US-Spec E30 325i - ETK Build Data & Factory Sunroof Details

[Vincenze]

Unless you have a glass sunroof, nobody cares about your sunroof.

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-classified-forums/for-sale-wanted/parts-for-sale/173442-fs-e30-glass-sunroof-sun-shade

[TobyB]

Not true. I have a glass sunroof AND no- one cares about my sunroof.

(snif)

t
unloved and undeprecatated.

[yusuf325]

Thanks for the replies so far, but to clear up any misunderstanding: I am NOT asking about glass panels, aftermarket kits, or custom conversions—my car has a 100% factory original metal sunroof (sheet metal, cassette, mechanism, and interior trim). The issue is purely with the ETK / VIN build data, where no sunroof option code (like S401A / SA401) appears in the official vehicle record despite the physical factory installation. Since the previous responses didn't quite address this specific point, I'm still trying to find out if anyone with deep knowledge of US-spec E30 build sheets has seen a factory metal sunroof omitted from the ETK option list, or if this was simply a standard packaging/documentation anomaly for certain US model years.

[zinc]

Since the previous responses didn't quite address this specific point, I'm still trying to find out if anyone with deep knowledge of US-spec E30 build sheets has seen a factory metal sunroof omitted from the ETK option list, or if this was simply a standard packaging/documentation anomaly for certain US model years.

This has already been answered. Why do you care?

This thread is bizzarre.

I'm calling 80% bot.

[82eye]

As we know, US-spec models come with unique factory configurations and option packages.

that is not a correct assumption

I'm still trying to find out if anyone with deep knowledge of US-spec E30 build sheets has seen a factory metal sunroof omitted from the ETK option list, or if this was simply a standard packaging/documentation anomaly for certain US model years.

that is closer but not quite right.
as explained earlier most options on foreign cars came as a factory standard to avoid taxation in the 80's and 90's. the 'rare' cars here are stripper models. as a result the build sheets are purposefully vague.
the same holds true for any foreign car during that era, and you will hit the exact same wall when it comes to documentation.

[yusuf325]

Yes, I understand the 'stripper' model logic and the tax-avoidance context, which is precisely why we keep hitting that wall in the documentation. However, regardless of the period's logic, this creates a huge mess and a frustrating situation today for many enthusiasts and owners trying to figure out the original details.

[82eye]

[QUOTE=yusuf325;n10168564]Yes, I understand the 'stripper' model logic and the tax-avoidance context, which is precisely why we keep hitting that wall in the documentation. However, regardless of the period's logic, this creates a huge mess and a frustrating situation today for many enthusiasts and owners trying to figure out the original details.[/QUOTE}

correct. in all truth there is no definitive. all you're gonna do is bang your head.

i worked for an automotive group in the late 80's and early 90's. we sold nissan, bmw, and toyota, none of them came with a definitive build list by vin or any other metric. build lists for the individual car would sometimes be on a paper under the rear seat, but even that was hit and miss.

if the client chose to eat the cost of ordering direct from factory he could get the build list, and it took 8 - 10 months for delivery. no one did.

[TobyB]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_1ruZWJigo "bang your head" indeed.

My favorite part about getting parts out of Nissan, even in the early 90's, was that the part numbers changed over the years!
So you looked in the '68 catalog for the original number, then the '74 remap,
the 1980 remap, and then the 1986 remap. Then you ordered it from Nissan, on the odd chance they might be able to supply it.

It made BMW's numbering system seem so rational in comparison.

t

[Vincenze]

Yes, I understand the 'stripper' model logic and the tax-avoidance context, which is precisely why we keep hitting that wall in the documentation. However, regardless of the period's logic, this creates a huge mess and a frustrating situation today for many enthusiasts and owners trying to figure out the original details.

So, what is your problem?

Sunroof installation isn't as easy as changing wheels.
If it's a slick top, it must be cut from a donor vehicle.