Carbon fiber roof or moonroof?

solstice · 12-22-2013, 04:14 PM

So, I'm undecided about the CFRP roof. I use my sunroof every day in summer and it's something I really appreciate. The very cool look of the CFRP roof is a strong argument for it but not enough for me to give up the sunroof.

Is there anyone here who has significant track time with an M3 with the CFRP roof and one without that can comment on how significant the less weight on top from the CFRP roof really make?

BMWJ · 12-22-2013, 04:22 PM

I've owned both and will never give up sunroof for CF any day. the CF roof is all for show - if it wasn't it would've come painted from the factory.

solstice · 12-22-2013, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWJ

I've owned both and will never give up sunroof for CF any day. the CF roof is all for show - if it wasn't it would've come painted from the factory.

Thanks nothing beats real world information from actual owners when it's doubtful I will get a chance to put it to sufficient test myself.

Jockey · 12-22-2013, 04:33 PM

I absolutely love my sunroof. While the CFRP is cool looking and a performance enhancement, I can't go without my sunroof.

I'm not racing the car (except for some track days which are for fun anyways) so the performance gained vs. the enjoyment of having the sunroof make it a fairly easy choice for me.

Chill72 · 12-22-2013, 05:10 PM

CF roof = for MEN

sunroofs = for HS girls

I hope I put your mind at ease.

Jockey · 12-22-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chill72

CF roof = for MEN

sunroofs = for HS girls (to stand up through so they can flash their boobs from the passenger seat)

I hope I put your mind at ease.

fixed for accuracy

m3ct · 12-22-2013, 05:45 PM

I love my sunroof but the cf roof looks too bad ass to pass over. Completes the package

solstice · 12-22-2013, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chill72

CF roof = for MEN

sunroofs = for HS girls

I hope I put your mind at ease.

Not really since I'm not confused about my gender.

GregW / Oregon · 12-22-2013, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3ct

I love my sunroof but the cf roof looks too bad ass to pass over. Completes the package

+1. I have missed the sunroof on occasion on my E92, but the style of the CF roof is too nice to pass up. While the 40-some pound savings would be tough to quantify on the track by us mere mortals, it can't hurt. It would be interesting to see a back-to-back test with a professional driver to see.

solstice · 12-22-2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

While the 40-some pound savings can probably not be quantified on the track, it can't hurt.

That was my guess as well but since every single ounce is located where it has maximum leverage for body roll I wasn't sure if it's noticeable or not.

Sedan_Clan · 12-22-2013, 06:54 PM

I never have been into moonroofs. I get my car without a moonroof whenever possible. Give me a CF or plain roof any day of the week.

sizquik · 12-22-2013, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chill72

CF roof = for MEN

sunroofs = for HS girls

I hope I put your mind at ease.

Bingo.

BMWJ · 12-22-2013, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3ct

I love my sunroof but the cf roof looks too bad ass to pass over. Completes the package

See, even those who want it agree it's for looks

Sedan_Clan · 12-22-2013, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3ct

I love my sunroof but the cf roof looks too bad ass to pass over. Completes the package

See, even those who want it agree it's for looks

Of course we love the looks. It also provides a performance benefit as well.

///M ARMY · 12-22-2013, 07:54 PM

no need for Cf roof living by the beach. Its nice to have.

BMWJ · 12-22-2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Of course we love the looks. It also provides a performance benefit as well.

I agree it looks cool. I'm skeptical there's much if any performance benefits.

I'd rather have the functionality of sunroof instead.

Jockey · 12-22-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWJ

I agree it looks cool. I'm skeptical there's much if any performance benefits.

I'd rather have the functionality of sunroof instead.

There's definitely performance benefits. But not that most of us are good enough drivers for it to really effect anything.

For the few times I'll track my car during a year, it isn't worth it for the performance benefits.

aajami · 12-22-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWJ

See, even those who want it agree it's for looks

Yeah, it's for looks. It looks badass.

