54 12 220 Replacing control rail for left/right glass slide/tilt sunroof

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X5, and 2004 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When replacing a control rail, always check the second control rail for signs of wear and always replace in pairs when required. If necessary, apply light coat of Renax GL1 (Fuchs) grease to guide duct. Removing and installing complete slide/tilt sunroof (frame), refer to 54 12 210 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF (FRAME) . Removing and installing headliner for glass slide/tilt sunroof cover, refer to 54 12 136 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING HEADLINER FOR GLASS SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF COVER . Removing and installing gutter for glass slide/tilt sunroof.

Slide control rail backwards.

Lift linkage (1) off carriage (2) (support for gutter) and pull carriage (2) out of guide channel (3).

Fig 1: Pulling Carriage Out Of Guide Channel

G03268805

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Left side:

Slide control rail (1) backwards, lifting the linkage (2) and lifting lever (3) over the gasket (4).

NOTE: Only slide back until nipple (5) on drive cable emerges from guide channel.

Fig 2: Identifying Control Rail

G03268806

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Right side:

Slide control rail (1) backwards, lifting the linkage (2) over the gasket (3) at the same time.

NOTE: Only slide back until nipple (4) of the drive cable makes contact with the gutter.

Fig 3: Lifting Linkage Over Gasket

G03268807

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Left side:

Unhook nipple (1) on drive cable from lifting lever (2) with plier tips.

Fig 4: Removing Drive Cable Nipple From Lifting Lever

G03268808

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Right side:

Twist lifting lever (1) upwards.

Pull drive cable out slightly and lift over the gasket (3).

Fig 5: Identifying Lifting Lever

G03268809

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Left side:

Slide control rail (1) backwards until guide on control rail (1) emerges from guide channel, then lift the control rail (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Control Rail And Guide

G03268810

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Right side:

Slide control rail (1) backwards until the guide on the control rail (1) emerges from the guide channel, then lift the control rail (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Control Rail

G03268811

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

The guide (1) on the control rail (2) must run in the guide channel (3).
The guide (4) on the lifting lever (5) must run above the guide channel (3).

Fig 8: Identifying Guide On The Lifting Lever

G03268812

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lift control rail (1) and pull backwards out of guide channel (3) with sliding section (2).

Fig 9: Identifying Lift Control Rail

G03268813

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Adjusting both drive cables for glass slide/tilt sunroof actuation,
refer to 54 12 265 ADJUSTING BOTH DRIVE CABLES FOR ACTUATION OF GLASS SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF
Check function.