MkII OpenSky Upgrade

timmus

A2OC Donor
After many years of driving a 1.4 petrol, Rob (Chumsofmanutd) recently decided to shift his allegance to the mighty TDI ...and who can blame him!? :p

Rob found a nicely spec'd SE with lots of nice upgrades, including DIS, leather, SideGuard, etc. However, its original OpenSky system had failed. So, Rob and I decided we'd take on the challenge of fitting a mkII OpenSky system that we'd managed to source. After lots of research, we finally felt confident of success and so embarked upon the process of removing the broken mkI system. Once fully removed, the roof of Rob's car looked like this:

IMG_2152.jpg IMG_2140.jpg

In both photos, you can see the SideGuard curtain airbag system.

And, after resetting all the self-adjusters, thoroughly cleaning in all the nooks and crannies, observing tightening sequences, etc, the mkII system was fitted...

IMG_2158.jpg IMG_2159.jpg

Rob's delighted to have a fully-working OpenSky system, safe in the knowledge that it's the more reliable mkII version. Happy days! :)

Unfortunately, I got so engrossed in the process that I forgot to take photos at regular intervals. Needless to say, it's not a simple process and 3 people are needed to remove and refit the OpenSky system, but with care and attention it is possible to do this job without the help of Audi. If only we had a limitless supply of mkII roofs under warranty. :)

Cheers,

Tom
 
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Yes I have to say that I have been converted! The vehicle came into stock through my business and I knew that if I was going to make the change to a tdi I wasn't going to find a better specified and well looked after example.

The Open Sky was a must for me and the faulty system was the only thing putting me off the change. With the superb knowledge and help from Tom it was a challenge we relished and now having already had the Mk2 roof open several times since the swap, I am glad we took the plunge! We learnt a lot and had a fun couple of days that turned out to be very productive :)

Cheers

Rob.
 
This is ground breaking stuff well done!

I guess the question for other broken sky owners looking to do the same is

can we source more mk2 OSS systems?

and

would you do it again for other members?!

Again though amazing work.
 
I guess the question for other broken sky owners looking to do the same is can we source more mk2 OSS systems?

Well, this currently seems unlikely. The mkII roof that Rob and I used in this case was something of a one-off. The replacement can of course be purchased from Audi, but I can't see many members paying the asking price. However, working mkI systems can be found.

and would you do it again for other members?!

Yes. If working systems of either revision can be sourced, they can be used to replace BrokenSky systems in club members' cars.

Cheers,

Tom
 
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Is there stuff that could be done to a limping OSS to renovate it? Or do you need specific new parts that only come with mk2 version?
 
Is there stuff that could be done to a limping OSS to renovate it? Or do you need specific new parts that only come with mk2 version?

As far as I'm aware, nobody yet knows the answer to this. The only A2 I've ever broken had BrokenSky, which I gave to Tony to dismantle/investigate. He has a professional background in sunroofs, so I figured he was the person to open it up. Whether replacement internal parts can be sourced remains to be seen, but I hope the ultimate goal can be eventually be achieved: turning mkI systems into mkII systems.

Tom
 
Following on from what Tom has said, apart from the BrokenSky that he kindly donated, I have been collecting OSS’s (to Petra’s dismay!) These units have been stripped, cleaned, repaired and updated as required to an as-new condition.

A2 Cars Limited offers a comprehensive service and repair of OpenSky Systems and cars maintained at our workshops that are fitted with an OSS, benefit from this exclusive and unique service. All repairs are done in a controlled environment by myself, a qualified sunroof technician with 20 years experience.
In the next few weeks (solicitors!!!), we will be moving into our own bespoke premise whereupon the OpenSky Systems will be offered to A2 owners on an exchange basis. To further support A2 owners, we hold stock of OSS spare parts and panels and I am happy to provide professional advice on any aspect of the OpenSky sunroof system.

blue skies
Tony
 
This is a great thread and fantastic news for A2OC. I wonder how many folk who are stated to be happy with their 'brokensky' will be tempted to follow up on this new service and have a working system! :cool:
 
Following on from what Tom has said, apart from the BrokenSky that he kindly donated, I have been collecting OSS’s (to Petra’s dismay!) These units have been stripped, cleaned, repaired and updated as required to an as-new condition.

