Many first time customers tell us they just bought a pre-owned BMW and would like an estimate on their BMW sunroof repair. Then they are shocked when they receive the estimate. Then they ask why is the repair so expensive. Then we show them this video that somewhat explains that a BMW sunroof repair is very labor intensive. On top of that we have to put one of our top mechanics on it because there are many plastic clips that can break during disassembly. Most of those plastic clips are molded into the interior piece so there is no replacing just the clip. The entire panel must also be replaced. If the interior is put back together with broken clips then the interior will rattle and nobody that bought a BMW wants to have an interior that squeaks and rattles. Finally, replacement parts for BMW sunroofs are out of production on older models and very expensive on newer models and all the parts are plastic. Very expensive pieces of plastic!
Why BMW Sunroofs Break Often
BMW is particular is infamous for having broken sunroofs. Particularly panoramic sunroofs. They break often because the components are plastic and the sunroofs themselves are heavy. Over the years the plastic parts deteriorate and become brittle. Then with use they develop stress cracks until finally they break. Once one piece breaks the sunroof mechanism goes out of sync between the left and right rails leaving the sunroof stuck half way open or closed. If you live in NYC and you street park then you are in a real bind if you can’t close your sunroof. As an emergency option we can get the sunroof closed for our customers, but to make it operational again is an expensive repair.
When Buying A Pre-Owned BMW
Many first time customers stop by because they just bought a pre-owned BMW and they are shopping around for a sunroof repair estimate. Unfortunately, dishonest car dealers sell their customers BMWs with broken sunroofs telling them that it is a cheap and simple repair. Then the unsuspecting customer brings it to our shop thinking it will be a cheap repair and get sticker shock when they receive the estimate.
If you are shopping for a pre-owned BMW make sure the sunroof works perfectly. If it is broken or inoperable then use that to negotiate the price down or request that the dealer fix it if they tell you that it is a cheap and easy repair. Don’t get stuck with an expensive repair after you pay fair market value for a BMW.
If you are buying a pre-owned car the best insurance you can buy is a pre-purchase inspection. A pre-purchase inspection involves a battery of tests to make sure there aren’t any hidden problems with the car and making sure you aren’t buying a lemon or if there is hidden engine or transmission problems on the car you are interested in buying. For more information on a Pre-Purchase inspection, feel free to Contact Us.
