I'm replacing the headliner in my 01 XJ8L and have everything out and recovered except the narrow panel that slides when the roof pivots from the front. I'm de-smoking a Kentucky Burley Special, so leaving any fabric on the ceiling is out of the question. The big panel came right out, but the narrow panel has me scratching my head. Take out the bolts and drop the whole assembly? The manual doesn't address this minor piece at all.

 

Remove the metal sliding roof panel, pull the metal 'pegs' from the plastic panel guides at the rear, unclip the rear interior panel from the plastic guides (metal 'U' shaped spring clips) and work the panel loose and out the top!!!!!!!!!

bob gauff

 

So, unbolt the entire panel, motor, brackets, etc, then follow step by step as you describe...Yes?

Awesome!

 

NO.
The larger front interior panel is remove from the top (OUTSIDE) with the sliding roof panel in TILT position. Slide the interior panel UP & OUT THE BACK OF THE TILTED PANEL.

Then remove the metal sliding roof panel, THEN remove the short rear panel from the plastic guides.

ALL OUT THE TOP.

Nothing gets dropped down inside the car interior and the headliner can stay in place.

bob gauff

 

Ahah! That is how I got the large upholstered panel out, but didn't know the roof panel could come out the same way.
Genius. If only you had been in charge of engineering at ZF in the late '90's.

Pete