Wolf
I don't want to put a downer on this idea, but before you invest too much effort, please be sure there is enough clearance between the existing, (sh*t plastic) roof mount brackets and the under side of the new glass roof.
Looking at the position the fixing screws sit when the original roof is assembled, I am not sure with the extra thickness of the glass, that it will sit low enough, that is the glass may be proud compared to the roof line.
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I'm definitely in! I've always wondered why this was not an original option...maybe because of the automatic window and sunroof close at 90 MPH?
My roof doesn't close, just the windows.
gotta go a bit faster for the roof to close
The sunroof does not close automatically at any speed.
Current Cars:
1994 BMW 850 CiA (2017 km). My black on black Wokke'd 5.4l V12 autobahnmuncher
1992 Donkervoort S8AT (105k km). The mad dutch "Super 7." 300hp/ton of turbo power!
2013 VW Caravelle 4Motion (57k km). A dark wine red 180PS/400Nm 2.0 BiTDI rocketvan
2007 SMC F-Kart 50. 88cc of street legal go-kart hilarity, and a 1968 Cadillac Coupé DeVille Convertible 472.
"The best way to go broke-by-german-car is to buy an 8 series bmw with a v12" - Perc
"Torque is like pron. You can't really define it, but you will recognize it." - ElToro
Please count me in on this, too.
If a seperate sliding panel for the headliner fabric gets too complicated, might I suggest a mesh type fabric that is partially see through (like on many Audis and Porsches) fixed in place.
I'd be in for this. I was thinking about this the other day. I see a few from the So Cal area, maybe we could to a group ship? Would this utilize the existing seal or include some alternative?
What you mention isn't a downer, just a challenge and a very valid point. On Monday my parts guy is going to ship me a complete assembly and then I'll dig deeper into it.
I could of course just disassemble the sunroof of my 850i but with all this brittle plastic crap I'm not a fan of that idea.
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I think the slider is the smallest issue because it does already exist. I just need to find a neat way to attach a handle to it, extend the guide rails, attach some kind of a hook so it'll be automatically pulled back if the moon roof is being opened plus install some stop mechanism so it can't disappear between roof and headliner.
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The existing seal is attached to the sun roof itself and can't be used on a glass roof. I have to attach some kind of a seal to the roof cutout itself as originally done on other BMWs with moon roofs.
Why not a photo grey, or other matching color that darkens automatically in the sun, and then clears at night? Now that would be a fantastic option as long as you are going down this road.
Check this out: http://www.frankies-bmw.com/8series/...lification.php
No kidding. Could have sworn I read that somewhere here. Ah well
Last edited by ORL; 08-24-2014 at 04:30 PM.
Yes the photo chromatic lenses have a defined lifetime.
You could go all out and go for a liquid crystal variable tinting layer. But they'll look pretty silly if it gets damaged. Besides, I have no idea whether it can be done on curved glass.
Best just sticking with a normal tint.
FWIW, I prefer a slide opaque panel rather than a mesh, the handles and vents could be sourced from other BMW models.
Im interested in this too.. count me in,
I am interested, but why do all the good projects have to start during the winter when I am away
Hey Fat, easily explained!
Summertime = driving time!
No time for creative(/stupid ) things that can be developed in long cold winter nights...
Somebody please correct me if I'm mistaken, but I think the main purpose of the liner panel is to minimise wind noise with the sunroof in tilt/vent position.
Older models that didn't have the interconnected inner panel, suffered from excessive noise/buffeting at highway speeds with the roof in vent mode.
Current:
1994 E31 850CSi Sterlingsilber/Anthracite Buffalo
Previous:
1987 E28 M5 Delphin
1986 E23 M745iA Arctic Blue
1986 E24 635CSi Polaris
1976 E3 3.0 Si Arctic Blue
Hi Wolf. Despite being a newcomer, count me in. I need to see sky. This car is the first I have owned without one. Jake
The panel is also useful when the sunlight is just too strong
Always wanted a moon roof, Totally interested in one. Thanks for doing this Wolf!
Although I haven't been active here in ages, I am also interested, and would tag along with the so cal group ship idea posed earlier in the thread.
Would a 3 or 5 series moon roof fit the e31????
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