A2 Cars Limited offers a comprehensive service and repair of OpenSky Systems and cars maintained at our workshops that are fitted with an OSS, benefit from this exclusive and unique service. All repairs are done in a controlled environment by myself, a qualified sunroof technician with 20 years experience.
In the next few weeks (solicitors!!!), we will be moving into our own bespoke premise whereupon the OpenSky Systems will be offered to A2 owners on an exchange basis. To further support A2 owners, we hold stock of OSS spare parts and panels and I am happy to provide professional advice on any aspect of the OpenSky sunroof system.

blue skies
Tony

So....you can service OSS? Even though not broken? :)

I cleaned it last year and lubed it but no real idea if I did it right at the time. It still worked so all good but I am yet to test it this year.....just feeling a bit worried on first attempt this year...will be brave :)

If you can do this that would be something I would be interested in..... the local servicing garage has no idea. :(
 
..... the local servicing garage has no idea. :(

So so true!

Sunroofs, though not overly complex, are components that require specialist knowledge, tools and techniques that are not normally the forte of average garages or DIY'ers. Disappointingly, dealers themselves are not very knowledgeable either. That said, a basic clean and lube is much better than none at all and will prolong a sunroofs operational life. Unfortunately though, sunroof systems require much more than that to maintain them in tip-top shape and their construction, operation, synchronising and timing must be understood.

The very best thing you can do for your sunroof is to USE IT - that is the process that keeps it's lubrication "circulating" and the process provides as early warning of impending defects allowing corrective action.

To answer your question - yes - a working sunroof not only can, but MUST be regularly serviced, something you can have done at A2 Cars LTD on its own or in conjunction with any other service/maintenance/upgrade you require.

blue skies
tony
 
So

To answer your question - yes - a working sunroof not only can, but MUST be regularly serviced, something you can have done at A2 Cars LTD

blue skies
tony

Any chance of you appointing a northern agent who can also carry out sunroof servicing. Somewhere around Lancaster, with easy access via the M6 would be ideal.


Cheers Spike
 
Hi Spike

Well, you must be a fly on my wall ;).
There are several parts to my response.

Sunroof installations, repairs and servicing require specialist knowledge. As you may know, I have been in the sunroof “game” for over 20 years and have worked on all sunroof types across a multitude of vehicle platforms and in countries other than the UK. I have received specialised training in Germany, France, the USA and the UK and have worked closely with manufacturers in Australia in the sunroof design stage to comply with homologation and integration criteria. Part of this exercise was the training of sunroof technicians as well as documenting fault diagnosis and repair manuals.

Over the past few months, I have extensively researched the concept of servicing Audi A2 OpenSky systems and also to provide a refurbished OSS on an exchange basis. I have invested considerable time and indeed funds to ensure that this venture is viable and this idea and business model has been confidentially shared with certain forum members for comment. The launch of this service is planned for May, when we will have taken possession of our new premise and can operate in a controlled environment and to the highest standards.

Your suggestion of an appointed agent is interesting – more in a bit.
Essentially, a representative of A2 Cars LTD, any such operator would need to be willing and able to undergo training and display a high level of competence. An investment in tools, equipment and spares will be required in order to offer the highest level of workmanship and customer service. This is the mantra that I have set for A2 Cars LTD and comments on this forum reflect that. Any sunroof repair or service comes with a guarantee, as indeed does all work at A2 Cars – no questions asked. To ensure this level of service,any prospective candidate would need to demonstrate a long term commitment. A2 Cars is a registered entity with an excellent reputation and we have substantial plans for the future – more to come …


So, where to? Well, here’s the fly!

