Main roof panel removal
- Thread starter Sgr74
- Start date
Scottish Borders
SV8Predator
Member
Pbondar said:
Maybe he chooses to go to on with this endeavour at this time and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…
Ohio
It would be much cheaper in time and effort to remove the seals on the sides of the front shell and mask off the rest of the car.Sgr74 said:
You'd have to maintain the tension on the mechanism with long zip ties or the specialized BMW tool built for that specific function, heat and remove Loctite glued bolts that should be replaced afterward, ensure that the positioning spacer counts are remembered, and remove the electrical and hydraulic connections from the shell. In reinstalling, you'll have to realign the front shell and adjust for spacing tolerances and correct seating against all adjoining seals.
:thumbsdown:
Christopher72 said:It would be much cheaper in time and effort to remove the seals on the sides of the front shell and mask off the rest of the car.Sgr74 said:
You'd have to maintain the tension on the mechanism with long zip ties or the specialized BMW tool built for that specific function, heat and remove Loctite glued bolts that should be replaced afterward, ensure that the positioning spacer counts are remembered, and remove the electrical and hydraulic connections from the shell. In reinstalling, you'll have to realign the front shell and adjust for spacing tolerances and correct seating against all adjoining seals.
And whatever you do, don't remove both shells at the same time; something about crossing the streams or causing an antimatter reaction.
Removal of front roof shell must only be carried out when the rear roof shell is fitted.
Never remove the front and rear roof shell together.
Microencapsulated screws (Loctite) must be replaced and may not be reused
For your goal, masking off the rest of the car may have some materials cost, but won't take but 15 minutes.
Not straight forward.
You would have to open roof rear shell over.
Dump hydraulic pressure.
Lift the shell back and say rest on small box.
Then remove the cabin ceiling interior.
Then unbolt the roof marking position before removal..not knowing what might happen next.
Would appear there could be packing spacers to note of.
Have look at repair manual under roof.
Perhaps better left in position and touched up.
You would have to open roof rear shell over.
Dump hydraulic pressure.
Lift the shell back and say rest on small box.
Then remove the cabin ceiling interior.
Then unbolt the roof marking position before removal..not knowing what might happen next.
Would appear there could be packing spacers to note of.
Have look at repair manual under roof.
Perhaps better left in position and touched up.
Can't speak for the E89. But I researched doing this on my wifes Mx5 tin top and it was a whole day two man job. Happily I also found out it was a simple job to change the roof motor and gearbox. without removing the panel. Which was what I actually needed to do. 
I would mask it off. Or more likely take it to a paint shop and get a quote. :wink:
I would mask it off. Or more likely take it to a paint shop and get a quote. :wink:
It's a pain in the ar£3 
So as to not break all of the headlining clips (or worse damage the headlining) there is a special tool, 5 10 310
And the process (as above)....
The ones for sale on eBay are quite probably removed from an already removed assembly, like the one I have for sale.
The four main Torx screws are T30 I believe, and these are a major problem to get out when it's in the car!!!
So as to not break all of the headlining clips (or worse damage the headlining) there is a special tool, 5 10 310
And the process (as above)....
The ones for sale on eBay are quite probably removed from an already removed assembly, like the one I have for sale.
The four main Torx screws are T30 I believe, and these are a major problem to get out when it's in the car!!!
I'll refer you back to my original recommendation...
Masking everything but the panel, will be your easiest, cheapest, not breaking anything-ist path....
Masking everything but the panel, will be your easiest, cheapest, not breaking anything-ist path....
I'm amazed it still shines after being shiny side down on gravel!