[CharlieKenn]

For those that have or have seen a 2019 X3 sDrive, is the sunroof retractable cover the same porous cloth as in the 2018 that lets in some sun and heat, or has BMW gone back to a hard cover that keeps the heat out better?
Thanks.

[MdW86]

Its a cloth. However, even with a very bright sun, I do not notice any 'bleeding' (light or heat).

[CharlieKenn]

Thanks. I sat in a 2018 out in the sun at 95 degrees at my local Colorado dealer and the hot glass was radiating enough heat through the cloth that I could feel heat on the top of my head (I am tall). I am waiting to place an order for a 2019 xDrive as I just missed the ordering window for a 2018. This really may not be a big deal at all, but if so I could consider tinting the glass as has been discussed in other threads, or maybe place something thin and lightweight between the cloth and the glass for more insulation. I trust that you are enjoying your 2019.

[JSY]

I didn't even know the 2019s were in production already. Anyway, I had posted a thread on my this for my 2018 earlier and I am not a huge fan of the cloth. It's definitely permeable and you can see the bright sun behind it. As far as heat is concerned - I do feel it but not to the extend that I would say that it's bothersome. It might be because I have my AC upper vent temp higher and I don't notice it too much but if you put your hand up on the cloth, yes you do feel the heat. I almost am a little tall so my head is actually very close to the cloth.

[bmtespar]

It would be interesting if someone could incorporate a layer on top of the fabric cover. Either vinyl or a another then fabric. I do know when I had a Mini with panoramic roof it had a semi transparent screen (more so than the x3) and a company created some pop in solid screens. They were essentially like the spring loaded types people unfold to their windshield.

[CharlieKenn]

That would be great! I would almost never open the shade, but it does open a few inches when the top "vent" is opened so that would need to be taken into account.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by JSY

I didn't even know the 2019s were in production already. Anyway, I had posted a thread on my this for my 2018 earlier and I am not a huge fan of the cloth. It's definitely permeable and you can see the bright sun behind it. As far as heat is concerned - I do feel it but not to the extend that I would say that it's bothersome. It might be because I have my AC upper vent temp higher and I don't notice it too much but if you put your hand up on the cloth, yes you do feel the heat. I almost am a little tall so my head is actually very close to the cloth.

The sDrive(rear wheel drive) 2019's have been in production since May.
Other 2019 X3's start next month.

[bmtespar]

I actually think it must have been slightly before May. I bought my car on April 17th and they had a 2019 s-Drive on the lot. I remember because it when I saw it I was worried it may be too late to place an order on a 2018.

[Zembla]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

It would be interesting if someone could incorporate a layer on top of the fabric cover. Either vinyl or a another then fabric.

Just playing devil's advocate here, but maybe they went for fabric instead of one of those more opaque options for a reason. Perhaps if the thing is sufficiently non-permeable, and if it is sufficiently absorbing (or if it doesn't reflect too much of the sunlight), it may heat up the cavity between the glass panel and the shade to problematic temperatures.

But, as I said, I'm just playing devil's advocate here. I don't know what kind of temperatures it reaches, and what kind of heat rejection the fabric affords in favor of other materials. Neither do I know at which temperature deformations or thermal expansion becomes critical. I would however assume the thermo-elastic interaction of the panoramic roof would be something they assessed in detail when developing the vehicle, over a wide range of temperatures.

[CharlieKenn]

I assume there is some reason for the fabric and you may have it correct, however I will note that our 2008 X3 has a solid sliding panel that still looks as good as new and has never given us any issues.

[bmtespar]

I actually don’t mind the screen in the new x3. It blocks enough light and heat for me to be comfortable. I do have cooled seats and I think it is the best thing as temperatures are in the 90’s in Georgia.