[wjones14]

What do people prefer and why?

At first I thought it would be a no-brainer to just accept it since it's something for "free," but now I'm rethinking that as I'm getting ready to put my order together. I think the nice thing about it would be that it would brighten up the interior - I'm getting the Coral Red leather - and think the inside would be even more enhanced with the extra light coming in from the moonroof.

On the other hand, I've seen some pictures in this forum of cars without the moonroof, and think that looks better from the outside.

Just looking for opinions...

[Kgolf31]

Unless you really plan on trying to make the car as light as possible or need head clearance, don't get a moonroof.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Unless you really plan on trying to make the car as light as possible or need head clearance, don't get a moonroof.

I opt for moonroof delete, why?

I never use it, i hate the sun and i have tints for that reason. One less thing to break and have a little bit more headroom...not that Im tall but when Im putting my young one in the back there's the difference but the second row doesnt hae that extra 1-2" so everytime I lift my son up to place him in his seat, his head hits the roof

If you ever want a roof wrap, its a cleaner look. 30-45 lbs lighter, not that I can feel the diff, but if you add this along with non rft tires, that can add up to 100lbs

[hans007]

i think if i were buying a m235i (or a 335 or 4 series etc or any of the cars with standard moonroof), i'd just keep it.

i never use a moonroof, but i am not tall enough for headroom to be a factor. plus its a feature someone will probably want if you sell the car.

i suppose my dad's X3 eventually the moonroof's seals dried out after 7-8 years and had to be replaced since it started squeaking a bit.

but yeah... just keep it its a feature you paid for. though i wish bmw would just let you spec the car without it and give you back some of the money (228/320/328 it costs you an extra $1000) as i have 0 use for a moonroof

[khaug]

I'm a sunroof fan. Our last car didn't have one and I really missed it.

You should consider that the absence of a sunroof will probably restrict the market (and price) for your car when it comes time to sell/trade it.

-K.

[krhodes1]

It irritates the ever loving heck out of me that I cannot get a 228i with the Premium Package amenities without a sunroof. I am tall, and hugely long waisted. I barely fit with the roof, and wearing a helmet for autocross is right out of the question. So BMW will lose the $4K that I would have spent on the Premium Package because of this inflexibility.

I just don't know what the heck they are thinking these days - they are getting as bad as the Japanese with the stupid option bundling. Even back in '11 I was able to order my 328i wagon pretty much exactly the way I wanted it. But I cannot order a 228i that way, I will have to compromise. And having to compromise when spending $40K+ is not my idea of a good time.

[hoppy6698]

Like krhodes1, I had mine deleted for potential autocross helmet clearance. Plus, my last Audi had a sunroof - I think I used it 5 times in 5 years. In the meantime, it took up space, made detailing the roof much more difficult (waxes can stain the rubber surrounds), and controls occupied wasted space on the roof.

Some claim that deleting it may have an impact on resale, but that cannot be proven. Plus, drivers may want M235s later w/o moonroof for increased reliability, less weight, and less likelihood of any additional water/sun damage to the interior.

I don't regret my sunroof delete after sitting in the back of a 2 series with the moonroof. The interior roofline is much cleaner in my opinion.

[The Ching]

Yeah keep the moonroof, and you're a 100% right about the Coral Red interior being enhanced by the extra light. Worst case scenario just don't open it if you don't feel like it. Having the option of not wanting to open the roof is a plus.

[WWM3]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Unless you really plan on trying to make the car as light as possible or need head clearance, don't get a moonroof.

Aren't those the benefits of deleting it ? Shouldn't you say "unless you are trying to make the car lighter, don't delete the moonroof"?

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by slipp3ryching

Yeah keep the moonroof, and you're a 100% right about the Coral Red interior being enhanced by the extra light. Worst case scenario just don't open it if you don't feel like it. Having the option of not wanting to open the roof is a plus.

Agree. I love how it brightens everything up. Option to close shade. If wax stains the trim youre using the wrong wax. Its tinted so there will be no sun damage. I've had a sunroof in 8 different cars and never had a malfunction. Will probably help with resale. I think original delete option was considering helmet room. I wouldnt get a car without a sunroof...but I'm short.

[akuan99]

I always had moonroofs on my previous cars and the only times I used them were when working on the inside car in the garage to get more light and ventilation.
There is one other advantage of no having moonroof in places with hot climate is that the car stays cooler inside.

[W///]

I'm all for monroof deletes.
- Never use it
- More things to go wrong (electrical and water leaks)
- More weight
- Most of the time, it's not a free option.

It drives me even crazier on the M3's when CF roof is offered at a NO COST option, and people would opt for sunroofs. When that is the case, I'll skip the car completely when I'm buying used

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by W///

I'm all for monroof deletes.
- Never use it
- More things to go wrong (electrical and water leaks)
- More weight
- Most of the time, it's not a free option.

