The 6er Moonroof Thread

[Nevervana]

Im not going to bother with terminology here, as even Wikipedia is clear as mud on which type of "roof" qualifies as "sun" versus "moon".

Id say a large percentage of us were disappointed when we found out that the damn beautiful huge thing doesn't even slide open.

And we all already know why (for newbies: there isnt sufficient storage space behind the glass, to house the glass).

However I have seen examples of a raising and folding "moonroof" for situations like this. Two possible types:

1) The extensive glass section slides back and folds over onto itself in a slightly bulky under-hood compartment inside the vehicle.
2) The extensive glass section slides back and folds over onto itself on top of the vehicle.

But just how much would it cost us to have a fully opening and motorized moonroof?

I had the brilliant idea of calling none other than "West Coast Customs" from the infamous "Pimp My Ride" on MTV.

You know, the idiots who can barely speak a sentence in proper English (vs ebonics) and know literally everything there is to know about modding any car? The guys who can build a wetbar in your drunk if you want them to? The guys who's motto is that anything can be done, no limits?

I called them.

I posed my question. The first fellow had no clue and immediately transferred me to one of the head honchos.

Head honcho didn't know what a 650 was. He asked me if it was the "old model" bmw. I had to explain to him 7 times (not kidding) in 7 different ways, using 80% identical words each time, what I meant. Still, he asked me if I was "talking about the hood of the car or what?"

When I finally got through his head that BMW makes a car model 650, and what I wanted a price on, he just threw out there: $6,000.

I consider this number to be as reliable as this guys knowledge of Cars.

I would like to know, just for sh*ts and giggles, how much it would cost if one were to convert the moonroof to fully opening, and motorized.

Does anyone have any suggestions on who I could call?

-N-

You wouldn't like the result unless you're short (as well as bald). The interior roofline would have to be dropped at least 4 inches to accomodate a sliding hatch. Worse, however, the hatch would have to be in two parts with one ducking under the other (a la the 3er 'vert roof) and making it weather proof would be neigh on impossible. Because the rear part of the roof of the E63 is so short, it's still problematic where to put the pieces. They'd be a lot smaller than the current opening. (In contrast, the sunroof on the 535xiT is humongous, and opens completely. but there's a place where it all can go.)

There are a few of alternatives, only one of which is foolproof and comes with a full BMW warranty.

1. Targa top. Not very elegant. Cumbersome.

2. Removable hatch. Not very elegant. Cumbersome.

3. E64. Elegant. With a fully functional, weather proof very very large sun/moon roof.

I'd stick to improving the Bangle butt. (The "crease" lines on the "improvement," by the way, don't seem to match up the way they do on Bangle's masterpiece. From the photos it looks very clumsy. I'm sure that in the bondo it's much nicer. Where'd the antennae go?)

[Richard in NC]

You wouldn't like the result unless you're short (as well as bald). The interior roofline would have to be dropped at least 4 inches to accomodate a sliding hatch. Worse, however, the hatch would have to be in two parts with one ducking under the other (a la the 3er 'vert roof) and making it weather proof would be neigh on impossible. Because the rear part of the roof of the E63 is so short, it's still problematic where to put the pieces. They'd be a lot smaller than the current opening. (In contrast, the sunroof on the 535xiT is humongous, and opens completely. but there's a place where it all can go.)

There are a few of alternatives, only one of which is foolproof and comes with a full BMW warranty.

1. Targa top. Not very elegant. Cumbersome.

2. Removable hatch. Not very elegant. Cumbersome.

3. E64. Elegant. With a fully functional, weather proof very very large sun/moon roof.

I'd stick to improving the Bangle butt. (The "crease" lines on the "improvement," by the way, don't seem to match up the way they do on Bangle's masterpiece. From the photos it looks very clumsy. I'm sure that in the bondo it's much nicer. Where'd the antennae go?)

Or #4. Design the moon roof (I call it that because its tinted) to slide open over the roof of the car. The '95 Mitsubishi 3000GT sun roof did that. It wasn't as large as the 650i roof but I bet it could be made to work.

[BHR4CE1]

Looks like you will need to legnthen your 6...maybe something like this?

http://images.motortrend.com/features/consumer/112_0408_moonroof01_z.jpg


This is a nice moon roof

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/auto_shows/paris_2004/6701898/0411_paris_01+2005_porsche_cayenne_panorama+moonro of_interior_view.jpg


But I prefer this type

http://feies.com/bmwblog/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/WindowsLiveWriter/Pics2007BMW6Series_3064/P0024685%5B4%5D.jpg

[Nevervana]

My response to Mal - have you been in the BMW SUV yet? Nearly the entire top of it is retractable glass.

