Is it possible to COMPLETELY remove a sunroof?

[Brian 89 325i]

Ive got the interior of my car totally stripped and was wondering if I could remove the little "box" that the sunroof slides down into and weld a sheetmetal panel in the sunroof hole? Possible?

Brian

[Jordan]

Yes, possible.

Remove the yellow foam and you will see.

But seriously... why?

[Brian 89 325i]

it would probably be a lot lighter. Im just kind afraid of wrinkeling the roof while removing the "box". And the again when welding in the new panel. Ive already got a car with sunroof i dont really need another, espically if this one is susposed to be mostly business. Ive got the foam out, thats how i got the idea. Parts of it look just glued and other parts look spot welded.

Brian

[Matt86es]

It can be done. You can even find a CF filler to put in place of the sunroof. You're not saving much weight, but it is up high, so that would help slightly in many areas. Why do you think that the M6 and M3 CSL have carbon fiber roofs?

[Brian 89 325i]

yeah but what would be the best way to attach the composite filler plate to the roof? I think by taking off the "box" part you'd save huge ammounts of weight right there. OH, also, is there any reinforcement under that part? Or would i need to add ribs so that it wouldnt be too weak? Im really thinking about doing this now.

Brian

[AdamF 88iS]

That box is glued and spot welded to the roof. It's pretty tedious to get it out without bending in the roof.

[darien28]

install a roll cage, cut the entire roof out, replace w/ composite panel... just a thought...

[Brian 89 325i]

Hmmm that is a thought, what does everyone think about that? Maybe just cut a square and leave like 2-3 inches from the rain gutter and have someone make a fg or cf piece? Would a 4 point bar be ok for this?.

Adam, how tedious? Can you melt the glue? maybe cut around the welds and grind them away? Ive got nothing but time, im planning on not driving the car for another 3 years at least. Also how do i go about getting the steering colum out? Its in there with sheer bolts, do i just cut them and reinstall new normal bolts when i put it back together? Thanks

Brian

[AdamF 88iS]

Hmmm that is a thought, what does everyone think about that? Maybe just cut a square and leave like 2-3 inches from the rain gutter and have someone make a fg or cf piece? Would a 4 point bar be ok for this?.

Adam, how tedious? Can you melt the glue? maybe cut around the welds and grind them away? Ive got nothing but time, im planning on not driving the car for another 3 years at least. Also how do i go about getting the steering colum out? Its in there with sheer bolts, do i just cut them and reinstall new normal bolts when i put it back together? Thanks

Brian

You can melt it with a heat gun, but it still takes forever. You'll spend a couple hours on glue alone not couting head liner, cables, etc.

The column is on with sheer bolts and they have to be chiseled out. You can get new sheer bolts from the dealer, they arent too expensive.

[Brian 89 325i]

well headliner and foam is already out. The only thing im having trouble with is the front of the sunroof. I cant get to the screws under the wind deflector. Any tips?

Brian

[netcsk]

Remove the wind deflector?
All the screws for the rails and everything are pretty easy to get to, just open or remove the roof and deflector and it should all be there (except for the stuff noted earlier in the post like the box).