Glass sunroofs have always been a feature in luxury cars, and with the rise in larger sedans and SUVs, panoramic roofs have become more popular than ever. On modern luxury cars, including recent BMW models, a new style has been introduced – the panoramic moonroof.
Unlike a traditional sunroof, a panoramic moonroof is a glass panel (or panels) that replace the entire roof. These can open, although it’s usually just the front part that can move. Moonroofs are often made with opaque material to block some sunlight and prevent the interior from getting too warm.
On some high-end BMW models, you also get access to the BMW ‘Sky Lounge’ an LED system built into the moonroof. For more information on the Sky Lounge, check out our article here to show you exactly how it works.
So is the panoramic moonroof available on all BMW models? Unfortunately not, due to the spec levels and also the design of each car, some models don’t have the panoramic moonroof as an option. In this article, we’ll show you which models have a panoramic roof as standard and how much it costs to add a panoramic moonroof to other models.
Let’s get started!
How do you access the Panoramic Moonroof in your BMW?
The panoramic moonroof is operated on most BMW models from the control panel above your rearview mirror, built into the vehicle’s roof. Using these controls, you can open and close the sun shade and also open and close the front part of the glass roof.
BMW models with a Panoramic Moonroof as standard
Most BMW SUV models and a handful of their high-spec cars have panoramic moonroofs. These are based on a two-panel design, with a glass roof for the front and rear sections.
The models listed below have a panoramic moonroof as standard, with no additional cost to add this feature. On some models, such as the X7 and 7 Series, you can also add Sky Lounge to your moonroof as part of an options package.
Adding a panoramic moonroof will remove certain features from your BMW. For example, on the M cars, you can no longer select the carbon fiber roof option if you choose to add the panoramic moonroof.
- X5 40i
- X5 50e
- X5 M60i
- X5 M
- X6 40i
- X6 M60i
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- 740i
- 760i
- 750e
- i7 e50
- i7 x60
- i7 M70
- 840i Gran Coupe
- M850i Gran Coupe
- M8 Gran Coupe
- iX 50
- iX M60
BMW models with a Panoramic Moonroof as an optional extra
You can add a panoramic moonroof on a handful of entry-level SUVs from BMW. This is either a standalone feature on the X3 models or part of the convenience pack on the BMW X1.
- X1 28i – $1,950 (part of the Convenience package)
- X1 35i – $1,350
- X3 30i – $1,350
- X3 M40i 0 $1,350
- X3 M – $1,350
BMW Models with a standard Moonroof
On some models, where the car design doesn’t allow a fully panoramic moonroof, you still have the option for a more traditional sunroof. This is available on most BMW sedan models as a standard feature at no additional cost. The sunroof is a single glass piece over the front section of the roof, which can still be controlled and opened.
Like the panoramic moonroof, there are a handful of lower-spec models where you can add a sunroof as an optional extra. The costs and models are listed below:
- 230i Coupe – $1,500 (part of the Convenience package)
- 228i Gran Coupe – $1,350
- M235i Gran Coupe – $1,350
- 330i – standard feature
- 330e – standard feature
- M340i – standard feature
- M3 – standard feature
- 430i Coupe – standard feature
- M440i Coupe – standard feature
- M4 Coupe – standard feature
- 430i Gran Coupe – standard feature
- M440 Gran Coupe – standard feature
- 530i – standard feature
- 840i Coupe – standard feature
- M850i Coupe – standard feature
- M8 Coupe – standard feature
- i4 e35 – standard feature
- i4 e40 – standard feature
- i4 M50 – standard feature
- i5 e40 – standard feature
- i5 M60 – standard feature
BMW models without the option for a Moonroof
There are a few BMW models with no option for any form of moonroof or sunroof available. These are mostly down to roof design or because they are convertible models:
- M240i Coupe
- M2 Coupe
- 430i Convertible
- M440i Convertible
- M4 Convertible
- 840i Coupe
- M850i Coupe
- M8 Coupe
- 840i Convertible
- M850i Convertible
- M8 Convertible
- Z4 30i
- Z4 M40i
- XM
Is the Panoramic Moonroof worth it?
For us, the panoramic moonroof is a great addition if you have regular passengers in the car. The rear glass roof is great if you have kids and makes the whole interior much more spacious on longer journeys. It’s great at night, too, if you’re driving in rural areas.
There are downsides, though. The main issue with adding a panoramic moonroof to your BMW is the reduced headroom. This won’t be a major issue for most owners in the larger SUV models, such as the X5 or X7. However, taller drivers will notice the reduced headroom in the 5 series and some of the smaller SUVs.
Overall, the panoramic moonroof won’t transform your BMW experience. Still, if you’re expecting to be taking regular trips with a full set of passengers, they will definitely appreciate the extra light and the views.
How to clean your BMW moonroof
If you have a moonroof in your current car, or you’re looking to add this as a feature on your next BMW, keeping it clean isn’t always easy. Closed or open your Moonroof can pick up dirt and fingerprints, and the effects of the weather. So how do you keep it in the best condition?
The best method is to use a glass cleaner regularly to keep your moonroof clear. There are loads of options out there, but a few of our favorites include:
-
Buy Now$14.99 ($0.94 / Fl Oz)We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 07:14 am GMT -
Buy Now$14.98 ($0.31 / Ounce)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 05:38 am GMT -
Buy Now$4.67 ($0.16 / Count)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 05:41 am GMT
Are there other good optional extras for your BMW?
If you’re looking at the heated steering wheel and want to know if there are any other features you should consider on your next BMW, here are a few of my favorites:
- Ventilated Seats – Everyone has heated seats in their cars these days, but in warmer climates, you need a cooling option. BMW doesn’t offer ventilated seats on every model, but my article covers every vehicle with this feature
- Luxury Seating – If you want the very best comfort, you need this pack for your BMW. It’s expensive, but the best seat materials are only found here.
- Harman Kardon Soundsystem – If you’re like me and drive everywhere with Spotify or the radio, you need a good sound system. In most of their models, BMW offers an upgrade to the HK system, and you can find out the cost here.
If you liked this article and want to find out more about the options from BMW and other manufacturers, check out the links below:
BMW Climate Comfort Package Explained
Which BMW Models Have Massage Seats?
