R56 Mini Cooper S - Panoramic Sunroof fix (a must watch if yours is stuck)

In this video I address a common sunroof issue with mini coopers (most Bmws) I found a simple solution to the sticking sunroof that these cars a traditionally plagued with. Make sure to watch to find out how I fixed mine and hopefully it will help you.
(sorry for the Mic folks a new one is on the way)
Follow me on Instagram - / bimerdude
Purchase a Bimmerdude OGHoodie to help support the channel!
www.bonfire.com/bimmerdude-og...

[@krodillas]

Bimmer Dude, You showed everything but how to get the thing open. I pushed from all different directions but can't get it open.

[@chrisowens6683]

After spending a great deal of time cleaning all the rails, and using the special grease that Mini/BMW recommend only to have the problem persist, I turned to KZbin for the answer. Once again Bimmer Dude comes through with a quick practical video...that works! Thanks again for your time and effort to make these videos that help so many avoid very costly Mini bills! Also I thought it was funny, the mesh section on your car had a hole in it exactly the same place mine did!

[@kevinallen7052]

Dude, thank you. Had a Clubman sunroof stuck in vent position. Couldn't figure out what was keeping it from closing until I watched your vid. Removed the wind screen & problem solved. Again, thank you.

[@TheBonilla7]

Great job on the video. I opened my roof and couldnt close it. I cleaned the crap out of the rails and moved the small tabs and cleaned under them to allow them to move easier. You cna hear the rood slow down and motors have a hard time closing. So for the repair. I simply took off the winder diffuser. And it closed no problem. Wash out those rails and really helps everything works easier. Just pour some soapy water and cleanse several times .press on close button while pushing up on rear window slightly to allow the front window to drop in place while closing (watch you fingers). Great video totally helped out man life saver thank you

[@soyabean911]

Motivated by your video, I got my stuck pan roof open (by helping it with a little lift from the rear of the front panel from inside). Decided to try something different before removing the wind deflector, so cleaned all the tracks using a small sponge and a bucket of warm soapy water (ring it out each time). Used a small paint brush to clean the rail runners out then dried everything. Then I used a WD-40 Lithium grease spray, and carefully sprayed it along all of the now clean rails. Used a bit of grease on the points where the roof mechanism meets the wind deflector and....... The roof now works like new! 👍🏼 Thanks for the inspiration to tackle the job! If it gets slow and cleaning doesn't work in the future I'll try removing the wind deflector 👍🏼 Love my R56 Cooper S, it's part of the family!

[@think2cre81]

I tried hitting mine up while holding the button and it wouldn't lift up ... I spayed silicone spray around all the rubber and use plastic tool to run in between to see if the rubber was stuck together. I can run it all the way around in its slightly lifted up . But it just won't open at all from the . But it will go down and seal again . Help if you can please

[@soyabean911]

@@think2cre81 not sure what the temperature is where you are, but try it when it's cooler (out of the sun) so the rubbers have a chance to shrink back a little. Heat causes expansion. Try a gentle lift up from the middle rear position of the front panel while at the same time you try to open the roof using the switch. If you get it open then clean all the tracks as I described and use lithium grease on the moving parts. If it fails to close, use Bimmer dudes advise to remove the wind deflector section. Good luck, and keep us posted.

[@think2cre81]

@@soyabean911 sel thank you for your reply. I am in Las Vegas and it is hot . But not to bad today . I am not sticking to and rubber. They both front and back lift and I can move them and see that it's not the rubber that is the issue. I believe it's the fly catcher like in the video . I have lubed the rails from inside the car and outside through the gap between rubbers . And I push up in the middle of the back of the front panel. But it just won't make that little extra jump to get over whatever is holding it up . I'm going to try again first thing in the morning when it's cooler. And I am not so frustrated . I don't want to brake it . Thanks again sir . Much respect

[@soyabean911]

@@think2cre81 Good luck Tim, I hope it works. I do wonder if the motor may lose some strength over time. I'd also make sure that your car battery is fully charged and strong to give it that extra little kick of strength! 💪 If you don't have a battery charger, make sure your engine is running when you try to open the roof.

