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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 530i, 2002 BMW 530i, and 2001 BMW 530i. 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: Pulling Carriage Out Of Guide Channel

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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).

Fig 2: Sliding Control Rail Backwards And Lifting Linkage And Lever Over Gasket (Left Side)

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Right Side:

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

Fig 3: Sliding Control Rail Backwards And Lifting Linkage Over Gasket (Right Side)

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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 (Left Side)

G03161063

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 And Lifting Over Gasket (Right Side)

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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: Lifting Control Rail (Left Side)

G03161065

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: Lifting Control Rail (Right Side)

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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 Control Rail To Guide Channel Installed Position

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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: Removing Control Rail And Sliding Section From Guide Channel

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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.