What to Do When the Sunroof of a BMW 5 Series Won't Close?

[JamesonDella]

Here are several reasons why the sunroof of a BMW 5 Series may not close: 1. If the sunroof won't close, check the sunroof's sliding rails. Insufficient lubrication can increase resistance, making it difficult to close the sunroof. Lack of lubrication may also cause abnormal noises and unsmooth operation, and in severe cases, it may burn out the motor. 2. Additionally, check if the fuse for the electric sunroof is blown. If the fuse is intact, inspect the sunroof switch for proper functioning. Press the switch to see if there is power. If there is, then check if the sunroof's drive motor is working by listening for the sound of the motor. The sunroof may not close properly if the sliding track is obstructed, deformed, rusted, or poorly lubricated.

[LeLondon]

It's quite common for sunroofs to fail to close, so let me share some troubleshooting tips. The sunroof system in the BMW 5 Series has electronic tracks and a motor, with the most frequent issues being tracks jammed by dust or leaves, or minor motor malfunctions. I've encountered this several times myself. The first step is usually to find a safe place to park to prevent water ingress or debris blowing in while driving. Manual closure is key: check the user manual for the emergency closing cord, typically located behind the trunk's interior panel. A gentle pull should lock the sunroof. If you don't have the manual handy, searching for illustrated guides on BMW forums using your phone is even simpler. For cleaning the tracks, use a soft cloth or small brush to remove debris—avoid using hard objects that could scratch the surface. If that doesn't work, check the fuses. Look for the sunroof fuse in the small box under the driver's seat and try replacing it. The electronic module might malfunction; it's advisable to turn off the engine, lock the car, wait ten minutes, and then restart to reset the system. For more serious issues, a professional workshop with BMW's diagnostic tools can easily identify error codes for repair. Regular lubrication of the tracks during maintenance can prevent such problems—don't overlook this step.