[@think2cre81]

@@soyabean911 engine running and brand new battery..... the it's 2007 r56 and it runs like new just put new cam chain in and plugs and coils oxygen sensors relays the car has never ran better . Then today while taking the grandkids for a ride they asked to open the sunroof and ruined my day lmao 🤣 .... if I get it open I will let you guys know how I did it . If not hey we can still be friends it's still a sunroof. Just doesn't open to the air .... kind like a escalator is never broken , it just becomes stairs ....

[@hitherbither]

Thank you! This totally saved the day. We had the same problem and followed your video and it worked!

[@jerrywilliams4506]

Top video - removed the wind deflector and solved the issue. Many thanks. 👍

[@weezer1088]

Great fix ! Good find ! Have you ever had to remove screen inside on moon roof ?

[@embersindiana550]

Great stuff, have a 2008 with jammed roof and did not want to buy a whole new Sun roof, so thanks, have subscribed, great to see try-it-yourself know how!

[@davidkohler7454]

Always very helpful info.Great videos

[@mesutyaman2992]

Thanks for a great video I purchase my second hand Mini when I come home I couldn't open the sunroof I managed to open by pushing up backfords from the frontside of the back glass roofs open. Cleaning or oiling didn't help your system worked. Before I do anything I follow your prensible and I wanted to test if it is going to work if the shield has not putting any pressure so I pressed the shield down by my hand while the sunroof was closing its closed no problem in that position I try to open to see it if it's going to lifts up and opens . Yes first time my sunroof opened without struggling while my hand still keeping the shield down . SO GOOD NEWS IS NOW YOU CAN ATTACH YOUR WINDSHIELD BACK TO YOUR MINI !.. OR YOU DON'T NEED TO REMOVE FROM YOUR CAR Because I further improved your system who is in the same setation ROOF NOT LIFTS UP AND OPEN CAN FOLLOW YOUR VIDEO AND SEE THE TWO SPRINGS LIFTS UP THE WINDSHIELD I USED 2,3 ,4 INCHES PLASTIC CABLE TIES TO TAKE THE STRAIN FROM THE WIND SHIELD AND BRING THE WINDSHIELD DOWN AND IT DID WORK. wind shield still on the car but because springs are being tides no pressure to system THANKS FOR AGAIN YOUR GREAT VIDEO.

[@tristanmcconnell3516]

Thanks for the video. Just a heads up to anyone who may end up doing what I did - I Googled this issue and this was the first video to come up. I followed the instructions, but as the sunroof deflector is quite old on my Mini, a few of the plastic tabs broke off when I was popping them out. Once removed, the sunroof was still refusing to close, so in my instance, the deflector wasn't the culprit. The (temporary) solution for me was to press down in the middle of the sunroof glass as it tries to slot into its final position. Now I have to buy a replacement deflector and it turns out they're not cheap, lol fml.

[@galvanmichelle7]

Oh wow I'm so glad I got your channel I'm having this problem now ,I did order a sunroof unit but I'm gonna try this before installing it

[@GoblinGamesLtd]

Great video. I removed my wind shroud as it's really just a disgusting fly catcher. Hasn't really improved the sunroof reliability. Those problems are definitely heat related...and not helped by dirt and grime on the rails. I find if its really hot I can tease it shut by spamming the button.

[@davewheeler8069]

Definitely was the issue with mine! Love this guys videos!

[@chrisplume1401]

High quality simple video! Thanks!!

[@thorstenonkes3406]

Thank you! Daughters sunroof is working and Daddy‘s the Hero of the Day!😅

[@chrisoris]

It seems that the roof can not handle a lot of resistance. By taking away the windscreen, the resistance lowers. I had the same problem, but Found out that cleaning and lubricating the rims were the roof tilts and closes does the trick as well. You can Greese the pivoting arms connected to the spring as well to reduce the sliding resistance while closing. This way you can keep the windscreen.

[@RichardSmith-yc4ih]

The problem with my sunroof is it opened fine but when I closed it, it would open again on its own. I followed your instructions and this solved my issue. Thanks

[@think2cre81]

Did you ever get yours open I'm in the same boat

[@ktjwilliams]

Thx .... Now do you have a video on replacing the the sunscreen mesh ....

