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Thread: Is there an OEM manual sunshade that fits the E31?

  1. #1
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    Is there an OEM manual sunshade that fits the E31?

    I would really love to retrofit the sunshade to my car since it's always parked outside. However, the electric one looks to be a pain to install and it's extraordinarily expensive. I was hoping to find a manual one like the ones offered for the e36 and a few other cars, but I didn't know it those would fit the giant rear window of the e31. I don't mind putting it up and down by hand, and I think it would really be a nice addition. Does anyone have a setup like this?

  2. #2
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    electric one is a snap to install - took me about 15 minutes or so. It is a self-contained unit , all you do is tighten 3 nuts and plug in 3 connectors.
    As for there being a "manual" sunshade, not from BMW - I think those are available at PepBoys and are usually silver fold-out type things...
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by TxGR8White View Post
    electric one is a snap to install - took me about 15 minutes or so. It is a self-contained unit , all you do is tighten 3 nuts and plug in 3 connectors.
    So the switch on the console only goes to the sun blind motor, and the connectors are already there?

    Quote Originally Posted by TxGR8White View Post
    As for there being a "manual" sunshade, not from BMW - I think those are available at PepBoys and are usually silver fold-out type things...
    e36 Roller sun shield: 51 46 8 130 825
    e36 Retrofit kit, sun blind, manual: 51 16 9 410 520

    Other models have these available too.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by olinjohnston1 View Post
    So the switch on the console only goes to the sun blind motor, and the connectors are already there?



    e36 Roller sun shield: 51 46 8 130 825
    e36 Retrofit kit, sun blind, manual: 51 16 9 410 520

    Other models have these available too.

    No manual shade for the E31. If you do get the sunshade, you will need to get the wiring "pigtail" that connects the switch in the console with the plugs next to the rear driver side seat (where the connectors for the shade are already in the wiring harness - it's a white connector, you can't miss it).
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  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by TxGR8White View Post
    No manual shade for the E31. If you do get the sunshade, you will need to get the wiring "pigtail" that connects the switch in the console with the plugs next to the rear driver side seat (where the connectors for the shade are already in the wiring harness - it's a white connector, you can't miss it).
    How nice of them...

    Is there wiring at the rear window for the motor, or does it have to be run from the front?

    Was it expensive to do yours? I was pricing it out, and it looks to be well over $1,000 for the same "benefits" as one of those silver things from Pep Boys you had mentioned. I am willing to pay for the novelty and panache of the electric one, but that seemed a bit excessive (especially on a car that still needs a few other $1,000 items)

  6. #6
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    my shade was free - only had to buy the wiring pigtail. All the wiring is at the rear driver side seat.
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  7. #7
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    Dayyum!.... and I just let go of a ton of wiring spaghetti to make my own.. I knew I'd regret havin' the parts car shell hauled.... but Hol's happy and that makes 8er ownership a lot easier..

    Olin, I could make is less expensive for you as I have all parts here minus said oinker-tail. Still expensive, but not necessarily extraordinarily so.
    Last edited by rcrad6653; 04-17-2010 at 04:29 PM.

  8. #8
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    pigtail was under $50 from GAULT (they actually had it in stock??)
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  9. #9
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    I have the electric one, but it scare the hell out of me if i change gear and hit the button, The rear sun protection jets up in a ms and you can see anything behind.

  10. #10
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    MMmmm, I might wanna install one. I've been toying with the idea for a couple of years (as I run out of mods to do).
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  11. #11
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    All I can say is that if you live anywhere the sun shines, then you will want one of these. It makes a noticeable difference when the shade is deployed and the sun is out in full force.
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  12. #12
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    Pics?

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Auraraptor View Post
    Pics?
    will take some tomorrow and post...
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  14. #14
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    Cool....I love the rear sunshade in my E38.

  15. #15
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    TxGR8White,
    I've just bought a used rear sun blind. Was searching old posts for any install references and came across this.
    Do you have any pics of your install you could post?
    Also, do you have the part# for the white pigtail?
    Kind Regards

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by Auraraptor View Post
    Cool....I love the rear sunshade in my E38.
    +1
    It really cools down the interior of the car.
    Current fleet:
    1999 BMW e36 M3
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  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by GreatWhiteNorth View Post
    TxGR8White,
    I've just bought a used rear sun blind. Was searching old posts for any install references and came across this.
    Do you have any pics of your install you could post?
    Also, do you have the part# for the white pigtail?
    Kind Regards
    Wiring pigtail: part# 61 12 1 392 587

    Did take pics of the install, but you will need to remove the seatbacks ('93-on) or the entire seat ('91 & '92). Remove the "C" pillar coverings. Remove the package shelf. Remove the center piece in the rear between the seats. Remove the center console insert and shifter surround. Connect the wiring harness to the correct (you will see it) connector on the rear driver side seat area.
    Install everything back where it belongs and you now have a rear sunshade.
    '93 850Ci - Mineralweiß Metallic

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    ...the price of cool ain't cheap!

  18. #18
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    Thanks TxGR8White for the part # and the install info.
    Most helpful.
    Cheers

  19. #19
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    It looks like I'll be getting hold of a sunblind this week so when I get round to fitting it I'll try to take pictures and add to the write up above. Looks pretty straight forward.

    Thanks,

    Steve

  20. #20
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    Electric is the way to go anyway. If you drive at speed with windows or sunroof open, the shade will flap so it's nice to be able to hit a button to retract it without climbing into the back seat.

    Tony

  21. #21
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    Keep in mind you need the sunshade-specific parcel shelf or modify yours......

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by rcrad6653 View Post
    Keep in mind you need the sunshade-specific parcel shelf or modify yours......
    Good point. When I had my respray last year I had a new rear screen fitted which came with the 'frame' for the third brakelight which I currently do not have. I'm hoping I can add that when I'm back there getting the blind in.

    I've got a feeling I may need to buy new though or drive 'naked' for a while until one shows up on ebay.

    Steve

  23. #23
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    If you have the "frame" on the rear window, you might as well add a third brake light. I don't know how accurate, but a study here in the US showed that high mounted brake lights reduce rear end accidents by a significant amount.

    Here is a link for a third brake light:
    http://www.zweiradbekleidung-engl.de...artpage-UK.htm

    click on the link and go to the brake section.
    Last edited by rogbmw; 08-03-2010 at 09:37 AM.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by sjflat View Post
    Good point. When I had my respray last year I had a new rear screen fitted which came with the 'frame' for the third brakelight which I currently do not have. I'm hoping I can add that when I'm back there getting the blind in.

    I've got a feeling I may need to buy new though or drive 'naked' for a while until one shows up on ebay.

    Steve
    Steve, I have a light here I can send, mate.......no worries.


  25. #25
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    Thanks Randy. I *think* I have the light sorted... it was mainly the shelf I was worried about finding. Will let you know if I do need the lamp though.

    Just thinking about the sunblind... would I be correct in assuming that it rolls down from the top and that the mechanism is hidden beneath the bulge in the shelf?

    Steve

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