Money2536 · 12-22-2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chill72

CF roof = for MEN

sunroofs = for HS girls

I hope I put your mind at ease.

Yep

Sedan_Clan · 12-22-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jockey

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWJ

I agree it looks cool. I'm skeptical there's much if any performance benefits.

I'd rather have the functionality of sunroof instead.

There's definitely performance benefits. But not that most of us are good enough drivers for it to really effect anything.

For the few times I'll track my car during a year, it isn't worth it for the performance benefits.

True! But it's worth it for the looks. I'm probably one of the rare few who truly dislike the moonroof option.

jbockrd · 12-22-2013, 08:42 PM

only a cf roof for me had both the look is impossible to pass up with a CF roof

CanAutM3 · 12-22-2013, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solstice

So, I'm undecided about the CFRP roof. I use my sunroof every day in summer and it's something I really appreciate. The very cool look of the CFRP roof is a strong argument for it but not enough for me to give up the sunroof.

Is there anyone here who has significant track time with an M3 with the CFRP roof and one without that can comment on how significant the less weight on top from the CFRP roof really make?

My E92 has over 80 track days and has the CFRP roof. Could I tell the performance advantage from the drivers seat? Most likely not. Does it provide an actual performance advantage? Most probably; 45lb high up is not negligible and every bit helps.

In my case, I never really used the moonroof in my E46, so it is not a big loss. If you enjoy the moonroof, order it. The few 1/100th of a second for the occasional track day might not be enough to offset your enjoyment on the DD.

View Poll Results: Which option will you order?
Moonroof	428	20.88%
Carbon fiber roof	1,622	79.12%
Voters: 2050. You may not vote on this poll

12-22-2013, 04:14 PM	#1
solstice Major General 5457 Rep 7,037 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 6MT Join Date: May 2013 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Carbon fiber roof or moonroof? So, I'm undecided about the CFRP roof. I use my sunroof every day in summer and it's something I really appreciate. The very cool look of the CFRP roof is a strong argument for it but not enough for me to give up the sunroof. Is there anyone here who has significant track time with an M3 with the CFRP roof and one without that can comment on how significant the less weight on top from the CFRP roof really make?
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12-22-2013, 04:22 PM	#2
BMWJ Lieutenant 61 Rep 480 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I've owned both and will never give up sunroof for CF any day. the CF roof is all for show - if it wasn't it would've come painted from the factory.
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12-22-2013, 04:33 PM	#4
Jockey Brigadier General 3445 Rep 4,981 Posts Drives: 992 C4S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Park City, UT iTrader: (1)	I absolutely love my sunroof. While the CFRP is cool looking and a performance enhancement, I can't go without my sunroof. I'm not racing the car (except for some track days which are for fun anyways) so the performance gained vs. the enjoyment of having the sunroof make it a fairly easy choice for me.
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12-22-2013, 05:10 PM	#5
Chill72 Banned 110 Rep 896 Posts Drives: 10 E92 M3 (RIP) Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	CF roof = for MEN sunroofs = for HS girls I hope I put your mind at ease.
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12-22-2013, 05:45 PM	#7
m3ct Lieutenant 351 Rep 458 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Competition xDrive Bro Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I love my sunroof but the cf roof looks too bad ass to pass over. Completes the package
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12-22-2013, 06:54 PM	#11
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 25022 Rep 22,269 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	I never have been into moonroofs. I get my car without a moonroof whenever possible. Give me a CF or plain roof any day of the week.
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12-22-2013, 07:54 PM	#15
///M ARMY Brigadier General 1002 Rep 3,051 Posts Drives: F90 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Cali iTrader: (2)	no need for Cf roof living by the beach. Its nice to have.
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12-22-2013, 08:42 PM	#21
jbockrd Lieutenant 23 Rep 550 Posts Drives: e92 Alpine White/Carbon M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Yardley, PA iTrader: (0)	only a cf roof for me had both the look is impossible to pass up with a CF roof __________________ On the list for an M4!!
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