I would think that painting an oxidized steel panel would be far easier and cheaper than replacing it with a custom glass panel.
Hello,
I couldnt really find any information about this in the arcives, but maybe I wasnt looking hard enough. My sunroof is getting all oxidized and I could just put a glass panel in there instead, I would imagine this wouldnt be a simple swap out. Did any E34s come with moonroofs? Does anyone know if there are any compatible models?
Captain Dan
1995 530i
1977 530i
I would think that painting an oxidized steel panel would be far easier and cheaper than replacing it with a custom glass panel.
I've thought about that. Don't know if later 5- or other series BMWs have moonroofs that might fit. Perhaps you could use the original steel panel as a template for acrylic or polycarbonate sheet. Put the plastic sheet on top of the steel panel, with a greased felt cloth between. Stick the stack into a pizza oven at about 300 degrees, and the plastic will slump and take the shape of the steel panel. Trim the edge with a router. Now, you have a plastic sheet with the shape and contour of the stock steel panel. Gotta add hinge and track hardware and trim.
Dash01
'90 535ia 272K miles
I sold a 1994 SAAB 9000 moon roof panel to a E28 owner a few years ago. It is a known fact the 9000 moon roof fits the sun roof opening. But I don't know any moon roof fits an E34.
'01 540it, 6/01
'03 325i 5 speed, 9/02
'10 535ix. 9/09
'10 mini 6 speed
'15 mini countryman 6 speed
As yaofeng says E28s can use a Saab glass panel that sort of fits. I think there is an uber-rare factory glass E34 piece but good luck finding one.
If yours is rusting through PM me, I have a complete sunroof taking up lots of space that I can't manage to sell. I'll seperate the panel and will get it to you for little $.
"The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"
take the one from Ross, easiest and cheapest. I would not start using an angle grinder to cut the roof to fit another kind of sunroof, just makes more probs with rust for the future.
I do believe that this is correct. Early E34's had an option for a glass sunroof/moonroof. But it was very rare. When they do actually pop up they go for big $.
Grab the one Ross has sitting around if yours isn't easily re-paintable. Or grab the one from Ross and use it as a template to find or make a glass piece that'd work.
Cosmos Black/Black 1995 540iA M-Sport
BMW Individual Exclusive Edition, 1 of 65 total, 9/25/95 Build
Well Thanks for all replys. My sunroof isnt really that bad, its really just the clear coat. I just thought it would be worth it more to get a moonroof, but it seems i am going to be better off with a respray!
Captain Dan
1995 530i
1977 530i