Sunroof opens on its own, when driving, just opens about 10th of an inch, you can push on it and it lifts also

check and test motor--hydro pressure

check fuse and relay if good than possible motor ot track problem their should be a mechanical bypass that will let you close it if stuck open the following information is courtesy of monte carlo forum

To check the condition of your original sunroof guides:

1. Gl*** in closed position.
2. Locate & remove 3 torx bolts on each side of sunroof glass. Lift glass out of sunroof opening & set aside in a safe place.
3. Locate "J" shaped cover plate at front of sunroof track assembly. Remove 2 torx bolts from each cover plate.
4. Lift up bracket to remove.
5. Inspect the plastic guides on each side. The sunroof cables attach to guides on front outer corner. Inspect this area closely for damage.
6. Do not operate the sunroof with the J plates removed.

Troubleshooting:

If the sunroof guides are not broken & the glass is a uniform height along the rear edge your problem may be a stripped gear inside the motor. The motor has a manual override:

1. Get access to the motor by removing the map light/switch console or lowering the front of the headliner.
2. Insert a large standard screwdriver into the nylon bushing at the center of the motor hub. Push up & turn the screwdriver to manually move the sunroof glass. If the unit will fully open & close manually, you most likely only need a replacement motor.

If your sunroof is stuck in the open position follow these steps to get it closed:

1. Remove the glass.
2. Try to close the unit without the glass. Many times one side will still be operational and close correctly.
3. Try to slide the inoperable lift arm forward. If it moves, slide it forward until it stops.
4. You now need to slide the original plastic guide forward to lower the arm to the closed position. Using a standard screwdriver, push it forward. The lift arm should begin to lower.
5. If the lift arm will still not fully lower, remove the J plate as explained above, sometimes the sunroof cable will need to be lifted up to allow the guide to fully slide forward.
6. Reinstall glass.

I would check the power at connector to motor, if ok replace switch.

Mine did the same thing...took me 8 years to figure it out without having to pay for a repair at a shop. When it lifts the centimeter on its own, push up on glass with your hand with moderate pressure till it frees up, then just push the button towards the rear of the car and it should open the sunroof completely! How i now have to open mine but its awesome after 8 years and Ill work with that...

If your e36 has tilt option,PRESS AND HOLD TILT
Watch sunroof when it tilts wait untill it lifts a further half inch
This will happen in about 30/45 seconds
Providing you have no problems,this will reset

THE ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM FOR POWER SUNROOF IS NOT ADJUSTABLE.DONT REMOVE THE SUNROOF MOTOR UNLESS THE SUNROOF IS COMPLETELY CLOSED.OTHERWISE A NEW MOTOR WILL HAVE TO BE INSTALLED AND TIMED WITH A TOOL THAT COMES WITH THE NEW MOTOR.THE GLASS PANEL CAN BE ADJUSTED.OPEN THE INTERIOR SUNSHADE ALL THE WAY BACK AND OPERATE THE SUNROOF UNTIL FULLY CLOSED.THERE ARE THREE GLASS MOUNTING SCREWS ON EACH SIDE OF THE SUNROOF OPENING.INSIDE THE VECHICLE LOOSEN THE SCREWS SET THE FRONT EDGE OF THE GLASS TO BE JUST 1MM BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE ROOF.ADJUST THE GLASS AT THE REAR EDGE TO BE JUST ABOVE 1MM THE ROOF AT THE REAR TIGHTEN THE SCREWS.

plastic lining on runners tend to crack and lift causing roof to stick. can remove plastic but roof will rattle when closed. to close manually, open small cover on roof lining in front of sunroof and crank roof closed with an3mm allen key.

The fuse and relay box on the E30 and E36 models is located in the engine compartment. The E36 models also has relay boxes located under the left side of the dashboard.

Circuit Breakers
Resetting & Replacement
Circuit breakers are located inside the fuse panel. They are automatically reset when the problem corrects itself, is repaired, or the circuit cools down to allow operation again.

One of the less known about fuses that can cause all this to go out is the fuseable link. It is in a black plastic box near the battery. It is an appx 60A thin metal strip fuse. Check the website link to the right for more info.

Also, I suggest check your Fuse Diagram in the BMW 525i Owners Manual here.

Power Sunroof
Emergency Closure Operation
The sunroof is equipped with an emergency closure feature should the sunroof motor fail or the vehicle has lost electrical power. To close the sunroof under these conditions:

1. Remove the front headliner trim panel.
2. Using the 6mm hex key that is included with the tool kit, insert the key into the hex socket and turn the socket to close the sunroof.

Fig. Remove the trim panel to access the sunroof motor



Fig. Insert the 6mm hex tool from the tool kit and turn the hex socket to close the sunroof


Removal & Installation
E30 Models



Fig. Sunroof components-E30 3 Series shown, E36 similar




Fig. Sunroof lid retainer clip location-E30 3 Series shown, E36 similar

1. Open the sunroof lid 2-4 inches (5-10cm).
2. Unclip the roof liner frame and push back into the opening.
3. Close the sunroof lid and loosen the screws on each end of the gates.
4. Pull in the retainers, remove the center screws and lift off the lid.
5. Remove the cover over the motor and gearbox. Close the sunroof lid, if not already closed.
6. Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the 3 mounting screws. Remove the motor and gearbox.
7. Push the cables back evenly on both sides. Remove the rail covers and pull the cables out of the guides.
8. Place the cable in the center position of the gate and press off.

To install:

1. Install the cables to the gate. The cable are marked with the proper side of installation. Do not lubricate fabric covered cables.
2. Pull the cables through guides and align the cables. Insert a hex key through the gate and cable at the 0 position.
3. Install the motor and gearbox. The motor and gearbox must be synchronized with the hole in the drivegear aligned between the centers of the 2 gears. Torque the bolts to 2.0 ft. lbs. (2.8 Nm).
4. Install the sunroof lid. Use new screws and torque to 2.5 ft. lbs. (3.5 Nm).
5. Adjust the sunroof lid. Pull the roof liner frame into position and clip into place.

E36 Models

1. Close the sunroof fully. With a quick actuation of the sunroof opening button, open the sunroof so the back edge of the lid depresses 0.08-0.12 inches (2-3mm).
2. Slowly push the roof liner panel back into the roof. Do not force or use a quick motion or damage could occur.
3. Remove the mounting screws and pull the lid off at the rear side. Do not operate the sunroof with the panel removed.

To install:

1. Install the lid and check that the hooks and levers align. Install the screws with threadlocker or use new micro-encapsulated screws. Torque to 2.5 ft. lbs. (3.5 Nm).
2. Adjust the sunroof lid. Lower the rear of the lid by operating the motor. Pull the liner forward and clip into place.

Good luck.

First off, you should leave it closed. At least you can drive it that way. The grinding could be the motor itself, or a gear inside that has rounded or broken teeth. Another possibility is that it has slipped out of a channel or track. Unless you're pretty handy this sounds like a professional repair job.

This sunroof has broken cable ends and must be replaced. You may take a screwdriver and push the lift arms forward and up to close.