After pulling the center roof panel to repaint it the parcel shelf stopped operating. Would not move vertically. I was able to get the panel removed and the frame out of the car. This was obviously not the original as my car is a 2011 and the frame was built in 2013. I started by looking at the harness and found the 2 heavy wires with the insulation rubbed off. I was able to order new connector pins and shells from Mouser and will splice new wire onto these and replace it. However, I'm trying to figure out what they were rubbing against to break through the insulation in such a manner.

I also found out that the lift motor is the same one used on the Volkswagen phaeton motor slide. I'm still looking for a replacement number for the tilt motor.

 

Little tidbit/ fun fact, the top was designed in Germany by Karmann... I am sure that mechanism is in practically all BMW/ Audi/ models...

re: wire insulation... it almost looks to me that those wires were being twisted, perhaps as the shelf raises/ lowers it causes the harness to flex?

You are very lucky in that you are able to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair these roof issues. And thank you for documenting as these issues arise.