Headroom: Sunroof vs Slicktop

[CompleteCustoms]

I will be in the market for a new car within the next year and after reading about the 128i, it sounds like a really fun car and something I would strongly consider. One of the issues for me though is the size. A local dealer had one on their lot that I checked out, but found it didn't have enough headroom for me (I'm 6'5") with the sunroof. Because slicktops are harder to find, I was willing to get one with a sunroof (even though I don't really like them anyway), but now a slicktop is a requirement and I'm still not sure I will fit well. Does anyone know the difference in headroom between the two? Any other tall 1-series owners have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Tyler

[olds350]

subscribed... I have the same headroom issues...

[Horigan]

Did the car you tried have manual or electric seats. I suspect manual seats may be lower.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Horigan

Did the car you tried have manual or electric seats. I suspect manual seats may be lower.

This is correct, but I don't know how much the difference is. Anybody?

[nottatroll]

IIRC no 1 series destined for the US market came without a sunroof.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by nottatroll

IIRC no 1 series destined for the US market came without a sunroof.

Incorrect. A 128i could be optioned without a sunroof.

[rowsdower]

My 128i has no sunroof.

[Esteban]

I found a post where forum member nachob said "manual seats in 1M are about 1 3/8" lower at their lowest point than power seats." This is assuming 1M seats and their positioning are the same as other 1 series models, which I'm pretty sure they are.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...38;postcount=2

[sixburgh]

almost 2" with manual seats and no s/roof.

[zx10guy]

You all must have long torsos. I'm about 6'5" and don't really have too many problems sitting in my 135i with power seats and the sunroof. What I do have problems with and have gotten used to it is the rear view mirror. It's right in my line of sight looking forward.

The only thing I am slightly worried about is if I can sit in my car with a helmet on when I finally get around to doing some autocrossing. It's funny that I've owned the car for 5 years and haven't gotten around to checking my headroom clearance with a helmet.

[JimD]

I'm 6'2" and drive a e88 with manual seats. I do not put the seat all the way down and can still wear a helmet. Of course if I put the top down I have unlimited head room .

The convertible is the most fun and looks the best anyway, I would definitely add it to your list to consider. I am the only driver of my e88 so I saw no advantage of a electrically moved seat.

Sport Seats are more comfortable IMHO. Even with manual seats, the side bolsters are electrically adjusted.

[Soterios]

My father is 6'5" and drove/rode in my 135i (with sunroof) pretty well. I think you'd be alright.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by JimD

“The convertible is the most fun and looks the best anyway, I would definitely add it to your list to consider.”

Looks the best??

I’m 6’2” with a sunroof and power seats, and I’m ok with a helmet.

[chris_flies]

I'm 6'3", and I didn't fit with the sunroof and a helmet. I had to sit at an angle to be within the realm of being comfortable. It was fine without a helmet though.

I did a sunroof delete, and replaced the headliner with an OE slicktop one from the UK. I had far more headroom than before. It's still limited, but I can sit truly comfortably with a helmet now.

I'd say that I gained about an inch of headroom straight above the seat with the delete. I have manual seats, and mine is always in full L O W B O I mode.

[CompleteCustoms]

The one I sat in had power seats, I didn't realize there was a manual seat option. If I had to guess, I'd say I would have needed about another inch of headroom to sit up straight and not have my head hit the headliner; so it sounds like having either manual seat or no sunroof would work, both would be ideal.

As many of you probably noticed I'm new to this site and I would like to say I'm impressed with all the responses and the respect you're giving a noobie; a lot of other forums aren't like that. Thank you.

[rowsdower]

Sunroof delete and manual seats are also fewer electrical things to break. These cars are fairly stout but getting up there in age. I've had sunroofs leak and get stuck open in a rainstorm before... I prefer no sunroof now. My wife had a Subaru with power seats that would sometimes move to the full aft position when the car started - that was fun!

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by CompleteCustoms

As many of you probably noticed I'm new to this site and I would like to say I'm impressed with all the responses and the respect you're giving a noobie; a lot of other forums aren't like that. Thank you.

That's how we roll here at 1ADDICTS...

[duder13]

I know it adds some weight to the top, but I’d rather have manual seats than no sunroof, if more room is needed. My sunroof is nearly always open when it isn’t raining.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by duder13

I know it adds some weight to the top, but I’d rather have manual seats than no sunroof, if more room is needed. My sunroof is nearly always open when it isn’t raining.

I'm just the opposite. I've opened mine maybe twice since ownership and that was years ago. Guess I like the dark, spooky atmosphere of my all black interior. lol

Will have to try it sometime soon to make sure it still works.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by Esteban

I'm just the opposite. I've opened mine maybe twice since ownership and that was years ago. Guess I like the dark, spooky atmosphere of my all black interior. lol

Will have to try it sometime soon to make sure it still works.

Yeah, my interior is black, too, but I live in Portland, so I like getting some light in there. Plus, I like hearing the car more with the moonroof open.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by duder13

Plus, I like hearing the car more with the moonroof open.

For me, that's what the windows are for.

PS - wish I had a slicktop.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by Esteban

For me, that's what the windows are for.

PS - wish I had a slicktop.

Yeah, but way less turbulence, although I often drive with all of it open. 911s have a sunroof, and it was one of the things I missed most when I bought a Cayman after owning a 911. I love having a little open air above me to see the beautiful Northwest trees without needing a soft top. I’m not sure I’d buy another car without one, unless it was a full on race car.