I am in advanced stages of discussion with a gentleman, Neil, in Leeds (more central than Lancaster) whom I met when I was undergoing my sunroof training here in the UK some (alright – many) years ago. In fact, Neil trained me! Apart from being a qualified sunroof fitter and technician, Neil runs an independent windscreen fitting operation and he will undertake sunroof servicing and repairs to service the central and northern areas of the country. This service will be introduced in the near future.

I believe that A2 Cars is well placed and fully capable of undertaking any aspect of work on the Audi A2, whether it be servicing, repairs, upgrades, retro-fits and even sunroof replacements. All work carried out professionally, competently by insured qualified technical personel and with a guarantee.

It’s a win-win!


There we go Spike, I was planning a TAA-DAA reveal, but, well, you asked ;).

blue skies
tony
 
If you need a vehicle for Neil to practice on, then I volunteer!
My car is SORN currently so you can have it for a week or three if needed.
 
Big respect to Tony for this venture.
If my car hadn't already got a Mk2 roof I'd be first in line for Tony's OSS servicing/repair offering.
Tony's done some major work to my car in the last few years and his expertise, and approach to quality, is second to none in my opinion. The fact that he's now offering a resurrection service for BrokenSkys, which is something we've all craved, is a huge step forward and I am sure will keep Tony very busy in the coming months!

Dan
 
So so true!

Sunroofs, though not overly complex, are components that require specialist knowledge, tools and techniques that are not normally the forte of average garages or DIY'ers. Disappointingly, dealers themselves are not very knowledgeable either. That said, a basic clean and lube is much better than none at all and will prolong a sunroofs operational life. Unfortunately though, sunroof systems require much more than that to maintain them in tip-top shape and their construction, operation, synchronising and timing must be understood.

The very best thing you can do for your sunroof is to USE IT - that is the process that keeps it's lubrication "circulating" and the process provides as early warning of impending defects allowing corrective action.

To answer your question - yes - a working sunroof not only can, but MUST be regularly serviced, something you can have done at A2 Cars LTD on its own or in conjunction with any other service/maintenance/upgrade you require.

blue skies
tony

Fantastic, thanks Tony, will make sure the OSS works on a warm day then get it booked in....may wait until June'ish as it is due a service around then anyway :)
Hopefully I will have no issues until then :)

Thanks

Steve
 
Hi Spike

Well, you must be a fly on my wall ;).
There are several parts to my response.

Sunroof installations, repairs and servicing require specialist knowledge. As you may know, I have been in the sunroof “game” for over 20 years and have worked on all sunroof types across a multitude of vehicle platforms and in countries other than the UK. I have received specialised training in Germany, France, the USA and the UK and have worked closely with manufacturers in Australia in the sunroof design stage to comply with homologation and integration criteria. Part of this exercise was the training of sunroof technicians as well as documenting fault diagnosis and repair manuals.

Over the past few months, I have extensively researched the concept of servicing Audi A2 OpenSky systems and also to provide a refurbished OSS on an exchange basis. I have invested considerable time and indeed funds to ensure that this venture is viable and this idea and business model has been confidentially shared with certain forum members for comment. The launch of this service is planned for May, when we will have taken possession of our new premise and can operate in a controlled environment and to the highest standards.

I would imagine that the OSS system cannot be fitted to A2s with a solid roof. Or can they?

Thanks

Danilo
 
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I would imagine that the OSS system cannot be fitted to A2s with a solid roof. Or can they?

Thanks

Danilo

Its possible and has been done a couple of times but a lot of work and a brave project. There was a recent thread about it including a YouTube video of a reciprocating saw being taken to an aluminim roof. Eek!

I'd imagine it'd be a very expensive project too unless you had the nerve, skill and specialist equipment to tackle it.

Take a look back though some of hotstuff's recent posts, he shared some good information regarding your question.
 
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Yes it can ;).

blue skies
tony

And without using a can opener !!!!

I am assuming you need a donor car to provide the complete roof from A pillars upwards including the interior headlining and interior light switch assembly.

Steve B
 
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