Sunroof conversion?

[bkbimmer]

I have a '75 e12 that has a single operational crank sunroof and I would really like to convert it over to the later dual operational that still has the crank.

My question is, do the later sunroof mechanisms bolt into place or is there more mork involved.

Any info would be greatly apreciated!

Brent

[Mike W.]

From what my big blue BMW book tells me, it's the roof, not just a bolt on. I think at best you would be grinding off the old one and glueing on the new one. The frame attached to the roof under the headliner that is. I'm not even sure the panel is the same size.

In other words, a longwinded no.

[bkbimmer]

If that is the case, I'll leave it alone!!!

Thanks

Brent

[alotawatts]

I would love to have a manual / crank version. Electrics are always finicky sooner or later.

[Peter Florance]

On a related note, was any US E12 ever offered without a sunroof?

My autocross car would love to lose the weight of a sunroof, but it must have been offered in the US line for me to legally do it in Street Prepared.

[bigperm206]

My 1979 US 528i doesn't have a sunroof.

[Mike W.]

I would love to have a manual / crank version. Electrics are always finicky sooner or later.

I'm not sure you couldn't convert one to manual, especially the 80-81 version. I'd try some junkyard work first, but it looks like the manual bits from an E21 would bolt right up in place of the motor assembly. I've never tried it, but from what I've had apart, it looks like it would work.

On a related note, was any US E12 ever offered without a sunroof?

Yes, I too have seen them without sunroofs. Unusual, but they were out there. And US spec.

[Peter Florance]

Thanks Mike and BP; sounds like I might do some cutting next winter

It's a lot of weight to save and it's up high.