It drives me even crazier on the M3's when CF roof is offered at a NO COST option, and people would opt for sunroofs. When that is the case, I'll skip the car completely when I'm buying used

Lol same here, moonroof over CF roof is just nuts
If you want some sun, go to the beach

[hans007]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Lol same here, moonroof over CF roof is just nuts
If you want some sun, go to the beach

that makes me cry every time i've seen them at the dealer.


personally when i see an e92 m3 or f82 hard top convertible even more, i just cry a little bit more, since it seems totally at odds with what the m3 is (500lbs heavier!)

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by hans007

that makes me cry every time i've seen them at the dealer.


personally when i see an e92 m3 or f82 hard top convertible even more, i just cry a little bit more, since it seems totally at odds with what the m3 is (500lbs heavier!)

The convertibles don't really get in the way of coupe production, so it's not a big deal. But to see someone get a coupe M car and then add a moonroof to it.... that messes with me and I'm not even an M snob. I feel like if anything, get the convertible if you need more light in your M car, but please don't mess with the CF roof. It makes you look like an idiot.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

The convertibles don't really get in the way of coupe production, so it's not a big deal. But to see someone get a coupe M car and then add a moonroof to it.... that messes with me and I'm not even an M snob. I feel like if anything, get the convertible if you need more light in your M car, but please don't mess with the CF roof. It makes you look like an idiot.

Convertible over a sunroof??? Are you allowed to get Nav, heated seats and wheel in M car?

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by 335BOY

Convertible over a sunroof??? Are you allowed to get Nav, heated seats and wheel in M car?

I wouldn't get a convertible or sunroof on an M car. My point is you'd be an idiot to pick up a new M3 or M4 coupe and check the box for a moonroof because you want a little more light in the cabin. If you want light, roll down the windows or buy a convertible, but ruining a beautiful CF roof just to get a panel of glass added to it...

[NY10]

It's all about preference I love the moon roof and when the weather is nice it's always open. But now that winter is here it's closed and so is the visor part

[tke743]

I'm in the delete it group. My M325i is on the slow boat from Germany right now. At just over 6 foot, with a long torso, it was needed for the autoX helmet clearance. As to the use of the moonroof. I've never used it in my current or previous cars so it is just weight, a moving part, and an annoyance to me. I also like the smooth top look.

[bladeomatic]

-IF headroom & helmets are going to be a factor, then delete.

-If you're going to race the car, then get it gone as well.

-If you're scouring a daily driver for that small of a weight reduction, then also look at losing any physical weight you're carrying around your midsection. You'll live longer and your car may be 1/2 second faster to the market. Also get rid of the rear seat, floor mats, all 12 speakers, the nav system, empty out all the crap in your trunk, buy lighter weight alloys, lighter exhaust, remove all door/panel insulation, etc. Or just buy a Lotus.

-If you also live in an area where it's impractical due to weather (Siberia, etc.), then delete.

Otherwise, few things (other than lowering a convertible roof) can change the personality of the driving experience as significantly and quickly, IMO. And a moonroof car handles much better, requires less maintenance and has more usable storage than a convertible.

Moonroof's are great for:
-Summer nights driving around through the mountains and seeing the stars.
-Spring time blasting through meadows in the foothills with the real sound of your exhaust coming through the roof.
-Autumn seeing the fall colors through the roof of the car as you blast down a country road.

I also gotta say that in the city, driving a lower car like the 2 series, it can sometimes come in handy as you look for addresses on tall buildings or try to make eye contact with an 18-wheeler that you're trying to pass.

As others have said, you can roll down the windows, but that can often be cold or too windy for the wife's hair. In autumn, I LOVE keeping the windows up, the seat heaters maxed, a gentle feet/face heat on, and the moonroof open on a balmy afternoon. You still feel connected to the outside, but can stay warm and toasty and less blown about.

FWIW…in 10 years with 5 different moonroof cars (Honda, Toyota, Lexus, BMW), I've never had any leaks, repairs, etc. I'm sure others have, but just not me yet (knock on wood).

Anyways, do what make sense for you. The die hards and track folks here are all going to say kill the moonroof. If that's your intention for the car, then do that. But if you like the experience of driving more open sometimes, then keep and enjoy it.

Good luck!

[Lucky13]

Its funny how some people on here don't even know it has a shade to keep the sun out if you don't want the sun. I'm almost 6'3" and it doesn't restrict anything. It definitely brightens up the interior or use the shade and keep it dark. I use the tilt feature a lot to get more air in the car. I can't imagine not having a modern car without a sunroof. Back in the 70's and 80's companies made a living installing sun roofs in cars so to not have it to save 20 lbs is crazy.

[bluemeanie]

Let's face it. M-cars for most purchasers are a boutique item like a Rolex or a Louis Vuitton handbag. If you want drivers aids or a moon roof, heck it preserves the resale value, so go for it! Most BMW's are not sold as track worthy cars. But some are. In that case scratch the moon roof.