Stunning Squaretail Luxe model

[Charles in PA]

Very nice looking car @CaptainT. Is that sunroof original? 

[CaptainT]

Hi Charles

As far as I know, yes it was, at least she had it when I bought it in 1980 and it was there when I first saw the car a year earlier (a friend had it). I renewed it in 1988.

 

I believe they were delivered to the UK without the sunroof and they were fitted by the main  dealers on arrival.

 

A little bit more information on "Brenda the Bimmer". She has now done 142k. and for the first time in her life is having a little mechanical "refresh". This started two weeks ago when she went in to have the valve guide seals replaced. It was supposed to have been done without taking the head off. For one reason or another, it was decided to take the head off and then, due to the front crank and rear gearbox seals needing replacement, it was easier to take the engine out. The head has now been completed with the original guides being fine and new old type (original) seals being fitted. It is worth noting that, although I have the new type (E30?) guides and seals, they were not required. The new old type seals are now made using the same rubber as the new ones so should last for a good number of years. I hope that makes sense! The valves were re-seated and all ports polished so it's all looking like new.

 

The guy doing the job said he had his best week in years - to once more be working on a "proper" car! I hope he remembers that when he writes out the bill!

 

Cheers

Tony

[mike472]

Was always intrigued by these Lux cars. I remember Joe Chamberlain bringing one to Octoberfest that had a red leather interior with what I think was a Polaris or black exterior. I always had a liking for German corduroy. In fact, I liked it so much I ordered a pair of seats with black leather bolsters with black corduroy center sections. I think it fits with what BMW was doing at the time. These came from classictouringseats.com. I also had the privilege of owning a gray market 1977 728 in Resedagrun that had a completely corduroy and velour interior also in green. 

[Conserv]

18 hours ago, Charles in PA said:

Very nice looking car @CaptainT. Is that sunroof original? 

Most of the soft sliding roofs on ‘02’s were by Webasto — and England seems to have more Webasto roofs than any other locale — but I’ve seen a couple other brands on ‘02’s as well.

 

My recollection is that you took your car to the Webasto dealer for installation rather than having your BMW dealer install it. You’re cutting a big hole in your (often new) roof, so you want someone who has done this before!

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

[Charles in PA]

Thanks Steve.  I saw a Goggomobil a few months back that had a similar type of pull back sunroof.  Had never seen one before that much less on a 2002.  

[Son of Marty]

Unlike many add on sunroofs the Webasto product is a top quality and in my book adds value to the car.

[CaptainT]

An interesting topic. On the UK forum it illicites comments akin to Marmite or Bovril. You either love them or hate them. I have seen some horrific pictures of wooden frames that have gone rotten. I do not believe mine is of that type (at least I hope not!) I have mine open, rain permitting, every time I go out in her. The only time I recall keeping it closed in the dry was on a trip through France en route to Rome in June 1982 - the sun was just too hot on the top of my head! Personally, I would not be without it.

I believe Steve is probably correct in saying the main dealers would farm it out to a specialist. Taking a saw to the brand new roof is not something to toy with!

They also appear to have been popular with Jaguar owners in the 60's. E Types and Mk. 2's in particular.

Cheers

Tony

[martinsmith]

I believe that's a SAFARI sunroof that were only made for a few years in the UK... here's mine....

[7502]

Here's a Webasto roof on a VW model that never came with a sunroof.