Sunroof Handle

What Is a Sunroof Handle?

A sunroof handle — sometimes called a sunroof crank — is the mechanical interface between you and your vehicle's manually operated sunroof. Sunroof handles are attached to manual-opening sunroofs and operate as a crank mechanism; when turned, the tilted window on the roof of the vehicle opens to provide ventilation and added sunlight. It's a small part, but its role is fundamental: without the sunroof handle on a manually opening sunroof, there would be no way to turn the gear that opens the window.

Why Sunroof Handles Fail

Like any component that sees regular mechanical use, sunroof handles are susceptible to wear and damage over time. Over the years, continually opening and closing the sunroof can take a toll on the handle itself — the knob can break off, the handle itself can snap, or the pivot point can become loose and fall out. The handle is usually made of durable plastic but still provides good mobility, meaning that while everyday use is fine, a hard yank or years of UV and heat exposure inside the cabin can leave the part cracked or stripped.

A defective sunroof handle can make it difficult to open or close the sunroof manually, which is not only inconvenient but can leave your sunroof stuck open or shut. Fortunately, replacing a sunroof handle is one of the more straightforward body repairs you can tackle. A manually opening sunroof's only power requirement is the force exerted on the handle, making replacement relatively simple and inexpensive compared to the more complex job of fixing an electric-powered sunroof.

Manual vs. Electric Sunroofs

Nowadays most vehicle sunroofs are operated through an electronic wiring system with push-button control. However, countless classic and older vehicles — particularly European models from the 1970s through the early 1990s — rely on a manual crank mechanism. Owners of these vehicles know that keeping the crank handle in good shape is essential to everyday use of the sunroof. If your car falls into this category, sourcing an OEM-spec or quality aftermarket replacement handle is the right move.

What to Look for When Buying a Replacement Sunroof Handle

• Fitment: Sunroof handles are highly vehicle-specific. Match the part to your exact year, make, and model to ensure the correct knob size, stem length, and mounting configuration.
• Material quality: Look for handles engineered to OEM specifications so they snap or thread in place just like the original.
• Crank mechanism compatibility: The handle must engage the sunroof's internal gear correctly — an improper fit can strip the crank or leave the sunroof inoperable.

Top Brands for Sunroof Handles

MTC (Mission Trading Company) is one of the go-to sources for sunroof handle replacements, particularly for classic BMW models. For over 40 years, MTC has been a leader in the automotive industry, starting as an automotive repair shop in 1979; in 1984, they began manufacturing their own parts to help keep costs down, and after realizing the enormous demand for affordable products, completely shifted focus to large-scale auto parts production and distribution. MTC adheres to all specifications implemented by AAIA and OEM, which guarantees MTC products meet the highest levels of quality. All MTC parts come with a 12-month unlimited miles warranty, making them a reliable choice for a part as tactile and frequently used as a sunroof crank handle.