DIY: Fix Roof rattle / clunking on E93

[Xantor_]

So my E93 335is recently started clunking really bad when driving on some worse roads which made me go crazy. Upon searching the web for possible causes I found a video with not enough views in my opinion that accurately addressed and fixed the problem.
(Source:

)

To spread more awareness I decided to post it here since I've known many E93s with that exact same problem.

The problem is caused by a locking pin that has too much play as the spring to hold it has been worn. To fix that we insert a small plastic piece beneath the spring so it regains its former tension. The grease helps reduce noise further and also allows for smoother operation.

So what do we need to fix it?
- Something adequate to remove trim clips (prying tool or something)
- Torx 30, 15 and 10
- either a 6mm bolt or a fitting screw
- silicone grease
- some thin plastic leftovers

Step 1: Get the roof in its service Position.

There's nothing special about that. Just operate the roof and stop once it's in the shown Position:




Step 2: Remove the front Headliner.



That's probably the "hardest" step in this tutorial. Just pry the front 4 clips, the 2 at the side and remove it. A good video about that can be found here:

(It's the same creator that posted the initial permanent fix diy.)

Step 3: Pull the service pin out.



That's what it looks like when the pin is in its normal position

You either insert a 6mm bolt in here and pull it out or you use a screw like I did.



Just use a bit of force and it should come out. Don't be worried if it comes out completely, just reinsert it.

Step 4: Turn the service pin until the locking pins are completely out.



I just used an adjustable wrench to do that job.

Step 5: Remove the locking pins from the roof.

Before doing that I suggest marking the positions of each screws with a sharpie like I did:




Next up you want to remove the 3 Torx bolts that are T30.

Step 6: Remove the pins from their rails.

To do that just turn the rail a bit and you should see a T15 Torx bolt. Unscrew it and you can slide the locking pins right out.



Step 7: loosen the spring on the locking pin



For that step you just LOOSEN the two T10 Torx bolts. No need to screw them off entirely.

Step 8: Insert a tiny piece of plastic beneath the spring.

For that I just used some leftover plastic that was used for a bulb packaging. Just cut a small fitting piece and insert it under the spring. Tighten the spring afterwards.



Step 9: Grease the pins.

Just use some silicone grease or whichever you have lying around and lubricate the pins.




Step 10: Reassemble everything.

Just do everything you've just done in a reverse order and enjoy your once again silent roof!

[CTMike]

I love this and you are *almost* giving me the confidence that I can tackle this myself… I just really don’t want to screw things up! But yes the rattle drives me crazy…

[Xantor_]

Originally Posted by CTMike

I love this and you are *almost* giving me the confidence that I can tackle this myself… I just really don’t want to screw things up! But yes the rattle drives me crazy…

Trust me you can do that too. I was scared at first but it's actually pretty easy. I mean if you've changed your spark plugs once you've done crazier stuff than this lmao.
Just give it a try!

[bake]

Nice work. I don't have any clunking or issues, but this is a good reference!

[askme]

Saving this for later! We need more weird e93 things fixed!

[RocketyMan]

*SUBSCRIBED*