[@brians6253]

Great video, I recently purchased a Mini Cooper S with the same rebound problem. I’ll be taking that flipping wind defector off ASAP! Nice work bro!

[@lupitacontreras6607]

did it work? i cant open it at all and cant remove the part

[@precool]

Nice. I’m not having issues but this is a good trick to have in my bag. Thanks for the exploration and experimentation. I’m slightly paranoid to use mine because my precious car had sunroof issues. I had TWO sunroofs fly off the car!

[@JodBronson]

I vacuum often and WD40 any chance I get, so far so good!

[@williamcruz364]

Ok THANK FOR RESPONSE. I AM ACTUAL TRYING TO POWER THE MOTOR DIRECTLY WIT OUT THE SWITH TO SEE IF THE MOTOR IS BAD OR THE SWITCH IN BAD...

[@Fahds87]

Hey man. Thanks for the great videos. Do you know how to remove sunroof shade ? Mine got unhooked on one side and the spring is tangled. I would like to fix it but cannot figure out how to remove the plastic rail. One side rail has popped out somehow but cannot seem to safely pop out the other side rail. If you have any diagrams or links to forums on this topic, please post them. Thanks

[@chanaviasmith2488]

I love this video! My mini is having the same issue. Thank you!!

[@editormanone101]

my inside trim around the moon roof is constantly making rattle noise, want to remove trim without breaking it, any suggestions? I'm probably going to remove my windscreen as well, nice vid!

[@MrShiv174]

How did you get it open? The roof wouldn't open... then the next shot it is? Thanks for the video

[@thadewraith6037]

Mr Bimmer. Appreciate Great info on the Coopers. Lookin at gettin an 06 S mod. looks gd. runs nice. exhaust rusted off at muffler but weldable. What shld I b lookin out for ??? Thanks !

[@gregkiel6406]

I had a similar issue my sunroof was closing and not sealing on the driver's side, this was causing the sunroof to leak when it rained. My mini is 2010 and I am not looking to spend a lot of money to keep it on the road just want to stop the flood of water coming in. I wish I would have tried this first. great video thank you.

[@Orehia]

Thanks, Great Info I will forward to my friend with the Mini.

[@jimwaltman4740]

Thanks for your effort. Mine has never worked and I dont have many affordable resources I can go to. Thanks again

[@krissnidal3116]

wondering if you looked for and tried a wind deflector for your sunroof after you fixed the screen issue?

[@3001jmurph]

Do you think securing the wind deflector down somehow (so it doesn't raise) do the same trick, essentially releasing the resistance of the spring?

[@user-in6gn2mt7d]

Thanks a million, you totally saved the day!!

[@stevedavies6286]

Nice video, solved my problem, I was looking at it thinking it might be that spring part, your video prompted me to remove it and it now opens closes, not been out yet but used to get a lot of noise from the roof, I'm thinking it may also help towards that.

[@BimmerDude]

Steve Davies so glad it help man!

[@ktjwilliams]

Just a quick question, I didn't go through your vids yet … Did ya do one on the sunroof sun shade ..

[@Civilarmz]

Great video 👍 I’m going to try this out

[@jessehert1189]

Great video. Thanks for the help

[@memertmemes2586]

I use my sunroof a lot during the summer, often opening and closing a couple times per day so over the years it's picked up some dirt and made it a bit loud and chattery. It's got stuck once but I didn't have to touch it at all, I just moved it back and forth with the switch once and it came free. I know I need to clean the tracks and regrease but it seems like a headache.

[@SULTAN72NISSAN280ZX]

I will try to fix mine mini today. thanks

[@paulbennett4871]

Mine is doing that at 1:08, what I want to know is how you got it open then I can look at it and inspect. You showed us a plastic tool and a screwdriver, what did you do with these..?

[@chris-008]

Now this question really needs an answer!

[@BigRichEHhthang100]

Man I got another top but they cut my wire and now I don’t know what powers my top would you happen to know ? Positive and negatives

[@sgillaspie1]

Thanks for showing me how to DIY.

[@jakobbjrnmouritzen3823]

Hi Bimmer Dude Thanx for the info. I saw i too late though ... so my sunroof really broke down. It couldn't quite open so I just tried again fore a few times, when it got stuck (trying to open). This "trying to open" finally succeeded - but when I tryed to close it, it only closed in the left side :-( After that i made a very "scary noice" when we try to open og close. We have located the sound to the sunroof motor where the gear are crooked. Is there anything to too?

