E30 Zone

Hi,
i have an 88 325i. I have noticed some rust on the roof in the rear corners of the sunroof (sunroof is rust free). It is the corners of the actual roof where the sunroof meets the roof. I'm looking for some direction as what to do. I have thought about replacing the roof panel. As far as i am aware BMW discontinued production in 2013. My other theory would be to use a doner car and cut the roof and and fit it to my car. Has anyone had any experience with this so as to give me some better knowledge and direction. The car other than that is in pretty good condition which is why i'm loathed to give up on the car.

Is it really so bad that the whole roof panel must be replaced? Can you not just deal with the rust on the existing panel? Your comment "I have noticed some rust" certainly makes it sound as though it is not too severe, although I appreciate that where you live may be a rather demanding environment for rust.

Ratch replaced the roof panel on his 318is many years ago and I'm sure it was documented on here in the members section. His original username was Royalratch but he had a variety of aliases over the years.

I think this was the thread but at 20+ pages I can't be bothered to look through it!

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=143472

Thanks for that. Although i'm pretty sure they've stopped production i think i'll enquire about anyway. The option of working with what i have is there, but as Royalratch stated the worry of warping after welding/chopping etc..

if you could post a picture of the roof then you might be able to get a more clear answer.

pictures are a must here...if its bad then repairs can be involved and costly.

I know when i was looking to buy an E30. if it had a rusty roof , i would walk away. because of the cost involved its suppose to be terminal. but saying that , cut it out and get new metal welded in, i think in saw some sunroof delete thingy. don,t know if that would help ?


then your be able to asset the corrosion better, dog is annoying.

I have a few pics, not great but i think you'd get the idea. My only issue is i'm unsure how to upload them