Author Topic: Sunroof Headliner (Read 4350 times)

TNM42 · « **on:** December 08, 2010, 01:30:58 AM »

Hey everyone,

I have been searching for a while now for a new sunroof headliner, as the one in my 1991 318is has a gaping hole right in the center. It appears that the one for my car has been discontinued, though.

Does anyone know if one from another car that might still be in production will fit? or any other possible solutions? Should an upholstery shop be able to just recover it, closely matching the rest of the headliner?

Thanks,
Kurt

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2010, 06:53:42 AM »

Every e30 liner from either the power or crank roof will fit, as will sunroof panels. Early or late models too. I've swapped a few out during my little sunroof odyssey recently. Exactly the same part. Unless you have the rare factory glass moonroof, that is. The fabric liner only came in three colors IIRC - tan, grey & black. If you have the tan like I do, it's easy to find a replacement.

TNM42 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2010, 11:20:34 PM »

Thanks for the info, Dave. I do, indeed, have the tan liner.

Do you usually just purchase them used, or have you found a place with some in stock?

YetiX · « **Reply #3 on:** December 10, 2010, 10:34:47 AM »

Quote from: TNM42;99480

Thanks for the info, Dave. I do, indeed, have the tan liner.

Do you usually just purchase them used, or have you found a place with some in stock?

He has spares. See his sig line.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2010, 12:06:26 PM »

Unfortunately I had to tear up my last complete panel when the crank sunroof self-destructed. The lifter block cracked & twisted the cable out of the track. So I have some nice frames, but no complete panels. The sunroof must open at least halfway and re-close to get the panel out intact. It's a very micky-mouse design, not a cassette style sunroof like newer cars.

To resolve my problems I bought a used panel...with an entire '86 325e parts car attached.

That car ended up donating not only the fabric sunroof panel but also two cables, power cable tracks, switch, motor & gearbox, wind deflector & the front roof trim panel. Still works like a charm!

TNM42 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2010, 09:41:04 PM »

That sounds like the way to do it, Dave! Unfortunately, as an apartment dweller I can't have a parts car. However, I am definitely going to be keeping an eye on the part-out threads for a new liner.

Thanks again!

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2010, 07:23:52 AM »

Find a pick-n-pull locally. The e30 is getting to be fairly rare in the yards, I'd look for a Euro/import specialist.