Firstfives.org

I just received my last '80 528i from CA. I hope to complete a motronic upgrade with a non-cat euro 3.5, redo the interior, add euro bumpers etc. I would also like to remove the sunroof and have it welded shut. Has anyone done this? Once I take the sunroof out and remove the motor and cables, can I raise the interior ceiling to that of a non-sunroof car or is that a whole lot of trouble? TIA.

What's your definition of a whole lot of trouble ?

Sounds like your goal is a very unique, personal car. One off, none like it, so collecting opinions,...is just collecting opinions.

Money is no concern, or resale, correct ? Just fun. Haul off, rip out the headliner, sunroof parts, weld in the roof patch, bondo, paint, install new custom headliner, done.

Trouble is relative <gr> All 5 of my previous e12s were driven until their rust issues became too great and were put down. I don't see this one being any different, although as an AZ/CA car it should last longer. Resale is not a concern, but funds are somewhat limited. I don't use the sunroof and consider it a noise and water issue so I'd like to get rid of it.

Check Grip Greg's recent post, question on adjustment. For what it's worth, closed, mine ( 4 over time) have never made noise to notice. Open, it's about how open it is, with or without a wind deflector.

Properly adjusted, open drains, new gasket they don't leak. To me way faster, easier, cheaper x 10 than custom replacing a headliner, trying to weld in the space between the panel and the roof without buckling, extensive filler, painting.

Final unsolicited opinion, open with the greenhouse glass all around almost a convertible. Closed, somebody has to look close or down on it from a bridge to notice it's not a pure hard top.

Anything can be done...

However removing the sunroof wouldn't be easy at all. I suppose if gutting the interior to remove and weld up the sunroof isn't over the top for you the next step of removing the welded in support for the sunroof wouldn't be too much added work, but wow, that's an awful lot of work just to eliminate it and gain a little more headroom. As an indication of how intergal it is, the factory manual talks about a different roof just for the early and late sunroofs, due to the difference between the slide back and the lift or slide mechanisms.

Sometimes I think a little small knowing how often big projects tend to get stalled, but if you really don't want the sunroof I think it might be more pragmatic to just caulk it shut, pull the plug to the motor and be done with it.

Good thoughts all. I guess I'll keep the sunroof around for a bit, there are lot's of other things to do first.

...tom