135i Sunroof Exploded

[ShocknAwe]

No better excuse to replace with a CF plug!

[Lester]

I'm not sure why the link didn't work. If you google search "NHTSA sunroof explosion" you will probably find it, and other similar stories. Tesla has had a few do the same thing.

Consumer Reports has done a comprehensive overview here:

Exploding Sunroofs: Danger Overhead

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...rhead/#protect

I like the idea of a CF plug, probably what I would do if I had the option on my 135i.

[Olgeezer1]

I'm wondering about heat buildup on a hot day between the glass and a closed sliding shade. Since I've heard of this I always leave the slide open an inch or so just so you don't get that pressure buildup. Since the OP's glass bulged upwards, superheated air trapped between glass and slider looks like the culprit.

[Security_IE]

Originally Posted by Olgeezer1

I'm wondering about heat buildup on a hot day between the glass and a closed sliding shade. Since I've heard of this I always leave the slide open an inch or so just so you don't get that pressure buildup. Since the OP's glass bulged upwards, superheated air trapped between glass and slider looks like the culprit.

This did not happen on a hot day. It was a cool October morning in the 60's and raining (fun turning around to drive back home at that point). I assume the glass bulged out because of the low pressure zone created above the car when compared to inside the cabin, similar to an airplane wing creating lift with faster moving air above.

Luckily, the replacement was easy. As mentioned in a previous post, I was able to source a sunroof and track assembly from a local recycler and swapped in the new glass panel. I believe it was only the four bolts and took less time than cleaning up all the glass fragments.

The replacement glass was covered with tint before installing and the car is parked outside in the sun. 3+ years later and all is still good.