[@marksorensen7551]

Mine gets stuck when it is all the way back. any ideas on that? Thanks for the video, very helpful!

[@precool]

Thanks for this my friend. 💪🏻

[@juliusfield655]

It worked thank you!

[@rickboughton6854]

Degreased, cleaned and regreased problem persisted but removed the wind deflector and sunroof worked straight away. Did you replace the deflector or just put up with the noise. Assume problem is with springs becoming too "strong" placing too much resistance on close - so before I spend $ on a new one will it fix the problem. Thanks for this video.

[@rasch19785]

Interesting, I will tackle this in spring

[@williamcruz364]

Hey I got THE PANARAMIC ROOF YO WORK PERFECT. I REMOVED THE ACTUAL MODULE N JUST USED GROUND N POSITIVE SWITCH N TAPD INTO THE TAPS THAT ARE EXPOSE ON THE MOTOR. WHICH OPEN N CLOSE.. WITH THE OPEN N CLOSE SWITCH I BOUGH FROM AMAZON

[@infinitedevelopment3018]

Hey what if your back section of the sunroof does not tilt up at all, what could be the problem? The front panel works perfectly fine

[@jaystevens9204]

Had this problem on mine again like everyone else I cleaned everything and greased everything and again same problem. As soon as I removed the shroud mesh straight away it worked. Definitely recommend removing it.

[@jakelabadie4669]

I have a similar issue with my new mini however my sunroof is angled as my driver side is lifted in the stage 1 lift and the passenger side is closed

[@Alexargueta1]

Great job.

[@tm5346]

Nice to know thank for videos !

[@evallevalle]

Hi I have a 2016 coop s 4 door hard top and do I have R 56? Q#2 does the back portion of the sun roof open? Q#3 does my Coop has a secret glove box?

[@Brad5161]

Great video.

[@josepayan9552]

GREAT VIDEO TNKS

[@patricewilliams9865]

Watched your video. My problem: The sunroof won't move forward/close. It makes a grinding sound. HELP!!!

[@mikejohnson1228]

So since removal of wind/bug mesh and rediculously strong springs... How bad is the wind noise? I mostly only vent my Pano roof in my other cars (with working sunroofs) so I'd be tempted to try this fix IF the noise level isn't too bad.

[@steveelliott9088]

Interesting. Mine only sticks when it's hot outside..I push up on it when its sticks and it will open.

[@BimmerDude]

yea mine did the same. Im not exactly sure why the spring from the wind guard gets in the way but since its such an easy thing to remove you should give it a shot if you get the chance

[@kitty13kitty]

Mine does this as well, pushing up on the back section will get it to open, but closing... there is just too much resistance on the motor system. I've got stuck with the windows in the 'popped up' position till I drove long enough for the seals to cool down. My solution was to lube the window seals with some RV silicon spray and I haven't had the same issue since, but summer is almost over and the temps are down. Time will tell.

[@JodBronson]

I vacuum and WD40 any chance I get, so far so good!

[@josebarajas5598]

Where is the canister purge valve located in a 2007 mini base model?

[@tabooa21]

please help with the heads lights. one is blinking and other one is off all the time. talking about the main headlights. please

[@morechuckyblood]

Can you show a videos of how to change the cable that pulls it mine is stuck and when I press the button it just makes a horrible noise but doesn’t move at all

[@spv87]

How do you get the roof to open? When it’s stuck. Like how do you pop it open??

[@benjemaamehdi3091]

How about changing the curtis for the roof am stuck

[@techsjourney]

My sun roof has the same problem but how I could open it completely and fix it as you did in the video. Plz help me if u have a solution. Thank you.

[@darrylsyon2808]

Do you know anything about the wiring on the Mini Cooper sunroof? I'm putting one in my caprice like the one in this video but I'm not 100% on the wiring.

[@madbrendan]

I wonder if it leaks after removing the wind shield? I just got a mini and its doing this too intermitantly itnworks and then doesn't. The owner said he pushes on the glass and it opens but I'm more thinking of the resale..

