e93 emergency roof actuator trim reinstall

[bighindu79]

Hello all,

I posted this in the DIY section but havent gotten any responses. So, I'm posting here on hopes of getting some help with this. The plastic oval trim piece that covers the emergency roof actuator fell out and I am not able the get one of the ends to snap back in. Has anyone with an e93 encountered this issue? is there a special technique or tool I need to use? the plastic trim piece is a little flimsy and I dont want to use brute force and break something.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[deansbimmer]

No technique or special tool, it snaps in with little to no effort. One of your tabs may be broken. That is especially likely if the trim piece just "fell out".

[carenthuziast]

Got pics?

Also, what makes this an "emergency" roof actuator?

[bighindu79]

Originally Posted by carenthuziast

Got pics?

Also, what makes this an "emergency" roof actuator?

I'll post some pics later today after I get home from work. The trim piece covers the emergency actuator, which allows you to open the roof manually using a bmw specific tool. This is the trim piece https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...xoCtcAQAvD_BwE

[bighindu79]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

No technique or special tool, it snaps in with little to no effort. One of your tabs may be broken. That is especially likely if the trim piece just "fell out".

I thought it would just snap back in easily as well. I bought a brand new trim piece. unfortunately, I dont know when the original piece fell off or where it went. I looked everywhere in the car and couldnt find it. I ordered a new one from turner (see link above). the side that I am having trouble getting to go in is the one which has the rounded protruding piece with cut outs.

[carenthuziast]

Originally Posted by bighindu79

I'll post some pics later today after I get home from work. The trim piece covers the emergency actuator, which allows you to open the roof manually using a bmw specific tool. This is the trim piece https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...xoCtcAQAvD_BwE

What are you supposed to do if the roof fails open? Is there a manual means to close the roof?

[bighindu79]

Originally Posted by carenthuziast

What are you supposed to do if the roof fails open? Is there a manual means to close the roof?

yeah, there is a whole procedure to manually open and close the roof in the event the electronics/ECU fail but thats not my issue (thank god).

[carenthuziast]

Originally Posted by bighindu79

yeah, there is a whole procedure to manually open and close the roof in the event the electronics/ECU fail but thats not my issue (thank god).

If that's the case, then the car should come with that tool..shouldn't need to buy it.

[bighindu79]

Originally Posted by carenthuziast

If that's the case, then the car should come with that tool..shouldn't need to buy it.

the tool is for operating the actuator not removing/installing the trim piece. BMW doesnt include the tool with the car but my issue is not with the roof at all. its an aesthetic issue and looking at the uncovered actuator ruins the cabin aesthetics.

[deansbimmer]

The cover is for the forward roof latches. The process for manually opening the roof is not trivial, it takes several steps to unlock the fore and aft latches and open the bypass valve on the pump. Then it's a two person job to lift and fold.

The new trim piece should go in easily. If it doesn't, don't force it. Part of the old tab could still be lodged in the roof.

[bighindu79]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

The cover is for the forward roof latches. The process for manually opening the roof is not trivial, it takes several steps to unlock the fore and aft latches and open the bypass valve on the pump. Then it's a two person job to lift and fold.

The new trim piece should go in easily. If it doesn't, don't force it. Part of the old tab could still be lodged in the roof.

Thanks. That makes sense. Since I couldnt find the old trim piece I couldnt confirm whether there was some piece of the old trim left behind. If that is the case, the non-rounded protruding part of the trim piece goes in easily in both holes, which makes me think there isn't any obstruction in the way.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll loom more closely when I get home and post back with what I find.

[bighindu79]

I was finally able to get the trim piece installed. There were two issues:

1. The headliner holes were ever so slightly overlapping the holes where the trim piece tabs need to go in.

2. The trim piece side which has the round slotted piece needs to go in the hole facing the driver's side. In my defense, I did try switching the trim piece sides but I didnt realize at the time that the headliner overlap was getting in the way.

So, what worked for me was angling the trim piece slightly before pushing it in. Others who run into this issue may have to adjust their angles depending on the degree of headliner overlap over the holes.

Thanks for everyone's help and I hope this helps other e93 owners who may have to replace the trim piece.

[beamergirl]

just got my replacement cover today and tried installing. Same issue! Joined forum in hopes of finding answers. Hope this info helps. Will try again now.