mine has done that for ten years.

A tiny clip is broke that is supposed to prevent the shade from going back inside with the window- about two inches. I simply reach in and put my left hand on top of the shade, pull down with slight pressure and slide it forward...no problem for 10 years now, but I doubt a girly girl could do it without whining and telling you they need a new car...LOL

 

So I put the roof in "tilt" position (front down, rear elevated) and I will be able to get my hand in there?

 

If I remember correctly there's a repair kit for the shade, and you can put the sunroof in tilt positioning to access the screws holding the roof glass on.

 

Now that I think of it, I never reach in there to close the shade until I close the sunroof. No need for tilt up etc....just reach in with four fingers placed on top of shade and press down slightly while pulling forward.

 

Update...

k, i can't get my hand/fingers in the space above the sun shade far enough to get an adequate grip to pull it out (i've got it within a 1/2 inch of the opening, but there's a small "ledge" at the edge that i can't get it over with the grip I can get.

So.... i bought seamer pliers ($30.00) that have 2 4-inch flat surfaces on the head. I'm hoping i can get a good enough grip to pull the shade out.

If that doesn't work I also bought some long small-diameter (1/16") steel rods that maybe I can bend on the end to make a hook and run them over the top of the shade and pull it out from the back side.

If anyone has any advice on whether these are good/bad ideas or whether something else might work better let me know.

Thanks.

 

Suggest you remove the glass panel. It's easy to do - there are 3 x torx screwseach side to remove then it simply lifts out. You will then be able to access to shade and see what the problem is. You will probably find that the sliders that pull the shade back and forward are worn or broken. They are inexpensive and easy to remove and replace. When you place the glass back in position have someone check the alignment from the outside while you tighten up the screws so it sits level when the glass in in the closed position.

 

Check the e46 wiki link at top of forum. All the info, pictures, diy etc. Likely fixable and possibly for cheap. Pay attention to comments about the shade "driver" piece. If you have cracking sounds, move it as little as possible with the motor. Try to get the glass to close (without cracking sounds) and then follow the instructions to take it off - 4-6 torx bolts. Careful, the bolthead strips fairly easily. I used a torx bit in a ratchet driver with a "wobbler" extension that allows for slight angling of the business end. Read up and you'll understand how it all works and what you need to do, which may involve bending some things back into shape or removing altogether etc.

Once you get it fixed, make sure to lube the tracks once a year or so and check condition of the shade sliders.