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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 525i, 2002 BMW 525i, and 2001 BMW 525i. 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,
refer to 54 12 138 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING WATER CHANNEL FOR GLASS SLIDING/TILTING 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: Lifting Linkage Off Carriage & Pulling Carriage Out Of Guide Channel

G03128784

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: Sliding Control Rail Backwards, Lifting Linkage & Lifting Lever Over Gasket

G03128785

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: Sliding Control Rail Backwards, Lifting Linkage Over Gasket

G03128786

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Left side:

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

Fig 4: Unhooking Nipple On Drive Cable From Lifting Lever With Plier Tips

G03128787

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: Pulling Drive Cable Out Slightly & Lifting Over Gasket

G03128788

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: Sliding Control Rail Backwards Until Guide On Control Rail Emerges From Guide Channel

G03128789

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: Sliding Control Rail Backwards Until Guide On Control Rail Emerges From Guide Channel

G03128790

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 Lifting Lever

G03128791

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: Lifting Control Rail & Pulling Backwards Out Of Guide Channel With Sliding Section

G03128792

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.