Carbon Fiber roof.

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by Blue55

I would avoid this at all costs. My original 1M was rolled and I very much doubt the driver (not me) would have walked away if it had some aftermarket CF roof. Given the state of the roof after the accident, I'd say the driver would probably be dead now.

There is NO good reason to do a CF roof. Not only will you dramatically lower the value of your 1M, you will put your life in danger. I'll be happy to send you photos of the wreck.

You're not removing the structural pieces that hold the cars frame together, you're just removing the sheet of roof skin and replacing it with cf.

[Blue55]

Originally Posted by Stohlen

You're not removing the structural pieces that hold the cars frame together, you're just removing the sheet of roof skin and replacing it with cf.

And you trust that CF roof won't come flying off or shatter into pieces in event of a rollover?

I'd be interested to see how your insurance company treats you when your passenger sues you for injuries.

Everyone assumes their own level of personal risk. I'm a lot more confident trusting the PhD-level BMW engineers who have crashed and tuned the car for safety than some guy in a body shop with no degree and a glue gun.

[MDORPHN]

Lots of cars, including E92 M3s, with carbon fiber roofs, and no indication whatsover that they pose additional risks.

I don't believe there is any safety-related concern.

Neil

[eeghie]

Originally Posted by Stohlen

You're not removing the structural pieces that hold the cars frame together, you're just removing the sheet of roof skin and replacing it with cf.

+1 similar reason why an E82 with sunroof opening in the roof is not considered less safe

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by Blue55

Everyone assumes their own level of personal risk. I'm a lot more confident trusting the PhD-level BMW engineers who have crashed and tuned the car for safety than some guy in a body shop with no degree and a glue gun.

Luckily I am one of those high level automotive engineers, granted I work for Honda/Acura in their body development group, but still.

The M3 uses the exact same style roof that is offered by Revozport and IND, and its attached in the same way. The headliner would protect the occupants from any loose shrapnel entering the cabin, and honestly if you crash bad enough to send large sharp shards of carbon fiber towards the passenger area, you've probably got bigger concerns.

[cartaa100]

never even realised these roofs existed!

[Blue55]

Originally Posted by Stohlen

Luckily I am one of those high level automotive engineers, granted I work for Honda/Acura in their body development group, but still.

The M3 uses the exact same style roof that is offered by Revozport and IND, and its attached in the same way. The headliner would protect the occupants from any loose shrapnel entering the cabin, and honestly if you crash bad enough to send large sharp shards of carbon fiber towards the passenger area, you've probably got bigger concerns.

Good to have some real-world input! Powerbeast put a CF roof on his 1M, but I understand it was a huge PITA to do and obviously it's going to a very expensive way to shave a few pounds. Much more cost effective to add power if all you're looking to do is improve power to weight ratio.

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by Blue55

Good to have some real-world input! Powerbeast put a CF roof on his 1M, but I understand it was a huge PITA to do and obviously it's going to a very expensive way to shave a few pounds. Much more cost effective to add power if all you're looking to do is improve power to weight ratio.

True, but it also lowers the center of gravity pretty significantly by taking a large sum of weight off of the highest point of the car, while only slightly decreasing traction with an increase in acceleration due to the weight loss. As opposed to a horsepower increase which will much more significantly reduce the rear wheel grip during low speed acceleration.

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by Blue55

I would avoid this at all costs. My original 1M was rolled and I very much doubt the driver (not me) would have walked away if it had some aftermarket CF roof. Given the state of the roof after the accident, I'd say the driver would probably be dead now.

There is NO good reason to do a CF roof. Not only will you dramatically lower the value of your 1M, you will put your life in danger. I'll be happy to send you photos of the wreck.

As someone mentioned before CF just replace the sheet metal - all structure component are intack. Also, if the CF roof was designed properly it should splinter after it exceeds its spec - there is no sharp shards flying anyway, and given the nature of most roll overs, it would be very unlikely. This actually dissipate more energy than a deformed roof. I can't say it for every manufacturer, but I have a few contacts that is how they are done.

Originally Posted by Blue55

Good to have some real-world input! Powerbeast put a CF roof on his 1M, but I understand it was a huge PITA to do and obviously it's going to a very expensive way to shave a few pounds. Much more cost effective to add power if all you're looking to do is improve power to weight ratio.

The purpose of the carbon roof is not about shedding total weight. It is about shedding weight at the top of the car which change the rolling characteristics to improve its handling. You will probably found that people who are looking at CF roof has already done other power mods, as they are definitely much cheaper if you just want a faster car.