How to install a Sunroof on an X5 with no Sunroof..???

fullmetaljacket · #1 07-11-2010, 07:58 AM

I have a 2003 3.0 Diesel X5. It's the basic model with NO sunroof/moonroof installed on it.

Considering that labor/cost for installing a sunroof will be cheap and shipping the the sunroof part (pls see above picture - This came off from a 3.0i, 4.4i or 4.6i American version) will also be affordable, will it be possible to install this on my X5? Are there special crucial things I have to consider in doing this project?

I was thinking more of the difficulty of constructing a rain drainage system (or did the sunroof assembly comes with that?) or bolts and nuts that are non existent on my roof to be able to bolt on the assembly. I have not taken down the ceiling upholstery yet and therefore I do not know what to expect. Would anyone who has had a similar experience of exposing the ceiling have any ideas at all on whether this is possible or not?

Any information will definitely be appreciated.

(Oh by the way, a friend once told me just to upgrade to an X5 with a sunroof but unfortunately I cannot for sentimental reasons and not to mention it's difficult (nearly impossible) to look for an X5 diesel model with all options on it.)

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Silver X iS · #2 07-11-2010, 09:16 AM

Sorry fullmetaljacket, but there is NO physical way to bolt a factory sunroof to a non factory stamped and reinforced roof panel. Your vehicle is missing the proper reinforcement and side appartures that a factory equipped sunroof vehicle has, I know this because i work for one of the major supplier companies that manufacture sunroofs for the OEM market. The only way to accomplish this task is to purchase an aftermarket sunroof that has all the required parts needed and still its not a DIY project unless you have done this type of install before. There is a lot to be done to avoid leakage and functional issues, its not as easy as cutting a hole in the roof and plugging it with a sunroof module.

fullmetaljacket · #3 07-11-2010, 09:27 AM

Thanks for this Silver X! This is very much appreciated. You have saved me from purchasing an assembly from ebay. What I need to probably do is to wait for a junk or totalled X5 in the junk yard (in America) and just saw off the whole roof starting from the middle of the 6 major posts - do the same to mine and weld them together. This has been done in a shop I know but on a Mitsubishi EVO. Since the EVO did not come out of the factory with a sunroof, they got a Lancer (a commercial non-rally version) and exchanged the whole roofs of both. Anyway, sounds far fetched but I'm sure someone out there will understand sentimental reasons coupled with affordability of labor and creativity :-) Thanks again!

nom3rcy · #4 07-11-2010, 09:41 AM

Sorry but what you are describing is an absolute horrible idea and would kill the resale value of your X. If you need a sunroof THAT badly trade for another X5

fullmetaljacket · #5 07-11-2010, 09:51 AM

Thanks I appreciate the response and yes, you are absolutely right nom3rcy! That would be true if ever I will even think about selling this particular X5. It will also be unimaginably expensive to ship the whole roof from either EU or US to Asia! However, as I mentioned there is a 'sentimental' reason for keeping this X. Don't worry guys, this X will not be out in the market :-)