[@bilalrushdi2544]

High Im going to try this tomorrow and see if it does the trick

[@user-fv5xm3rc3l]

HI I watched your video my sunroof was repaired with the fix it kit from Mini but now the roof wont close all the way it starts to close but then opens back up can you give me some advice? PLEASE

[@chrisfigg1417]

Thanks good vid would like to see how you got sunroof open as mine just goes up one side

[@BimmerDude]

wish I had a solution for that man. I think my fix depends on what stage of "broken" yours is in :/

[@leemaddison7640]

@@BimmerDude at the start of the video at 1.06 your roof was lifting a tiny bit and closing again as though it was stuck, how did you get from that to fully open at 1.16?

[@paulbennett4871]

@@leemaddison7640 agreed that`s what we want to know at the end of the day, for mine is doing that too..

[@tropicalmaintenance9198]

Hello. What did you do with the pry bar?

[@jamessearcy6814]

Thank you!!!

[@mrtigas26]

i have also a mini cooper and my net from the piece you remove is ripping as well. is it possible to replace just that?

[@devincapper7357]

What did you do to get it from being unstuck and open? I am having the same issue

[@jeanhill210]

Mine is stuck on one side would this be the possible problem? But I can’t get it to open all the way or close all the way one side is down other is up

[@FreddyBfromDaBay1]

Thank you

[@essie9500]

Mine is the screen inside the sunroof that has stuck and been damaged. Any idea how to fix this?

[@sheilaknox9105]

Does the sunroof have a cable connected to it

[@ramirocosta6314]

Como lo abriste si estaba trabado, saludos

[@tammysegstrojohnston6837]

My problem is it won't close. Gets stuck on the driver's side right away. The right side is fine and tries to continue. This started after I accidentally left the sunroof open overnight. I have removed the little bit of debris I found in the track. If I manually assist in the closing, it does go a bit further, but snaps back again. Any suggestions? 🙏

[@koolyaaar]

My roof is stuck close. Same issue as yours. How did you manual open the roof when it is stuck closed?

[@XIIICypherIIIX]

How did you get it OPEN though???

[@GoblinGamesLtd]

Can anyone tell me if it's normal to have a gap at the front of the sunroof? Seems to be about 3 or 4mm. Pretty sure rain will get in there.

[@carlaluna4679]

how did you open the roof if it didn't worked?

[@jordansvit]

but how do you get it open to do this fix

[@mikejohnson1228]

Press up on the back end of the front (largest) glass sheet as you press the sunroof button to vent.

[@jamesvorhis9830]

Hi. My sunroof pops up but it won’t slide back at all.

[@XIIICypherIIIX]

That doesn't work for me. I've pushed everywhere, and it seems like its in a bind

[@rcybergaming]

Does wind noise go up a lot after this?

[@blakehawkins3296]

My sunroof makes a grinding sound when I try to open it, is this a fix for that or would I need to get it replaced

[@dealman3312]

Your motor is fried 😊

[@user-te6vt6jz5o]

How did you open the sunroof?

[@robroy2610]

Mine still won't close after trying this. Is there anything you can do to fix them?

[@benteichman4137]

Hey am I missing something?! The part where the tools are used to initially open the roof!!

[@CCROSS5882]

how about a water leak and the drain tubes are connected?

[@themilktrayman7369]

Superb Thank You I was running out of WD40

[@ardalanshabestari3437]

😂😂😂

[@pauldavison7105]

Dont use standard WD40 use WD40 silicone as it lubricates the rubber seals also

[@williamsmith8760]

Please tell me how to open mine 2008 wont open

[@think2cre81]

Loved the video . But my sunroof is stuck closed , it will lift slightly with the button. But it will not open for me to get into the rails or those spring. So my question is how did you get yours open if it was stuck shut ???? Please let me know thank you sir 🙏

[@johnbaldock6353]

Great video. I find a 4lb Lump Hammer seems to stop this!! :)

[@deep1ca]

I have the exact same issue, when I try to open it it moves like 1 cm and doesnt even make it past stage 1. You skipped over the part how you got yours open. Any advice?

[@Cupat1]

Mine's the same, I notice they don't answer any folk asking when this doesn't work.