Panoramic sunroofs..

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opie

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New car has panoramic sunroof, not an option we wanted but it came on the trim package we wanted. First timer here with one. Do not plan on using or opening it.

Just came across some articles/posts of folks talking about theirs "exploding" without impact.

Anyone heard of or dealt with it? Some said it was due to cabin pressure changes. Or because if the sunshade is left closed it can creat a heat pocket of pressure and it can then explode if pressure has nowhere to go.

Seemslike a crock of crap to me. But im speaking out of ignorance.
 
Well, the sunshade isn't going to hold any pressure. This reminds me of the exploding glass cookware, but I don't really know anything about the sunroofs, although I have heard of it.
 
I've seen numerous crack over time. Maybe the ones that blowout already had a hairline crack but the owner never noticed
 
I have heard of it. I'm in a BMW forum/group on social media. It was an X3 m40 but I'm forgetting the year. I think it is extremely rare overall.

In this same group I can find you the one person who found out the hard way that their X3 was involved in the urgent recall that can result in sudden fires (with photos).

You don't have to believe me based on the above but these X3 m40 models are building a great reputation for reliability.

Sent from my SM-S938U1 using Tapatalk
 
I've got a pano roof too in my car and wanted to tint it, but worry about it shattering from the heat every time I go to the shop I chicken out, lol :/
 
John Cadogan at Auto Expert did a couple of videos on exploding panoramic videos, this one from a few years back goes into some detail about nickel sulfide inclusion which can affect alot of glass products. To get to the technical stuff skip to about the 9 minute mark.

 
Big Dave said:
John Cadogan at Auto Expert did a couple of videos on exploding panoramic videos, this one from a few years back goes into some detail about nickel sulfide inclusion which can affect alot of glass products. To get to the technical stuff skip to about the 9 minute mark.

Click to expand...
I guess its possible that this could be the case, but imo extreme cold mixed with heat (pre-warming) + slamming the door are more likely to be the cause.
As I was saying earlier it's not uncommon to see these roofs cracked. 99.9% of the time the owner never uses the sunroof and are not even aware that the damage is there.
I've gotten to where I won't even mention it because:
A) it brings unnecessary stress to the owner
B) in the back of their mind they may wonder if I caused it

Btw. What in the world did this bloke talk about for that 1st 9 minutes?
I swear some people ramble just to hear themselves talk
 
I've not followed the issue too closely, but I think some of the suspected cases failed for different reasons based on the make/model. I think I've heard of everything from flaws in the glass, chasis flex, to heat from tinting/aftermarket shades all to blame.

I'm not a fan because I don't want the sun beating down on me while driving, even if it is through a screen or heavily tinted glass. If I want fresh air and sunshine, that's what a traditional sunroof is for.
 
Desertnate said:
I've not followed the issue too closely, but I think some of the suspected cases failed for different reasons based on the make/model. I think I've heard of everything from flaws in the glass, chasis flex, to heat from tinting/aftermarket shades all to blame.

I'm not a fan because I don't want the sun beating down on me while driving, even if it is through a screen or heavily tinted glass. If I want fresh air and sunshine, that's what a traditional sunroof is for.
Click to expand...
Every customer I have (except tesla owners) feel the same. It's too damn hot out here to be riding around in a fishbowl
Maybe when the hot glass collides with the ice cold ac the crack developed

If anyone out there wants to buy me a 2026 Taycan I will study this in depth and report back my findings
 
It's been stated, but there are numerous possible causes.
Stress, pressure, flaws....etc.
I don't think it's very common, but it does happen.
Like tailgate glass exploding on some vehicles.

My Ford Edge has the pano-roof and like you, I didn't want it but it was extremely difficult to find one without it.
It's nice that it lets in extra light and feels a bit bigger inside and on warm-ish days, it's nice to open and get some fresh air, but that's about it.
My 2 big gripes is that it's so hot in the summer and it rattles in the winter.
With the sun shade closed, it doesn't really help with temps because the shade just gets baked by the dark tinted glass, especially when parked for a while.
I think the rattles can be fixed with some new slider brackets. Maybe I'll tackle that some time in the future before it gets cold again.
I wish I would have waited to find an Edge without the roof.

I purposely ordered my 14 Explorer without one.
 
Yes, no......I've read about exploding....maybe it's specific conditions.
I've also read about tint....I did 55% on mine......still letting enough heat through, but not -absorbing- and heat soaking the glass to death.
FWIW...
Haven't had any exploding pano roofs to date so YMMV on what you read on the internet...
And I have seen plenty threads on it...the way I figure it as well....is that the sunroof glass is tempered and the tint will add a layer of laminate should it decide to explode as a + , including heat migation.
 
Lots of opinions, but only 1 thing for certain
Panoramic sunroofs are about as popular as the war in Iran
No one wants it
 
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