Hey guys my rear window on my X3 is stuck open any help?

So I have a X3 that is out of warranty SOB, and the rear glass on the panoramic window is stuck open I cant get it to go down. Does anyone know of any to close it? Thanks

Welcome to Bimmerfest.com! I've moved your thread over to the E83 X3 forum for you now. You didn't list the year X3 so I hope this is right. Update your profile information to include the year X3 you have, that helps other members answer your questions.

Have you checked the fuses?

Good luck,
Tim

Panoramic window -- must be the sunroof right? Big problem area, usually the whole thing must be replaced en-suite (about $3K) but it can be fixed as parts are available. First of all, I would take it to my local dealer and have them shut the roof -- it may rain, even in SoCal! Then you can start figuring out which of the myriad of qualified indy shops down there you want to fix the thing, or just disable the switch and forget about it. All this of course is predicated on your being out of any warranty. If you are under warranty, then take it back in and get it fixed/replaced. Good luck!

The sunroof mechanisms on these things eventually self destruct. The basic underlying cause seems to be the deterioration of the plastic coating on the slide mechanisms. The plastic breaks down due to UV exposure (it's a sunroof...go figure) and bits and pieces fall off and jam the roof. The end result is the roof jam open often times on only one side. You can lower the roof yourself using a screw driver to slide the lifting mechanism backwards toward the front of the vehicle.. It's a bit tough but it will go back.

Once it's down you can bring it to someone or you can check for broken pieces of plastic on the roof mechanism by sliding it back all the way and looking for pieces in the tracks. If you see any make sure and pull them out.

In order to properly fix the roof the sliding tracks need to be replaced. To do both you need to completely remove the sunroof mechanism from the car (MAJOR TIME INVOLVED). Or you replace only the front rails with just a little time and disable the rear lift function. I chose this option when mine fell apart. The kit is about $200. Instructions for doing it are here:

https://docs.google.com/document/edi...CJOxga4O&pli=1

This took under an hour to do. I no longer have the rear glass vent function but everything else works like new again and it sure as hell beats pulling the whole sunroof out of the car.

Originally Posted by Frenchx3

The sunroof mechanisms on these things eventually self destruct. The basic underlying cause seems to be the deterioration of the plastic coating on the slide mechanisms. The plastic breaks down due to UV exposure (it's a sunroof...go figure) and bits and pieces fall off and jam the roof. The end result is the roof jam open often times on only one side. You can lower the roof yourself using a screw driver to slide the lifting mechanism backwards toward the front of the vehicle.. It's a bit tough but it will go back.

Once it's down you can bring it to someone or you can check for broken pieces of plastic on the roof mechanism by sliding it back all the way and looking for pieces in the tracks. If you see any make sure and pull them out.

In order to properly fix the roof the sliding tracks need to be replaced. To do both you need to completely remove the sunroof mechanism from the car (MAJOR TIME INVOLVED). Or you replace only the front rails with just a little time and disable the rear lift function. I chose this option when mine fell apart. The kit is about $200. Instructions for doing it are here:

https://docs.google.com/document/edi...CJOxga4O&pli=1

This took under an hour to do. I no longer have the rear glass vent function but everything else works like new again and it sure as hell beats pulling the whole sunroof out of the car.

Thanks I have put the rear glass down with a screw driver. But man talk about this happening at the wrong time. It rained all last night :O. Good thing almost no water got in through the gap. I think I might just make the rear window a solid and not make it move anymore. It is kinda pointless to spend 4k just to have the rear glass go up and down.

For those interested, here is what needs to be slid backward in order to lower your rear roof glass:

Originally Posted by theX3guy

Thanks I have put the rear glass down with a screw driver. But man talk about this happening at the wrong time. It rained all last night :O. Good thing almost no water got in through the gap. I think I might just make the rear window a solid and not make it move anymore. It is kinda pointless to spend 4k just to have the rear glass go up and down.

I had the same problem about 3 years ago. Once I was able to close the sunroof panels I pulled the fuse in the glove box so that it wouldn't be operable. It's not worth fixing IMO.

Originally Posted by mlukas161

I had the same problem about 3 years ago. Once I was able to close the sunroof panels I pulled the fuse in the glove box so that it wouldn't be operable. It's not worth fixing IMO.

I have to say I think the Pano roof is one of the best features on the X3. I use mine ALL the time. To pay $3-4k to get it fixed wouldn't be worth it but a couple hours research and 200 bucks was well worth it for me.