Very similar in design to the 2nd photo from BHCRE above this post.

I sat there and watched practically the entire top open up and disappear back into nothingness.

That glass area is twice as big as the 6ers and has about the same storage space behind it, so this can be done.

Im just wondering who does this kind of modding work?

If I keep this car rather than turn it in at end of lease, which its looking like, because I prefer this body style, I plan to mod the hell out of this vehicle.

I pulled up next to a BMW yesterday who had a movie playing "full screen" on his in dash display. He was sitting there laughing, and I could see in full color brilliance, whatever it was he was watching. I want that too ...

-N-

[Gman]

Looks like you will need to legnthen your 6...maybe something like this?

But I prefer this type

http://feies.com/bmwblog/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/WindowsLiveWriter/Pics2007BMW6Series_3064/P0024685%5B4%5D.jpg

:stupid: :mrgreen:

:greenlaff: and :scared: .

Nevervana, I can see you really want one of those folding glasses for our E63 coupe. But as you said,

... that shop the idiots who can barely speak a sentence in proper English (vs ebonics) and know literally everything there is to know about modding any car? The guys who can build a wetbar in your drunk if you want them to? The guys who's motto is that anything can be done, no limits?

why on Earth (or planet Uranus) would you trust them to lay their hands on our E63?

[nealh]

:greenlaff: and :scared: .

Nevervana, I can see you really want one of those folding glasses for our E63 coupe. But as you said,

... that shop the idiots who can barely speak a sentence in proper English (vs ebonics) and know literally everything there is to know about modding any car? The guys who can build a wetbar in your drunk if you want them to? The guys who's motto is that anything can be done, no limits?

why on Earth (or planet Uranus) would you trust them to lay their hands on our E63?
You ever watch their show..OMG, they can redo a car from top to bottom and they look amazing..they may not be literate but when they set their mind to a problem their solution is amazing

I wonder if a 2 piece glasss top that retracts on top of self in 2 smaller panel ...with overall smaller opening...would seem very complex and not worth it

The "moonroof" was a big reason I went with a convertible..I do like the "sunroof " in my E39 but sometimes it was not enough air..so I figured the coupes opening would be worthless

[Nevervana]

Lets get this thread back on topic:

Anyone know of any car modding shops in Southern California for custom mods?

(or arizona, or vegas)

-N-

[nealh]

Lets get this thread back on topic:

Anyone know of any car modding shops in Southern California for custom mods?

(or arizona, or vegas)

-N-
can you drive over to West Coast Customs and let them look at the car???

[AusBmw]

I've herd reports of moon roofs developing small cracks,during cooling an expanding the cracks grow,then due the pressures involved it can explode :scared:

Just look what Google brings up

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=ic7&q=moon+roof+exploding&btnG=Search&meta=

[Nevervana]

can you drive over to West Coast Customs and let them look at the car???
Yeah I suppose I could do that. Its about 2 hours out of the way, but might as well. I just want a ballpark figure on this. I know every single one of us would want that thing to open if we could have it do so ... Except you weirdos who are like my step father who have an opening sunroof/moonroof and not only keep it shut, but keep the shade drawn 100% of the time as well.

-N-

can you drive over to West Coast Customs and let them look at the car???
Yeah I suppose I could do that. Its about 2 hours out of the way, but might as well. I just want a ballpark figure on this. I know every single one of us would want that thing to open if we could have it do so ... Except you weirdos who are like my step father who have an opening sunroof/moonroof and not only keep it shut, but keep the shade drawn 100% of the time as well.

-N-
So if you get the "improved" trunk lid* will you keep the World Famous license plate frames?




* :hurl:

[nealh]

can you drive over to West Coast Customs and let them look at the car???
Yeah I suppose I could do that. Its about 2 hours out of the way, but might as well. I just want a ballpark figure on this. I know every single one of us would want that thing to open if we could have it do so ... Except you weirdos who are like my step father who have an opening sunroof/moonroof and not only keep it shut, but keep the shade drawn 100% of the time as well.

-N-
That way they can look at it and give a real estimate of what can be done and cost

[Nevervana]

You guys are lucky I love you.

I will be in SoCal again on Friday. I will have an answer for you all by midweek after that.

-N-