Sunroof or no sunroof?

[replicat]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12987

If you look at the pictures on that link, it clear that there is no sunroof!

To me that says definite weight reduction, and or a painted Carbon Fiber roof. The sunroof of most cars is 40-50 of extra weight. NO need for it, if you really want to enjoy the sun/moon that much, get a convertible.

Anyway, what are your guys' thoughts on this.

[Jason]

Maybe it'll be an option not to have sunroof, but other test mules have shown sunroofs, like these - http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13162

[JK42]

I hate sunroofs, I always keep the inside lid closed in cars that have them, since you have automated air conditioning, in my opinion they're useless. But this is purely an opinion issue, obviously.

Jussi

[NoelSmart]

Should we put a coffee maker and a chauffeur in your car with your automated air? There is a definite thrill to windows down sunroof open air flow. I used to own a Miata, it was nowhere near the machine my 328is is, but that open air, bare bones elemental roadster feel almost made up for it. Sunroof would definitely be on my options list even if it adds a few pounds.

[Smoltz]

I personally don't want a sunroof, but I have a bad feeling that BMWUSA will force a sunroof on all US buyers. Only time will tell though.

-Adam

[enigma]

Originally Posted by Smoltz

I personally don't want a sunroof, but I have a bad feeling that BMWUSA will force a sunroof on all US buyers. Only time will tell though.

-Adam

Why? They didn't force the issue with the previous car. I got one and have opened it less than 10 times in 5 years. Worse I had to gripe at the passenger to stop trying to open it. Given the option I won't get another one.

[Smoltz]

Originally Posted by enigma

Why? They didn't force the issue with the previous car. I got one and have opened it less than 10 times in 5 years. Worse I had to gripe at the passenger to stop trying to open it. Given the option I won't get another one.

As part of federal crash test law, manufacturers have to crash test both sunroof and non-sunroof cars if they wish to sell both. Currently, the E92 is ONLY sold with a sunroof.

Typically cars built on the same chassis need not be retested. I'm not sure of all the specifics here, but basically, Porsche didn't need to restest the 2007 911 GT3(997 chassis) because the 2005 911(997 chassis) had already been tested. I beleive the same would apply to the E92.

Because of this, the only way that BMW can sell M3s without sunroof is by crash testing additional E92 cars, which is unlikely because if they were planning on doing they probably would have already. As far as the past vs. now, I don't know if the laws were diferent back then or if they simply decided to crash test the additional cars, but it's one or the other.

Porsche owners are in this situation right now with the upcoming 911 GT3. ALL US cars will have sunroofs and many buyers are *very* unhappy about it, but in order for Porsche to sell the GT3 w/o a sunroof they'd have to crash test additional cars, which they apparently are not prepared to do.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but I won't be surprised if the sunroof is standard. There have been rumours of a CF roof, so manybe the sunroof will be standard and the CF roof will be an option. (This is pure speculation on my part)

-Adam

[¶Pho€nix]

Obviously, enthusiasts leaning towards weight reduction shouldn't opt for any add-ons that compromise weight. That being said, a sunroof meets the needs of anybody who prefers the security of a hardtop while having a taste of what convertible owners enjoy. From a utalitarian's point of view, I think it's an excellent way to dissipate heat when you have your car parked out in the sun.

[replicat]

Once again, all great points. And thanks Jason, I was looking through other spy pics for one with a sunroof, but I couldn't find one.

I think that its sounds a little more accurate to have them both as options (the CF and sun roofs) we'll have to wait to find out.

[Smoltz]

Originally Posted by ¶Pho€nix

Obviously, enthusiasts leaning towards weight reduction shouldn't opt for any add-ons that compromise weight. That being said, a sunroof meets the needs of anybody who prefers the security of a hardtop while having a taste of what convertible owners enjoy. From a utalitarian's point of view, I think it's an excellent way to dissipate heat when you have your car parked out in the sun.

The thing about the sunroof in the M3 is that it's a killer in a few respects...

1) It's glass. If it were metal it wouldn't be quite as bad.

2) Weight is one of those funny things, because depending where it is on the car can have either a mild effect on handling or a drastic one, a sunrooof (and in particular a glass sunroof) adds weight in what is arguably one of the worst places(not THE worst, which would be unsprung weight) to add weight (the roof) because it raises the CG of the car.

I used to love the fresh air and the sunshine, but as the years go by and the hair gets a little thinner on top, I'm not quite as attached to the sunroof as I used to be. LOL.

-Adam

[replicat]

Loved your post, and I agree on every part of it. Goes hand in hand with my weight complaint thread a couple weeks back.

[GregW / Oregon]

Personally, I love the sunroof and use it 3/4 of the year and a few times in the Winter here in Oregon. However, I might be convinced to give it up for a CF roof. Definitely a personal choice, and hopefull we do get a CHOICE.

[Last E92 M3]

i am thinking that...it will be included with "premium package"
i hope there's an option to get premium package w/o sunroof
i've never seen that happeneing though...
if "premium package" includes that sunroof, i will probably get it

bottom line, i dont prefer getting sunroof.

[replicat]

Good idea, about the premium package. It should work like so.

CF roof standard and the sunroof as an option. And include them in certain packages. ZCP should include the CF roof of course! Thats what I will be getting if it is available within the first year.

[Last E92 M3]

Originally Posted by replicat

Good idea, about the premium package. It should work like so.

CF roof standard and the sunroof as an option. And include them in certain packages. ZCP should include the CF roof of course! Thats what I will be getting if it is available within the first year.

Well, that's what i was hoping for other cars i bought but it never happened, unfortunately.

Quick questions, does anyone know if new M3 will have CF roof like new M6?
Also when you order a car, even if you cannot opt out sunroof from "premium package", can you somehow special order it?

Sorry for idiotic post haha.
Why cant they be more generous and give us more options

[replicat]

The M3 will have a CF roof, whether or not it will be on the CSL its yet to be known yet.

There is a pic of the M3 with a CF roof and the magazine says that its the CSL. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13185
But what do auto journalist know? Nothing. Why would the CSL be undergoing testing this early on?

So the answer is...YES!

[enigma]

I am sure there will be one, just like there was a CSL before. Question is, will it get imported?

[replicat]

We can only pray my fellow US'er, we can only pray.

[John]

ya, maybe in US sunroof standard, elsewhere not

[replicat]

Yeah, for some reason the Germans thinks Americans are in it only for luxury. Lol can't blame 'em, The average customer always bitches about something.

Oh well, we'll just wait and see.

[M3]

having a sunroof wouldn't hurt

[Romo]

Nobody knows for sure...................it s only 5 months from now...............and counting...................................