Question on E36 sunroof delete panel and MSA regs

[TroubledSoul]

Hi folks, just wanted to know if replacing the sunroof assembly in my E36 with a carbon fibre panel that bolts into place would be acceptable and meet MSA regs? It's a metal sunroof so could be kept if needed but I'd rather remove it and save the weight.

I have seen people use metal panels but I really want a nice, clean install.

[andye30m3]

I was going to do this but there a regulation in the series I was looking to run the car in that stated all panels should be of the original material.

I ended up making some small brackets to temporarily hold the original sunroof panel in place and bonded it with some stuff I got from a friends body shop, Then just ran a line of sealer in the gap where the original sunroof would have been, end result looks reasonably neat.

[TroubledSoul]

andye30m3 said:

I was going to do this but there a regulation in the series I was looking to run the car in that stated all panels should be of the original material.

I ended up making some small brackets to temporarily hold the original sunroof panel in place and bonded it with some stuff I got from a friends body shop, Then just ran a line of sealer in the gap where the original sunroof would have been, end result looks reasonably neat.

Yeah this would be an option too if the other method won't fly. Not entirely sure how to best mount the original panel on its own currently. Bit of research needed I think.

[brian394]

TS - The blue book is abit vague on this one. I personally used a fiberglass panel, sealed and bolted in and it passed standards.

I know MSVs track days trophy says that it needs to be an aluminum panel and welded in, but that's a series specific rule.

[TroubledSoul]

Cheers Brian, where did you get yours? I think we'd do the Modern Classics, although it sound like a series you won't be competitive in without engine work....

[TroubledSoul]

Only seem able to find decent fibreglass or carbon plates at the moment....

[TroubledSoul]

Right,just had a read of the Circuit Racing section of the 2016 Blue Book. In it it states:

19.14.6. Glass sunroofs are not permitted.
Sunroofs may be of a non-shattering solid material
other than glass. The sunroof aperture may be closed
by solid material permanently fitted in place.
Exceptionally, vehicles fitted with fabric, folding
type sunroofs are permitted providing that they are
fitted with a full roll cage as in K.1.6.1 or K.1.6.2.
Any sunroof must be firmly secured in the closed
position.

So it looks like one of the CF panels bolted in place is absolutely fine.

I note that in the Rallycross section it specifically states a permanent panel must be of a metallic material, but not in Section Q for the circuit racing regs.

[stevieturbo]

TroubledSoul said:

Right,just had a read of the Circuit Racing section of the 2016 Blue Book. In it it states:

19.14.6. Glass sunroofs are not permitted.
Sunroofs may be of a non-shattering solid material
other than glass. The sunroof aperture may be closed
by solid material permanently fitted in place.
Exceptionally, vehicles fitted with fabric, folding
type sunroofs are permitted providing that they are
fitted with a full roll cage as in K.1.6.1 or K.1.6.2.
Any sunroof must be firmly secured in the closed
position.

So it looks like one of the CF panels bolted in place is absolutely fine.

I note that in the Rallycross section it specifically states a permanent panel must be of a metallic material, but not in Section Q for the circuit racing regs.

Would CF be classed as a non shattering material though ?

Cheap aluminium panel should cover all aspects ?

[Tommo Two]

I've used a thin sheet of aluminium (0.7mm thick) rivited in. Did it ages ago and regret not doing it 'cleaner', oh well, i'm getting the roof wrapped to cover it.

And definatly remove it, its heavy!

[Josh Smith]

I know a chap with a mould for a fibreglass delete panel for the E36 BMW sunroofs. Direct replacement using original locating points. pm me and I can put you in touch if interested.

Cheers,
Josh