convert aftermarket sunroof to slicktop?
 

The 96 M-Sport I just acquired has an unfortunate aftermarket glass tilting sunroof installed. Worse yet, the p/o says not to open it, or it won't close back. It produces a lot of wind noise on the highway, too. Fortunately it does not leak, however.

Has anyone here done a slicktop conversion? How involved is it?

I know I'll ultimately need a new headliner ... Will I need an actual slicktop roof from a parts car, or do you think a body shop would be able to match the curve of the car's roof with fresh sheet metal?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

The ti shares the same sunroof shape as all the other E36s. Search E36 sunroof delete, there should be plenty of threads. People sell delete panels on ebay, you could probably paint one to match the car, install it and then swap headliners.

Thanks for the reply. My only concern is since my sunroof isn't OEM, that the hole left behind won't be the same size as it would be if I were deleting an OEM sunroof. I'll take a look on ebay for the delete panels so I have a better idea of what I'm in for.

Ahh, jeez missed that part. Hmm, well if you get an idea of a standard e36 sunroof delete you might be able to get a custom delete panel made for your car.

Does the manufacturer of your sunroof still exist? Maybe you'd could get parts for it?

I had a s2rtuning carbon fiber delete in my 318is, and it was pretty good. Sealing them up without making a mess is kind of a pain, but it fit nearly perfect. Note that for the ti you'll have to get the sedan version of the delete.

It's a little expensive, but i liked it.
http://i.imgur.com/OpMlkmkl.jpg

agmiska - thanks for this post! I had no idea such a part existed. After owning 15 BMWs, I've learned that a sunroof is an unused accessory that just tends to break. I wish all BMWs were only offered with a sunroof as an option. I need to do my headliner anyway, so this would be a perfect opportunity to "upgrade."

The sunroof IS an option. The damn dealers always get them.

I ordered my car and was able to specify no sunroof, to which the dealer said: "$500 of your deposit is non refundable. We don't order BMWs without sunroofs. "

Sort of like Euro clear lights- those are optional too. Unless you specify them you get normal colored lights. "Badge delete" is another option.

sort of - not with the 135i in the US, unfortunately. i searched for several weeks looking for a nice used slicktop 135i only to find out you were absolutely unable to order the car without that option. My brother has a 128i and he was able to order without a sunroof. Apparently you could order the 135i sans sunroof in Europe. Europeans get all the good stuff!

That's interesting. I'm sure it could be ordered from the right dealer since the plain roof panel obviously exists.

The roof is not like lights or bumpers that have differing impact criteria and lighting patterns.