E92 M3 w/ vs w/o carbon roof pro/con?

[bavarian06]

Hello,

I recently purchased an AW E92 M3 that came with a sunroof. I know the RAGE is the carbon fiber roof (only available on the coupes, weight savings, lower ctr of gravity etc etc) but I was wondering is there anything else I'm missing out asides what I just mentioned and the contrasting looks? Maybe the headliner is better looking? More headroom?

I actually prefer a sunroof since its functional and practical for day-to-day. I always drive with it opened or leave it titled when I know the weather will be over 90+ degree F. I'm sure BMW knows best, and doubt it will happen, but I wonder if the clear coat of the roof would ever turn yellow from excessive time under the sun.

Some insights would be nice.

P.S.
I got a carbon bootlid to offset the weight gain.

[Serious]

more headroom without it.

[bavarian06]

true, the additional head room would be nice on track days when you need to wear a helmet. but anything else? over 100 views but just one comment? tough crowd.

[FredVMI]

Originally Posted by bavarian06

true, the additional head room would be nice on track days when you need to wear a helmet. but anything else? over 100 views but just one comment? tough crowd.

You probably haven't received too many responses because you captured all of the key elements yourself quite well in your original post.

The weight savings and lower center of gravity are negligible in 'real world' driving situations. Keep in mind the car already weighs ~ 3,704 pounds (plus options). Excluding the moonroof, the weight savings of CF over steel is only 11 pounds. Adding the moonroof probably adds another 40 pounds or so (I don't know the exact number). In total, the steel roof and moonroof add ~ 50 pounds. Based upon these numbers, you've only increased the weight of the car by ~ 1%. The lower center of gravity would certainly improve handling, but again, not by an appreciable amount in typical driving environments. The increased headroom without a moonroof is probably the most significant benefit (aside from open-air driving, of course). Taller drivers and helmeted drivers would certainly appreciate the additional headroom. If you add all of this up, the 'penalties' associated with a moonroof should be of little concern if you're not tracking your car frequently, and doing so in a competitive environment.

I believe that the more significant element with the CF roof is the aesthetic (appearance) value it adds. Many owners (myself included) love the look of the CF roof. The weight savings and lower center of gravity are merely side benefits. Put another way, the CF roof is all about image and bragging rights. I've always driven cars with a moonroof and I do miss it. However, I chose the CF roof solely because of the look. I think if BMW offered CF with the moonroof, there would be many takers (again, myself included).

You stated that you like the moonroof. In the end, that's all that matters! Enjoy your moonroof!

[Finnegan]

I think this CF vs. Moonroof should be a sticky. Must be about 100 threads on this already. I've PM'd the mods...we'll see.

[FredVMI]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

I think this CF vs. Moonroof should be a sticky. Must be about 100 threads on this already. I've PM'd the mods...we'll see.

+1

[Wah]

I think it looks sweet. I never use the sunroof in my cars.

[bavarian06]

sorry guys. i did run a search to see if there were prior posts about the topic but i used the search words "carbon roof" instead of "moonroof."

regardless, well put FredVMI. i know the carbon roof is a hot ticket item (and i hope not having it doesnt ruin the resale value of my car) but having a moonroof is making my car, dare i use the word, RARE. every m3 i see has it, cf roof that is.

does anyone know if there is a difference in headliner? i read somewhere it was suede?!

[duk]

CF roof ftw

[Lagunae92]

It is sweet and unique

[MaverickNemesis]

cf roof just stands out more... especially with light colored cars. plus you are seeing many cars having there roofs painted black (or at least in NY) and whats stands out better a painted or cf roof

[bavarian06]

Alrite alrite, seems everyone is drinking the same kool-aid. Good to know I'm different cause there are WAY too many AW Fox Red carbon roofs m3's on this forum.

But I do have carbon accents to sorta be with the "in" crowd. Cf lip, grill, gill, trunk, rear diffuser.

Thx, Im glad Im not missing out on more than I thought.

[GewoW]

Lol I'm 6'7'' and got it for the looks and functionality...It just occurred to me that there would be added headroom. Let's just say I need it

I will indeed miss the moonroof of the 335 though. Oh well.

[RevFreak14]

Carbon roof is better looks wise IMHO, but I love having the sunroof. I use it a lot.

[SUB-ZERO]

The CF looks cool but the Sunroof is more functional IMO. I love opening her up on a nice night or day and just hear the growl of the ///M during a nice drive through the mountains.

-SZ

[MaverickNemesis]

Originally Posted by SUB-ZERO

The CF looks cool but the Sunroof is more functional IMO. I love opening her up on a nice night or day and just hear the growl of the ///M during a nice drive through the mountains.

-SZ

thats what she said...

[ersin]

Originally Posted by FredVMI

... Keep in mind the car already weighs ~ 3,704 pounds (plus options)...

That's the official "unladen" weight, it seems, including all options, gas, driver and some luggage. Most that have been weighed seem to be in the 3500 lbs range. So the 50 lbs saving of the CF roof is closer to 2%. Though still negligible and I agree with everything else you said.

Other than headroom, there really isn't any significant loss by getting the sunroof. Unless you like the looks of CF. I think it looks best on gray/silver or white cars.


Cheers.

[FredVMI]

Originally Posted by MaverickNemesis

thats what she said...

Now THAT was pretty dang funny!

[RayC]

Originally Posted by GewoW

Lol I'm 6'7''

I hate your guts.