Question on BMW 3-Series Sunroof

I have a 85 e24 with a sunroof motor that works but there is a clicking noise and the roof does not move. I can move it manually. Checked motor and gear works. I check cables and can't see anything but I think it is a cable problem nonetheless. To fix this will i have to remove the headliner? Can cables be purchased separately? What is your assessment based on what I have provided? Thanks

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: BMW Sunroof Removal and Repair

[Wayne 962]

Although I haven't taken this particular roof apart, I think I have an idea of what may be broken. In your roof mechanism, I believe there is a transmission that connects the motor to the sunroof cables. Often these transmission units have small plastic gears in them that get brittle and break over the years. I'm betting that one of these gears is busted in the transmission and needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, most of the time, the entire sunroof motor/cable transmission needs to be replaced as you cannot purchase the gear separately. As for getting this out without removing the headliner, I think it's possible, but I'm not 100% sure.

- Wayne