2016 BMW X1 Visibility Problems

About 24 months back the sunroof curtain of my BMW X1 started having problems when I retract or operate it. It used to make stretching noises when I tried to open my sunroof and after a few times I heard a crackling noise and before I can stop it the curtain tore. Initially it was a small tear, so it did not bother much but over time the curtain completely left the guide/rail on one side and started sagging. Given it is a sunroof the curtain is as long as the vehicle and so now it is sagging to a point that it obstructs driver's visibly in back mirror. BMW won't do anything about it saying it is out of warranty and ultimately to avoid accidents I had to remove the curtain completely. I also tried getting it fixed, but the issue is not just the curtain but the rails of the curtain which is a non-replaceable part :( I would have to replace full sunshade assembly which is upwards of $1600. Also, it seems to be a common problem with these vehicles. Here are more examples of it: [XXX] . Please help me and other drivers be safe on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11664440

Incident

May 22, 2023

The power sunshade came loose and dropped one side of the sunshade to the drivers side because it came loose

NHTSA ID

11558362

Incident

Oct 11, 2023

The vehicle features a panoramic sunroof with a retractable sunroof shade. The sunroof shade is attached to the sides of the vehicle ceiling with glue that fails over time and causes the sunshade to partially or completely detach from the ceiling of the vehicle, causing a dangerous obstruction to visibility.

NHTSA ID

11519909

Incident

May 1, 2023

The sunroof screen that covers the panoramic sunroof has become detached from the retractable component. Because of this, the screen has begun to sag, which is now partially obstructing visibility through the rearview mirror. This obstruction is a life threatening situation because of lowered visibility. (According to online forums dedicated to this manufacturer's vehicles, this is a common issue for this make and model. Unfortunately, the manufacturer considers the sunroof shade a "cosmetic" component, and it is not covered by warranties or service plans.)

NHTSA ID

11517218

Incident

Mar 15, 2023

I saw there was a recall for the sunroof for my type of vehicle, sunroof components do not open when I press to open it. Cloth of sunroof got stuck and is now broken.

NHTSA ID

11478627

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

The panoramic sunroof screen has separated where glued to retractable component, causing it to sag such that visibility through rearview mirror is partially obstructed, which I anticipate will get worse if not repaired. It is available for inspection and I have scheduled a service appointment with the dealer. My understanding is that this is common for this make/model based on online forums dedicated to the manufacturer's vehicles. My understanding is that the manufacturer considers the sunroof shade a "cosmetic" component excluded from warranties and service plans.

NHTSA ID

11478412

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

The vehicle features a panoramic sunroof with a retractable sunroof shade. The sunroof shade is attached to the sides of the vehicle ceiling with glue that fails over time and causes the sunshade to partially or completely detach from the ceiling of the vehicle, causing a dangerous obstruction to visibility. From research, this is a common problem that BMW has not remedied for many years.

NHTSA ID

11476624

Incident

Jul 23, 2022

Panoramic roof shade blind has detached (failed) from its frame and fallen sagging in my sight and blocking the view of the driver while operating the vehicle. Many reports of the same problem of owner community on the internet.

NHTSA ID

11463814

Incident

Apr 30, 2022

The retractable sunshade has fallen from the track obstructing the rear view visibility. The glue that was used is faulty according to several repairmen and no one will work on the part. After reviewing several online forums, this looks to be a common problem for the 2016 BMW X1. This should be a recall and covered by BMW because it cannot be remedied and obstructs the drivers view and ability to safely drive.

