Carbon Roof vs Moonroof

[paradocs98]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

if i had a choice in my e90 i would take the carbon roof as the moonroof decreases headroom once i have a helmet on making my seating postion not as perfect as i would like.

Originally Posted by MKE_M3

The increase in head room w/o the moon roof alone is worth it. Hard to be comfortable with a helmet on in a moon roof car (I'm only 5'11"), and yes I have plenty of experience in both

Agreed. This is the key reason to avoid the moonroof.

Originally Posted by gblansten

I also use Golytely but will spare you the details on that. If anyone wants to get in on a group buy on ///M Performance Golytely let me know.

You are not well, my friend. But you're funny.

[flagger]

Originally Posted by Vic311

Back on topic..OP just go for whatever you like. If you decide you need the moon roof and are willing to forego the weight savings and look of CF roof..then do it.

Appreciate folks suggesting I select whatever makes me happy. I did that almost 5 years ago and have never regretted my decision, and would do it again.

I'm guessing the answer to my question is there is no comparison other than the one referred to by gblansten in the third post.

Normally I try not to be too critical, but for Vic311, 45 lbs is less than 1.5% of of total weight, so a "little lighter" is an accurate description. And the center of gravity is probably a foot and a half to two feet below that 45 lbs.

Thank you all for your responses, some very entertaining.

[baba louey]

I just remembered why CF is better than moon roof. The CF hides that hideous antenna pod better. God, I dislike that thing. Don't get me started on the camera pods on F1 cars!

[ThunderMoose]

The CF roof by itself probably won't make a noticeable difference, but if you were wanting to turn it into a proper track car, shaving weight makes a difference. Rear seat delete, lighter exhaust, CF roof vs moonroof, etc. and you're now 10-15% lighter. Clearly, this weight savings makes a difference - watch miatas run around the track.

[Goat Rodeo]

Strange that people are so concerned about whether it makes a measurable difference or whether the difference can be objectively measured.

The CF roof is one of the defining engineering flourishes of E92 M3 and a significant cost item.

It's a bit odd to pay the same price yet opt to not receive the gorgeous $5000 roof.

[Vic311]

Originally Posted by Goat Rodeo

Strange that people are so concerned about whether it makes a measurable difference or whether the difference can be objectively measured.

The CF roof is one of the defining engineering flourishes of E92 M3 and a significant cost item.

It's a bit odd to pay the same price yet opt to not receive the gorgeous $5000 roof.

+1 and its FREE...lol

I also think your analogy on if they offered a lower powered engine would people still choose it even if they couldn't "feel" the difference is spot on.. Takes me back to the day of when you could actually choose which engine you wanted in a car..The bigger motor always commanded bigger respect

[Superfly_M3]

I haven't read to the end, just got through the first page. In theory, 45lbs savings from the curb weight (no matter where it is) will yield better perfomance in every way. For those who say "I'll save weight on exhaust, rims and brakes" .... well, you can additionally save that weight on top of the CF roof. Remember it all adds up.

There shouldn't even be an argument whether or not CF has benefits in terms of performance. I mean, we're not little kids anymore. Less weight = better performance, period.

Esthetically, knock yourselves out. Performance wise its not even a question - however minute it might be, its still there.

[M3Mongo]

I'm just a fan cause it looks nice plus for us taller guys it gives you the extra headroom and I'll take every bit I can get at 6'5".

But like many people said lighter is lighter it has to play some part along the way.

[w00tw00t]

get both.. get a carbon roof and a hacksaw..

[Dbcgolf1]

I know and understand ALL the reasons to get a CF roof, but the reason I HAVE a moon roof - I have freedom and option to open the roof on a nice warm day. I live in New Jersey and it doesn't make sense to own a convertible here. A fully open or the tilted open sunroof come close.

[heartcolorgrey]

Originally Posted by gblansten

I always wear thin and lightweight clothes when I drive so that I can extract further performance gains. I also use Golytely but will spare you the details on that. If anyone wants to get in on a group buy on ///M Performance Golytely let me know.

Being an Rph and a fellow ///M ,

This made me giggle.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by heartcolorgrey

Being an Rph and a fellow ///M ,

funny me too. 3rd ive met so far.

[Johndong888]

Originally Posted by mdoughty

Performance difference will be minute. Carbon roof looks great on certain paints, especially Melbourne and alpine, but I love my moon roof. It's nice even in winter to crack it open to prevent the car from getting stuffy. While i still feel a twang of regret when I see cf, it's quickly overcome by the utility and luxury of the moon roof. I've chosen to shed weight in the exhaust and rims to even up the weight score with the cf guys.

I couldn't have said it better. I seek out for one with a moonroof. I eventually just got the roof done in gloss black. Looks a billion times better now. I see it as a compromise, a best of both world if you will.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Superfly_M3

I haven't read to the end, just got through the first page. In theory, 45lbs savings from the curb weight (no matter where it is) will yield better perfomance in every way. For those who say "I'll save weight on exhaust, rims and brakes" .... well, you can additionally save that weight on top of the CF roof. Remember it all adds up.

There shouldn't even be an argument whether or not CF has benefits in terms of performance. I mean, we're not little kids anymore. Less weight = better performance, period.

Esthetically, knock yourselves out. Performance wise its not even a question - however minute it might be, its still there.

Well said

[Chris Csf]

It's an awesome street/track combination car, which by definition is already a serious compromise. As many have said if a second a lap or two matters, and you're as good a driver as you can be - then a 3600+ lb car was the wrong choice for lap times anyway.

If you like the moonroof for its utility don't hesitate - I didn't. Of course I chose a Gt3 over a GT3Rs because I want to have the option of cruising with sun in the cabin....

You have to enjoy the ride.

[hellga the beemer]

I like my moonroof an I'm wrapping it in gloss black an part of hood this spring car is Silverstone should look sick.

[And1M3]

I went with the moonroof over the CF roof. It give me an excuses to shed my own weight.
Why make the car lighter when you can make yourself lighter.
You know the average american is a little obese.

[SpiralOut]

For me it was an easy choice.... i hardly ever actually used my moonroof on my last 2 335's and it made headroom really tight when wearing a helmet at the track so I was glad to see it go and get the CF. I have space gray so maybe CF roof doesn't stand out as much on mine as it does on other colors, but it still looks pretty damn cool i think.

As for weight savings or performance gains.... i doubt it really does that much. It may save a little weight, but probably not enough to make a real difference.

[e92involved]

CF roof looks better, but I love having a sunroof. Its too close to call.

[ortho281]

Wow! This thread is blowing up! Personally, I went with the CF roof because I did not use my moonroof in previous 330i and 335i. I also think it looks great with the Alpine white. There may be a slight handling advantage, but not one that most of us would notice. The driver is still the best mod you can make to your car!

[quackman]

If you'll mainly be tracking the car and/or really love the looks of the cf, get the no-moonroof coupe for the cf. I, on the other hand, mainly use my car on the road. I just love opening all 4 windows on my sedan and the moonroof to hear that awesome engine+exhaust.

[JoM3z]

I prefer the moon-roof for practical purposes. Although CF roof does look good aesthetically, it serves me no noticeable performance gain.