How to fix a sunroof on a 98 BMW 740iL

SOURCE: BMW X 3 Panoramic sun roof initialization.

title says X5, but description says X3. i'll explain for an X5, but X3 with the pano should be the same. and i'll explain function of the roof, not reprogramming.

button is located on the panel at the top near the front & center windshield. its the switch on the far left on this panel. its a switch that not only toggles, but also slides forward & back.

with your finger in front of the button, slide it back & release. this will make the cover slide back and store revealing the sun roof. you know have 2 options (tilt the sunroof up or open the roof completely).

to tilt it up, press up on the rear of the button and release. the rear of both roofs will pop up. to close, push up and release the front of the button or slide the switch forward.

to slide it open completely, repeat what you did to open the protective cover (slide the switch from front to back). the roof will open completely and stow out of the way. to close, slide the switch forward and release. pano roof will now close.

to close the cover, slide the switch forward again.

neat trick: if you want to tilt the sunroof open without opening the protective cover, press up on the rear of the button (when the cover is closed) and release. the cover will separate in the middle exposing about a 2-3 inch mesh, then tilts the sunroof open. to close, push the button forward again.

also, if you are above a certain speed (can't remember what it is off hand) with the sunroof open or tilted, it will close automatically, then perform the neat trick on its own to keep air coming in.

one last trick: if you want to open the windows and sunroof from outside, press & hold the unlock button (forward button on the key) and you will see the windows go down, then the roof will open to vent. releasing the button will stop the motion of the windows & roof.

hope this answered what you were asking.

SOURCE: BMW X 3 Panoramic sun roof initialization.

I just had the same problem... the rear glass has 2 suports, which you will need to insert a long screw driver in it and force them back manually... It's a pain, but I can get you all the pictures to this procedure...

SOURCE: MY 2001 subaru forester sunroof is not closing completely

does the sunshade open and close properly,you should only be able to move this when the sunroof is closed it should move freely back and forth,if it doesn't this part is causing the noise, its off its track

SOURCE: rain water leaks from overhead console (No sunroof)

common problem with these roof racks check for loose bolts holding it on also there are inserts pressed into your roof under the roof rack these threaded insrts tend to come loose or get pulled out use silocone sealant around every bolt and insert.

SOURCE: BMW X 3 Panoramic sun roof initialization.

Had same problem.. all you have to do to close it is slide plastic piece back or forward with a screwdriver. it had a hole you can put it in and does not require much pressure so if you are doing the wrong thing. IT IS NOT THE METAL PIECE ON THE TILT BUT RATHER THE PLASTIC PEICE THAT HAS A TRIANGLE SHAPE. hope this helps and saves the money to close it. im still trying to find out how to fix it so if anyone has luck let me know