? (3) How difficult is it to remove the headliner from the car without bending and therefore damaging the fiberboard to which the headliner is attached? (4) Is it easier/better to lubricate the sunroof mechanism from underneath now that the headliner has been removed? (5) With the headliner out are the positions of the roof rack mount captive nuts accessible without the complicated templating from above prior to drilling the pilot holes? Thanks.

 

I replaced the sunroof cassette on a R53 a few months ago. It wasn't that difficult albeit a bit awkward getting the replacement sunroof into place by myself... The big thing when removing/installing the headliner is not to subject it to any radical bends. I followed this DIY and found it very helpful and ended up with no damage to the headliner. the photos should give some idea.Hope it helps. https://www.allmagautoparts.com/blog...nd-replacement

 

Thanks; had not seen that one before; will study.

 

I replaced a headliner in a 2003 with sunroof.

(1) I followed the process for the A/B/C pillar covers. Don’t think it’s possible to remove and re-install the headliner without getting them out of the way. Doesn’t take long and wouldn’t cut corners on performing that step (pun intended)

(2) These just came right out by gently pulling the trim toward the center of the glass, away from the edges.

Can’t comment on the rest, but here is how it looks when removed:

 

JackMac: thanks. From your picture it looks like removal of the headliner does not facilitate any greater access with which to lubricate the sunroof cassette, and I don't see any indication that the roof rack captive nuts can be visualized (although I'm sure that removal of the sunroof cassette would expose them.)

 

If you have the larger antenna base, while the headliner is out is the time to remove it and seal up the (probably hardened) gasket it sits on. Mine has been leaking for a while. When I replaced my headliner, I unscrewed the base, sealed the hole with black caulk, reattached and cleaned up.