NHTSA ID

11456586

Incident

Jan 11, 2022

Sunshade panel is not retracting properly and this situation creates a sagging panel that impedes visibility when driving (looking to the rear view mirror)

NHTSA ID

11452474

Incident

Feb 11, 2022

The shade of panoramic sunroof is deflected, the adhesive is not strong enough as time goes, it can’t hold the shade in place which caused the shade falling from the original place, blocked the rear view sights. Is dangers while operating in conditions like this

NHTSA ID

11441086

Incident

Mar 31, 2021

The sunshade on the panoramic sunroof detached entirely along the passenger side of the car. It hangs down and impairs the driver's vision on the passenger side, preventing the driver from seeing oncoming traffic. Additionally the sunshade cannot be retracted for fear that it will hang down further impairing the driver's view in the rear view mirror. I am not driving my car unless absolutely necessary until this can be repaired. I contacted BMW and took the car to the local BMW dealership for inspection and a repair estimate. The inspection video can be found at www.mkvwa37.com/p/1574bg.html BMW refused to address this defect stating that the vehicle is outside its warranty period. This site has 16 complaints for the same defect with the same year and model of BMW.

NHTSA ID

11435934

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

The sunscreen on the panoramic sunroof is sagging because the motor has broken and it is lost tension leaving the sunscreen sagging overhead blocking driver Visibility

NHTSA ID

11423795

Incident

Jul 7, 2021

The roof sunshade adhesive loose which makes the sunshade loose from the roof, makes the sunshade inoperable and blocking the rear view sight.

NHTSA ID

11418097

Incident

Jul 20, 2020

THE SLIDING SUN VISOR ON THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE SLIDING VISOR MATERIAL NOW DROOPS INTO CABIN WITH POSSIBLE OBSTRUCTION OF VISIBILITY TO OUTSIDE AREAS.

NHTSA ID

11416802

Incident

Sep 21, 2020

Mileage

27,500 mi

THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HEADLINER ON THIS MODEL IS MADE OF CLOTH. THE CLOTH CAME OFF OF THE TRACK DURING NORMAL OPERATION, CAUSING THE CLOTH HEADLINER TO SAG AND A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN VISIBILITY.

NHTSA ID

11406109

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

Mileage

51,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW X1. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE RETRACTABLE SUNROOF HEAD LINER DETACHED FROM THE SLIDING TRACK CAUSING THE HEAD LINER FABRIC TO CRUMBLE AND BLOCK THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERMAN BMW (31400 US HIGHWAY 19 NORTH, PALM HARBOR, FL 34684, (727) 400-3542) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD LINER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

NHTSA ID

11365926

Incident

Aug 20, 2020

Mileage

36,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY DURING A CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP, THE SUNROOF SUN SHADE/BLIND CAME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. A VISIT TO A BMW DEALER NOTED AN OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR COST OF $2600. THE DEALER SAID THE ENTIRE PANORAMIC SUNROOF ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE THE SUN SHADE/BLIND. THE SUN SHADE HAS NOW BECOME INOPERABLE AND IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THIS HAS CREATED AN UNACCEPTABLE EXPOSURE TO THE SUN IN THE VEHICLE. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES WERE OVER 110 DEGREES. IT APPEARS THAT A METAL COIL SPRING LIKE MATERIAL HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE SHADE/BLIND FABRIC. THE ADHESIVE BONDING THE MATERIALS HAS FAILED. THE SPRING MATERIAL IS TANGLED UNDER THE HEADLINER AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11353928

Incident

Aug 18, 2020

Mileage

56,000 mi

THE SUN SHADE THAT COVERS THE MOONROOF FROM THE INTERIOR CAME APART ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, CAUSING IT TO HANG INTO THE CABIN. THIS OCCURRED BY ITSELF WITHOUT OPERATING THE VEHICLE OR SUN SHADE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL DAYS, PARKED OUTSIDE IN AN UNCOVERED PRIVATE PARKING SPACE. BMW IS CLAIMING THIS IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, DESPITE SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. IT'S CLEAR THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. REPAIR COST IS $2,500. *TR

NHTSA ID

11331966

Incident

Jun 23, 2020

Mileage

36,000 mi

I DEPARTED MY HOUSE AND GOT ONTO THE WEST PARK TOLL WAY. AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MILES, I HEARD LIKE AN EXPLOSION. UNDER PANIC, I REALIZED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 65MPH AND NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF ME OR ADJACENT TO ME. THERE WAS A PICKUP TRUCK BEHIND ME ABOUT SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327191

Incident

Jun 3, 2020

Mileage

22,800 mi