[jamesfawcett]

Hey all, has anyone any experience of removing a roof panel on an E91? The one added extra I really wanted was the sunroof. Theres someone selling a retrofit conversion on Gumtree, including all the parts. He said its retrofit, but cant explain any further. Does anyone here know?

I'm not scared of having a go, but i really don't want to be drilling out spot welds and cutting and grinding if it's not a bolt in and seal job



https://www.gumtree.com/p/car-replac...nks/1215310158

[Digitalize]

Take it to a body shop, a roof swap really isn't a DIY thing.

[jamesfawcett]

Thanks for your concerns, but I have quite a few engine swaps under my belt, restored 4 classic cars now and not afraid of welding, cutting and grinding, I just don't want to be grinding on a car Ive just paid just under £20k for

If it's a bolt in job though, I will make the purchase and go for it. I have found the matching headliner in black. There must be someone here who has stripped an E91 and seen the internals of the roof panels

[Dormermike]

I'd imagine it's spot welded rather than bolted but no idea... Perhaps realoem will tell you?

I'd not buy a car which had a sunroof which wasn't factory fit. Just saying

Edit.. hats off though for wanting to do it. Hope you post pics.

[jamesfawcett]

Haha thanks Dormermike! I know, the car had every other optional extra that I wanted, just not the roof! It was a choice between this one, or a high mileage one WITH the sunroof. Good idea on RealOEM i'll look on there now

[RajB]

I've done a roof swap but on my Coupe.

I retrofitted the M3 CF roof panel.

It's quite a bit of work and the metal roof is welded in place (not bolted). You will need to cut the spot welds and grind back then re-spot weld the new roof piece in place.

[jamesfawcett]

Hi Raj did you document any of it with any photos anywhere? I searched carbon fibre roof swap and found this http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528825

[RajB]

Originally Posted by jamesfawcett

Hi Raj did you document any of it with any photos anywhere? I searched carbon fibre roof swap and found this http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528825

I remember that thread.

I had a few pics but wasn't really documented as such.

You can find the pics in my build thread.

[RENT-A-GOAT]

I really wanted the pano roof on my e91 such a rarely specced option ended up in exactly the same boat as the OP. Retrofit of a roof is a very brave move come resale not being on the build sheet and questions asked to how and why it was done I image the AUC warranty and any warranty extensions through BMW if you have one are going that way to safe guard against any occurring faults out there (timing chain etc) will be voided if you go ahead with this. But good luck if you do it start a build thread if you do be awesome to see this going ahead.

[Greg330]

Fair play for even thinking about it!! It's such a lovely option but often the first one that gets struck off when looking at potential suitors!!

[Digitalize]

You'll need to drill the spot welds out, pick the old roof off, clean out all the sealant, then seal and spot weld the new roof in, making sure it's all square, then you'll be very lucky if you don't need to paint the top of the sides as well as the roof.

Also windscreen will need to come out, as well as obviously dropping headliner/upper pillar trim and ideally seats etc.

Then you'll need to research the retrofit but it will be a fair amount of trial and error because I doubt anyone has documented the swap before, it could be pretty easy or it could be a nightmare to get the car to recognise and use the roof.

Working with bodyshops it's not something I'd want to tackle without all the proper equipment and experience. Good 3-4 days solid work for a shop with experience picking apart panels and with the requir e spot welder, then a couple more for paint.

[jamesfawcett]

Digging up an old thread here... (I'm the OP)

I've bought a doner E91 with pan roof, collecting it later today.

I'm going to strip it down and work out what's involved. I'm wondering about the drains and where they route down.

I'll post updates here when I find out more!

[Markos ZimZimma]

Originally Posted by jamesfawcett

Digging up an old thread here... (I'm the OP)

I've bought a doner E91 with pan roof, collecting it later today.

I'm going to strip it down and work out what's involved. I'm wondering about the drains and where they route down.

I'll post updates here when I find out more!

Big balls OP! Had a pan roof on my E91 as that was the one option that was non-negotiable, so I understand the desire for one!

Do keep a record of it and keep us updated, will be fascinating to see it come together. Research panroof issues so you can lubricate the right parts, change seals etc as it would seem to be an ideal opportunity to ensure the panroof has years of life in it after going to that much effort. Best of luck!

[E91AZZ]

Originally Posted by jamesfawcett

Digging up an old thread here... (I'm the OP)

I've bought a doner E91 with pan roof, collecting it later today.

I'm going to strip it down and work out what's involved. I'm wondering about the drains and where they route down.

I'll post updates here when I find out more!

I'm here for this OP I actually am in the middle of purchasing a 335D E91 but no sunroof every other spec is spot on but a retrofit would be perfect.